METHOD STATEMENT – PLATE LOAD TEST

FAL-MS-007

FAL PRODUCED/APPROVED

01 14-09-2021 Mr. Patil B.Y Mr. Sohail Zafar

00 14-09-2021 Mr. Patil B.Y Mr. Sohail Zafar For Engineer Approval

REV DATE PRODUCED REVIEWED BY COMMENTS

BY

DISTRIBUTION
Mr. Raziuddin Deputy General Manager (PDF copy) 14.09.2021
Sohail Zafar Technical Director (PDF copy) 14.09.2021
Neel amber/Yassir/Ansar Section Head/Project/ Site Engineers/Technician 14.09.2021
(PDF copy)
Patil B.Y QAO (PDF copy) 14.09.2021
NAME POSITION DATE

METHOD STATEMENT BRIEFINGS

- - -
BRIEFED BY DATE COMMENTS

FAL-MS-007, Issue 01, Rev. 01, date 14.09.2021 Page 1 of 16

 INDEX

Section Item Page No.

1 Purpose 3

2 Scope of Works 3

3 References 3

4 Definition 4

5 Materials and Tools/Equipment’s 4

6 Procedures 5

7 Other Logistic (Excavation & backfilling) 06-07

8 Control 08

9 Improvement 08

10 Associated Documents 08

11 Records 08

12 Personnel Responsibilities 09-10

13 Inspection and Testing 10

14 Health, Safety and Environment 10

15 Attachments 11

FAL-MS-007, Issue 01, Rev. 01, date 14.09.2021 Page 2 of 16

 1. PURPOSE
This procedure establishes the method used by Falcon Laboratory for the in-situ determination
of the strength and the settlement characteristics under load of the soil under investigation.

2. SCOPE OF WORKS
To ensure that Plate Bearing Test is done following this procedure after backfilling as shown
in the attached sketch.

3. REFERENCES
The following British Standards are used as reference documents in relation to In-situ strength
and load settlement characteristics:

a. BS 5930: 1999, “Code of Practice for Site Investigation”

b. BS 1377:1990, “Methods of Test for Soils for Civil Engineering Purposes”.

4. DEFINITIONS
MS : Method Statement
QMS : Quality Management System
ITP : Inspection and Test Plan
IR : Work Inspection Request
5. MATERIALS AND TOOLS/EQUIPMENTS

Material

 Approved backfilling material.

Tools/Equipment:

5.1 For the purpose of vertical strength and deformation testing, Falcon Laboratory utilizes
specialized equipment manufactured by Hi-Force (UK), Equipment [Link]-SOL-080-C, as
listed in the Equipment Register. This equipment fully complies with the requirements of BS
1377: Part 9: Section 4, and consists of:
 A loading plate of rigid construction with a thickness of 25mm and a diameter of 450mm.
A correction factor will be used in calculation.
 A rigid and stable reaction loading system suitably designed to prevent additional spurious
loading at the test position.
 A calibrated force measurement system which adequately covers the range of test loads.
 A deformation measuring system using dial gauge readable to an accuracy of ±0.01 mm.
 Temperature measuring equipment covering the full range of the test.

FAL-MS-007, Issue 01, Rev. 01, date 14.09.2021 Page 3 of 16

  Suitable primary excavation equipment to enable preparation of the test location.
 Spirit Level, Measuring Tape, Trowel, Hand brush etc.
 Clean dry sand for tests on granular soils.
.

6. PROCEDURES
6.1 PRINCIPLE
Plate Bearing Tests are carried out to provide data suitable for use in the design of building
foundations where it is considered that the mass characteristics of the soil under investigation
would differ significantly if subjected to laboratory tests only and where more precise details
of settlement characteristics are required.
The Plate Bearing Test establishes the vertical deformation and strength characteristics of the
soil insitu through the assessment of the force required against time to produce measured
penetration of a fixed plate into the soil under test.
Tests are carried out at the ground surface or in pits, and calculations are made to establish
the insitu deformation parameters, ultimate bearing capacity and shear strength of the soil
under investigation.

6.2 TEST PROCEDURE

All insitu strength and deformation testing equipment employed by Falcon Laboratory is
registered, maintained and calibrated in accordance with the requirements of Quality System
Procedure QP-122, “Equipment Handling and Maintenance”.
6.2.1 PREPARTING FOR TESTING
 Excavate to the test level as quickly as possible to minimize the effects of stress relief,
particularly when in cohesive soil under test.
Precaution: - Dewatering must be carried out as necessary for test in permeable
ground below the water table level prior to carrying out the excavation.
 For tests on granular soils, the plate is bedded onto a level layer of clean dry sand which
is used to fill in any hollows in the ground.
Precaution: - Care must be taken to ensure that extraneous loose materials are not
introduced when lowering the plate into position.
6.2.2 INCREMENTAL LOADING TEST
 Is used to establish the drained loading characteristics of the soil under test.
 The load (as per project specifications & drawings) is applied through a counter weight
(truck, shovel, concrete platform or blocks) in five equally spaced increments up to the
required maximum stress.
 Intermediate load/unload cycles may be made at stages throughout the incremental loading
test to establish the elastic permanent deformation characteristics of the soil under test.

