1. Using a Dutch Cone Penetrometer rig. This method is believed to

 yield the highest productivity, up to 250 or more tests per day.

2. Using the hydraulic capability of a drill rig.

3. Using the SPT rig hammer or similar lighter equipment.

4. With barge-mounted equipment or by wireline methods for underwater

 testing.


 3.6 Plate Bearing Test

 The plate bearing test conceptually belongs to the static force-

deflection group of NDT procedures (79). However, it can also be con-

sidered as a destructive field test since the testing requires the

construction and subsequent repair of a trench or test pit. The plate

bearing test consisted of the repetitive-static type of load test out-

lined in ASTM Test Procedure D 1195-64 (8). The main objective in this

test is to measure the deformation characteristics of flexible pavements

under repeated loads applied to the pavement through rigid, circular

plates. Burmister's two-layer theory (18,19,20) is generally used to

interpret plate load testing results (133).

 The test equipment used by the Florida Department of Transportation

 consists of a 12-inch diameter steel plate, loading system, deflection

 gauges and supports (41). A trailer loaded with a huge rubber container

 filled with water is used as a reaction. A hydraulic jack assembly is

 used to apply and release the load in increments. A detailed descrip-

 tion of the repetitive-static plate load test is provided in ASTM test

 standards (8, pp. 258-260).