Plate load test: 
Plate load test is performed to determine soil bearing capacity and settlement.
It is a semi-direct method to measure the allowable pressure of soil by inducing a given amount of settlement. The load on the plate is applied by making use of a hydraulic jack. The reaction of the jack load is taken by a cross beam or a steel truss anchored suitably at both the ends. The settlement of the plate is measured by a set of three dial gauges of sensitivity 0.02 mm placed at 120° apart. The dial gauges are fixed to independent supports which do not get disturbed during the test.