Subgrade reaction and load-settlement characteristics of gravelly cobble deposits by plate-load tests

This paper presents the result of plate-load tests conducted on a gravelly cobble deposit in Taichung Basin, Taiwan. The geologic formation of the gra velly cobble deposit makes it very difficult to obtain large undisturbed sa mples for laboratory testing. These field tests provide an opportunity to e xamine the applicability of existing theories on bearing capacity and subgr ade reaction in this geologic formation. The modulus of subgrade reaction i s of particular importance in the local practice of designing high-rise bui ldings on mat foundations. The results of the plate-load tests on this soil deposit are analyzed and discussed.