FAL-MS-007, Issue 01, Rev. 01, date 14.09.2021 Page 4 of 16

  The applied incremental loads are recorded along with the settlement against time until
penetration ceases in each case.
 The reference datum level and ambient air temperature are recorded prior to releasing the
load on the test plate.
 The overall duration of the test, including details of any delays, are also recorded.
 A graph showing the “load-settlement” curve is produced, the slope of which
approximates to the deformation modulus of the soil under test.
 Prior to the commencement of this activity or work, necessary work permits shall be
obtained as required in the contract condition.
 All HSE activities related to the Project, will be based on the Company issued HSE
Management System guidelines.
 All quality assurance and quality control activities will be in line with the specified
requirements of the contract and FAL’s QMS.

6.3 APPROVALS
Ensure that this Method statement with risk assessment is approved by the Consultant.

6.4 PRE-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY

 The QA/QC Representative will ensure that the briefing for this method statement to the
personnel was conducted.
 A toolbox talk will be initiated by the HSE Team to the personnel who will perform this
activity.
 Review the relevant documents to verify whether the preceded activity was completed
and approved by the consultant.
 Prior to start any excavation, carefully excavate using humans only to locate existing
underground utilities in areas of work.
 Any uncharted, or incorrectly charted, piping and other utilities be encountered during
excavation, contractor to advice and consult Engineer immediately for direction. Such
services shall be removed, sealed or rerouted in a manner as per Engineer directions. Co-
operate with Engineer in keeping respective services and facilities in operation. Repair
damaged utilities to the satisfaction of Engineer.
 Provide minimum of 72-hour notice to Engineer and receive written authorization to
proceed, before interrupting any utility.
 Barricade open excavations and provide warning lights. Protect structures, utilities,
sidewalks, pavements, and other facilities from damage caused by settlement, lateral
movement, undermining, dry or wet washout and other hazards, created by earthwork
operations.
 Prior to start any excavation, a site survey and setting out shall be conducted to record
existing ground level conditions and the area will be checked for existing services. This

FAL-MS-007, Issue 01, Rev. 01, date 14.09.2021 Page 5 of 16

 information shall be obtained from the relevant authority. All services / obstruction
discovered will be recorded on a drawing to be kept for future reference.
 Where permits or licenses are required to be utilized, they will be obtained at least 24
hours before the commencement of excavation.

6.5 EXCAVATION
Prior to works commencing, the Project Engineer shall ensure that the following activities
have been completed and signed-off by the Consultant:
 The approved method statement is understood by all relevant personnel
 Where required, excavation will be carried out with mechanical machines suitable sized
for the task. Experienced laborers will always accompany mechanical operations, to
observe the excavation in case of an unmarked service.
 Excavation shall be carried out to the lines and levels shown on the approved drawing.
 provide proper supports for the sides of excavations to prevent collapse, using all
necessary means, and shall be responsible for the safety of the excavation and workers
concerned.
 The surveyor will monitor the final grade level, to ensure the required level within
tolerance, maintain a tolerance of +/- 25 mm beneath concrete foundations and +/- 15 mm
beneath reinforced concrete foundations and ground bearing slabs. Levels to be inspected
and approved by Engineer.
 Remove unstable bottom material. Remove loose and unsound material.
 In excavating for foundations, take care not to disturb bottom of excavation. Excavate
by hand the last 200 mm to final grade, just before blinding is placed. Trim bottoms to
required lines and grades to leave solid base to receive other work.
 Excavated area will be compacted, utilizing a suitably sized compaction machine. The
addition of water to the sub soil may be required in order to achieve the specified
compaction density.
 In case of excavations be extended by error or oversight to depths lower than required,
the bottom of the excavation shall be raised to the required level using 20 N/mm2 concrete
of the type which is resistant to deterioration from the chemicals present in the soils and
ground water.
 Place excavated material at a sufficient distance from edge of excavation so as not to
cause cave-ins or bank slides, but in no case closer than 1 meter from the edge of
excavations.
 Reports from the inspection and testing company for Condition and suitability of
substrates to accept concrete blinding to be submitted to Engineer.

6.6 BACKFILLING
 Materials for backfilling should comply with BS 6031.
 The chemical composition of the fill shall be as per BS 1377. Any fill material placed
within 500 mm of any concrete structure shall be free of chemicals in such concentration
that it would cause a deleterious effect on the concrete.

