Can anybody advise me the duration for Plate load Tests to be considered in the programme. The plate load tests need to be carried for confirming the soil bearing capacity of soil as present soil bearing capacity is 150 kpa.Please advise as soon as possible. This may affect my programme.
if you feel this is an activity which is part of your schedule you must include in your Schedule and put the Duration According to Test Time. ( How much Time is need to do this test) ask to your QC team or Ref.Test procedure you will get an idea.
first you think without this test acvity you can start work or not.
I am not sure about Plate test, this plate test belong to Concrete Actvity or it Plate strength test or Soil bearing Capacity test.
If you are referring to plate load test as per following links then it should take about 2 to 4 hours, is a setup we have done using the weight of a truck, as counterweight, but it can be concrete weights or a heavy piece of machinery. You have to look to the specific standard, as it can be an ASTM, a British, or another standard.
This testing is usually required to be performed by qualified soil technicians, so probably you will have to hire a soil testing company to perform and interpret the results. Check with you soils testing lab to get information not only about the testing but also about the expected time for their geotechnical engineer to interpret the results.
Note that the testing might be required for several locations and maybe at the same depth of bottom of footing.
Get someone to read and help you with the interpretation of the specifications and soil study recommendations that are usually incorporated to the contract documents.
I believe for purpose of scheduling you might assume the test will pass and no footing re-design will be needed, this would be an unforeseen event, no one expects but that must be verified when required.
The best thing is to pick up the phone and call the soil lab testing agency that will perform the testing. Or any other similar agency around you, and they will explain the procedure and how much time of perparation, testing and report preparation is needed.