Author: Kemal DOĞAN, M.Kemal GÖKAY
Publishing Date: 2006
E-ISSN: 2147-9364
Volume 21 Issue 1_2
ABSTRACT:
Plate loading test is an in-situ test and it can be used for rock mechanic and soil mechanic applications. It is conducted to determine load carrying capacity of the selected rock and soil masses. In this research, load carrying behavior of the limestone rock located at the quarry of the Konya Cement Factory and soil masses near this factory were determined. As the test results demonstrate that untouched soil surface and compacted soil surface had lower load carrying capacity with respect to the limestone rocks tested. Compacted soil surface showed also relatively additional load carrying behavior with respect to untouched soil surface. It was also observed that when the soil compacted by means of any additional load application, it’s load carrying behavior is effected in positive manner. This behavior change was observed in this research at untouched and pre-compacted soil test places. Additionally preload application to rock surfaces leaded also positive influence on final load carrying behavior of the tested limestone surfaces. The reason of this effect was the compaction (deformation) occurred inside the rock masses during the first load applications. For design engineers who plan foundations of engineering applications located on different soil and rock masses, load carrying behavior differences are the design factors which should be double checked. It is important to obtain information on them and their properties for receiving stable rock and soil foundations.
Key Words: Plate loading tests; load carrying capacity of rocks and soil.