FAL-MS-007, Issue 01, Rev. 01, date 14.09.2021 Page 6 of 16

  Prior to backfilling, be sure the MEP services (If any) are installed and the existing
surface should be accepted by the Engineer.
 Make sure the backfilling material is tested and approved by the Engineer and comply
with project Specification prior to start backfilling.
 Prior to backfilling, the existing surface will be cleaned from all debris, large rocks and
stones, leveled and compacted.
 Placed backfilling materials in such a manner not to damage the waterproofing of any.
 Backfilling materials shall be approved from the engineer as per project spec.
 FAL Surveyor and operation team will regularly check the Backfilling levels during the
work.
 Upon completion of Compaction works, Surveyor will check and confirm the layers’
level.
 All electronic Laser levels used shall have a current calibration certificate prior to their
use on site in all instances.
 Ensure that the test results have been approved by the Engineer prior to works
commencement.
 Areas to be backfilled shall be clear of sweet soil, rubbish, scrap material and standing
water when backfill is placed.
 Backfilling material shall be off-loaded in a suitable location as per logistic plan based on
site condition.
 Placement and Compaction: Place fill materials in layers not more than 200 mm in loose
depth for material compacted by heavy compaction equipment, and not more than 100
mm in loose depth for material compacted by hand-operated tampers.
 Before compaction, moisten or aerate each layer as necessary to provide optimum
moisture content. Unless otherwise specified, compact each layer to minimum 95 percent
Standard Proctor dry density. Do not place granular fill material on surfaces that are
muddy.
 Compaction of the backfilling material will be done using roller compactor/plate
compactor as per site conditions. The use of water shall be done as per required.
 All required machinery for compaction shall be un loaded in site by using suitable
machinery, all safety regulations to be followed.
 Place backfill and fill materials to required elevations evenly when adjacent to structures,
piping or conduit. Take care to prevent wedging action of backfill against structures or
displacement of piping or conduit, by carrying material uniformly around structure,
piping or conduit to approximately same elevation in each lift
 All safety measures shall be strictly followed as per approved safety plan.
 The inspection requests shall be in accordance with the ITP.

FAL-MS-007, Issue 01, Rev. 01, date 14.09.2021 Page 7 of 16

 7. Control
 To acquire the specified requirements, follow the Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) in this
method statement that will serve as a guideline for the Construction Team and QA/QC Team
in monitoring, inspection, and testing.
 A checklist for this activity will be used by the Construction Team to identify each point to
be inspected at every stage of the activity.
 The QA/QC Representative will verify the compliance and completeness of the work by
inspecting it and reviewing the same checklist.
 Refer attachment of this method statement for the ITP.

8. IMPROVEMENT

FAL shall assure that they identify experienced people to carry out this activity. Any particular needs
for training and/or certification of personnel who are not experienced on this activity, FAL will ensure
that suitable levels of proficiency are attained and maintained to meet the specified requirements of
the project.

FAL shall:

 Determine the necessary competence for personnel performing work affecting its quality
 Provide training or take other actions as to satisfy those needs
 Evaluate the effectiveness of action taken
 Ensure that these personnel are aware of the relevance and importance of their activities
and how they contribute to the achievement of the product.

Prior to these works commencing, a review of the activities shall be undertaken in association with
the operatives undertaking the duties. This will identify where additional training over and above
existing knowledge or experience is required.
A briefing will be conducted to the related personnel who will perform this activity to ensure
successful completion of the operation.
All records shall be maintained.

9. ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS
 Project Quality Plan
 Project HSE Plan
 Shop Drawing

10. RECORDS

 Checklist
 Inspection Request (IR)
FAL-MS-007, Issue 01, Rev. 01, date 14.09.2021 Page 8 of 16
  Material Inspection Request (MIR)
11. PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES

A full and detailed description of the roles and responsibilities of all FAL staff is included within
the Project Quality Plan. For the works as covered by this method statement, the following
personnel have specific duties.

Technical Engineer/Section Head

Specific responsibilities include

 Responsible for ensuring that the various submittals are timely undertaken (materials,
method statements, workshop drawings, subcontractor’s issuers, technical issues).
 Responsible for ensuring RFI’s are timely undertaken on behalf of FAL
 Responsible for the distribution of documents within FAL site personnel.

Site Engineer/Technician(s)

Specific responsibilities include:

 Coordinate all the site activities and inspection.

 Be familiar with all requirements of the drawings, specifications and have all the necessary
approve shop drawing.
 Ensure work is carried out in accordance with the method statement.
 Liaise with consultant staff and ensure all notification and request are in place.

