Evaluation of Ground Bearing Capacity Estimation Methods Based On Plate Loading Tests

Abstract

Within the scope of this study, bearing capacities were calculated based on eleven different estimation methods in literature, using some mass and material properties for different rock units (magnetite, syenite, serpentinite, limestone, clayey limestone and gypsum) encountered in three different open-pit mines (Sivas-Ulas Open-Pit Celestite Mine, Divrigi Open-Pit Iron Mine and Kangal Open-Pit Coal Mine) around Sivas in Turkey. Through regression analyses between estimated bearing capacity values and those that had been determined as a result of plate loading tests, bearing capacity estimation methods specified in the literature were assessed. Moreover, four different equations to be used in bearing capacity estimation were proposed.