Influence of Matric Suction on the Results of Plate Load Tests Performed on a Lateritic Soil Deposit
Costa YD, Cintra JC, Zornberg JG
(Received 17 August 2001; accepted 13 June 2002)

Abstract
This paper evaluates the influence of soil matric suction on the results of plate load tests conducted in an unsaturated, lateritic soil deposit at a depth of 1.5 m. Soil suction was monitored during the tests with tensiometers installed at the bottom of the testing pit. Field test results show that small increases in matric suction lead to substantial increases in bearing capacity of the soil-plate system. In situ experimental loading-collapse (LC) and suction increase (SI) yield surfaces are proposed for the soil investigated. Changes in matric suction were observed to significantly influence settlement response, particularly for high levels of surcharge load. The rate of settlement shows a non-linear decreasing trend with increasing soil matric suction.

Keywords:
bearing capacity, lateritic soils, matric suction, plate load test, settlement rate, soil, unsaturated soils

Paper ID: GTJ10724_262

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Author Costa YD, Cintra JC, Zornberg JG Title Influence of Matric Suction on the Results of Plate Load Tests Performed on a Lateritic Soil Deposit Symposium , Committee on