Plate Load Test Settlement Calculator
Extrapolate footing settlement from a plate load test on sand — the Terzaghi & Peck size correction.
On sand the ratio saturates near 4 — a footing can settle up to ~4× the plate no matter how wide it gets. On CLAY this formula doesn't apply: settlement scales linearly (Sf = Sp·Bf/Bp) and consolidation dominates anyway.
Formula
Note: Educational estimate — geotechnical design needs a qualified engineer's interpretation.
Plate Load Test Settlement Calculator is a free plate load test for geotechnical engineers and foundation designers — instant, accurate and 100% client-side, with the governing formula and reference shown next to the result so the number can be defended, not just quoted.
About Plate Load Test Settlement Calculator
Extrapolate footing settlement from a plate load test on sand — the Terzaghi & Peck size correction. The calculation implements S_f = S_p × [2B_f ÷ (B_f + B_p)]² (granular soils) (Terzaghi & Peck (1967); IS 1888 plate load test). On sand the ratio saturates near 4 — a footing can settle up to ~4× the plate no matter how wide it gets. On CLAY this formula doesn't apply: settlement scales linearly (Sf = Sp·Bf/Bp) and consolidation dominates anyway.
How to use Plate Load Test Settlement Calculator
- 1Enter Plate settlement in mm.
- 2Enter Plate width in m (300/450/600 mm standard plates).
- 3Enter Footing width in m.
- 4Read Predicted footing settlement, Sf / Sp ratio instantly — no submit button needed.
- 5Need US units? Flip the SI/Imperial toggle and every field converts.
Why use Plate Load Test Settlement Calculator?
- ✓Implements the standard formula — S_f = S_p × [2B_f ÷ (B_f + B_p)]² (granular soils)
- ✓Reference cited on-page: Terzaghi & Peck (1967); IS 1888 plate load test
- ✓One-click SI ⇄ Imperial toggle — values convert in place, physics stays in SI
- ✓Live worked example: the substitution recomputes from your numbers
- ✓Runs entirely in your browser — nothing uploaded, free forever
Frequently asked questions
What formula does the Plate Load Test Settlement Calculator use?+
It computes S_f = S_p × [2B_f ÷ (B_f + B_p)]² (granular soils), per Terzaghi & Peck (1967); IS 1888 plate load test. The formula is displayed under the result along with a worked example substituted with your own inputs.
What should I keep in mind when using this calculator?+
On sand the ratio saturates near 4 — a footing can settle up to ~4× the plate no matter how wide it gets. On CLAY this formula doesn't apply: settlement scales linearly (Sf = Sp·Bf/Bp) and consolidation dominates anyway. Note: Educational estimate — geotechnical design needs a qualified engineer's interpretation.
Can this replace a soil investigation?+
No calculator replaces boreholes and lab tests — but with investigated parameters in hand, this gives you the standard-method result instantly, with the formula shown so reviewers can check it.
Is the Plate Load Test Settlement Calculator free to use?+
Yes — completely free, no sign-up, no limits. It runs client-side in your browser, so inputs stay private and results are instant even on slow connections.
Related Engineering tools
Reynolds Number Calculator
Compute Re from density, velocity, pipe diameter and viscosity — with instant laminar/turbulent classification.
● LiveLaminar vs Turbulent Flow Classifier
Classify hydraulic-oil or process-fluid flow regime from kinematic viscosity, line velocity and tube bore.
● LiveBernoulli Equation Solver
Solve downstream pressure between two points from velocities, elevations and fluid density (ideal, lossless).
● Live