Chainage, borehole reference number, and reduced level (RL) of the test strata.
The load-settlement curve is rarely linear. Using FORECAST.LINEAR for large extrapolations is dangerous. Instead, use coefficients:
Design this for mobile or tablet use in the field. Use "Data Validation" in Excel to create dropdowns for plate sizes and soil types. Include a section for "Visual Soil Classification" (e.g., Silty Sand, Stiff Clay). Tab 2: The Load-Settlement Curve
Save final calculations under consistent naming frameworks (e.g., PLT-Report_YYYYMMDD_SiteID.xlsx ) to maintain clear chronological records for asset management audits. Restating Core Calculation Targets ✅ Final Plate Load Parameters
This is what your client or site engineer will print. Design it like a dashboard. plate load test report xls work
An institutional-grade Excel workbook for geotechnical reporting should be divided into clean, functional tabs to preserve data integrity and enhance usability.
In a typical .xls template, the following calculations are automated: Ultimate Bearing Capacity (
Before diving into the technicalities, let's address the tool. While advanced software like PLAXIS exists, Excel remains the industry standard for Plate Load Test reporting for several reasons:
This value is critical for raft foundation and pavement designs. It represents the ratio of soil pressure to corresponding settlement. Excel computes this using the slope of the initial linear portion of the curve: Chainage, borehole reference number, and reduced level (RL)
Document any anomalies – a sudden jump in settlement, a dial gauge that needed resetting, or rain during the test. Good notes improve the report’s credibility.
An efficient spreadsheet transforms raw field values into professional engineering plots. A production-ready template requires a structured architecture containing three core operational zones. Zone A: Project Metadata Input
The Plate Load Test is a straightforward test, but the interpretation of the data requires attention to detail. By building a structured, formula-driven Excel sheet, you not only speed up your workflow but also minimize the risk of calculation errors.
To ensure your Excel report complies with international testing standards like , ASTM D1195 , or BS 1377-9 , include these structural elements before finalizing your sheet: Instead, use coefficients: Design this for mobile or
April 12, 2026 | Category: Geotechnical Engineering
The definitive deliverable of any plate load test report is the . In professional Excel workbooks, this visualization must be fully dynamic.
A plate load test (PLT) is a critical field test used to determine the bearing capacity and settlement of soil. Civil and geotechnical engineers routinely use Excel worksheets to reduce raw field data into professional engineering reports.