Plate-load tests of collapsible soils

The presented data illustrates the following. A difference in the soil behavior under foundation/bearing plate and in a laboratory device is a major problem that has to be addressed when laboratory test results are utilized in the design process. Comparison of collapsible soil properties determined in laboratory and field tests must be performed for the same load and moisture conditions. The collapse pressure values govern the selection of allowable pressures for foundations. Further accumulation of plate load test results will help to explain the relationships between collapse pressure, soil water content, and foundation dimensions.