HSE Site Representative(s)

Specific responsibilities include:

 Monitoring the implementation of health, safety and environmental requirements and

assisting its documentation.
 Undertaking audits and ensuring that corrective and preventive actions are taken where
required.
 Liaison with the senior site staff on health, safety and environmental related matters

QA/QC Site Representative(s)

Specific responsibilities include:

 Coordinate all testing with an approved independent laboratory

 Carry out the material inspected to ensure that material received at site is approved.
 Monitor the works according to the approved method statement, and if necessary will raise
Non-Conformance report to the PD/PM and inform the site personnel for necessary action.
 Coordinate with Engineers and Consultant to carry our inspection of the completed works.

Supervisor(s)

Specific responsibilities include:

FAL-MS-007, Issue 01, Rev. 01, date 14.09.2021 Page 9 of 16
  To ensure that all operatives and appropriate subcontractors have been briefed as to the
content of the method statements and the works.
 To adequately control the works as required.
 To ensure that works are undertaken in a safe manner
 To ensure all operatives are adequately trained in their respective works
 Report any unsafe practices on site to the FAL site team

Subcontractors

Specific responsibilities include:

 To undertake their works as required.

 To work in a safe manner.
 To ensure all operatives are adequately trained in their respective works
 Report any unsafe practice on site to the FAL Site Team.

12. INSPECTION AND TESTING

 Inspection and Test Plan (See Attachment)

 Checklist (See Attachment)

13. HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT

The FAL Project Safety Plan will be strictly enforced. All works shall be regularly monitored to
ensure full compliance.
Permits - where required, permits to work will be provided prior to commencement of works. Permits
shall be issued by suitable trained and experienced HSE personnel only.

PPE - all required PPE shall be issued. Constant monitoring and supervision of the works shall ensure
that all times the appropriate PPE is worn by affected operatives.

Access and egress - routine access and egress will be provided for materials and operatives at all
times. Where emergency routes are required, these shall be determined, arranged, and instruction
given prior to commencement.

FAL supervision shall ensure that all material deliveries are coordinated and all vehicles are offloaded
from public areas, the activity shall be supervised and a dedicated offloading/storage area shall be
provided.

Plant - all plant associated with this activity shall be inspected prior to the works commencing and
at regular periods during the works to ensure that all required certification is current and that the plant
is maintained is a safe and suitably working manner.

Lighting - at all times, appropriate and suitable lighting shall be provided to ensure the works can be
undertaken in a safe and competent manner.

FAL-MS-007, Issue 01, Rev. 01, date 14.09.2021 Page 10 of 16

Working at height - where required, all appropriate measures shall be enforced to ensure that
operatives are afforded a safe and proper platform from which to work. Materials will be stacked in
a safe and secure manner.

Scaffolds shall be erected by competent operatives to an agreed design. Scaffolds shall be inspected
before use and at regular period thereafter.

Housekeeping - at all times, FAL supervision shall monitor the works so as to reduce the
accumulation of rubbish, waste materials and debris at the site. All waste materials shall be removed
from the workplace to a suitable area.

14. ATTACHMENTS

 Checklist

 Inspection and Test Plan

 Risk Assessment

FAL-MS-007, Issue 01, Rev. 01, date 14.09.2021 Page 11 of 16

 CHECKLIST
INSPECTION & TEST PLAN

FAL-MS-007, Issue 01, Rev. 01, date 14.09.2021 Page 12 of 16

 EARTH WORKCHECKLIST

Activity EARTH WORKS.

IR No. Revision Date

Location
CHECKLIST
Falcon Laboratory
Inspected by
S/N Item to be checked Remarks
FAL

EARTH WORKS
PRE-CONSTRUCTION
1.1 Permits.
1.2 Backfilling Material Approval
1.3 Excavation & foundations Shop Drawing are approved
1.4 Method Statement, ITP, RA are approved
LEVELS
2.1 Survey Benchmark
2.2 Backfilling layer level reference
2.3 Final level of compacted layer
Compaction
3.1 Field density test
3.2 Cleaning

Other
Site/ Project Construction MEP QA/QC
Subcontractor Surveyor
Engineer Manager Coordinator Engineer
Name

Signature
Date

QF-069, Issue 01, Rev. 00, Date 14.09.2021

 INSPECTION AND TESTPLAN (ITP)

Document No ITP
Falcon Laboratory Activity: EARTH WORKS

Revision: 00
Date:14-09-2021
Page: 1 of 2
Inspection and/or Testing Authority
Sr. Activity Controlling Document and
No. (Description of Acceptance Criteria Frequency
Verifying FAL Remarks
activity/operation requiring Engineer
inspection ACTIVITIES
1.0 PRELIMINARY and/or test) Document
1.1 Submission of Documents Once MS, MSS, ITP, R A
&Approval (MS, MSS, ITP, PROJECT SPECIFICATION RA
RA)
AND backfilling Material
2.0 Submittal
PRE-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
2.1 Protection of Existing Services Method statement, material Check sheet R R
submittal Once

2.2 Incoming material All permanent Material H A

Material Submittal, Material
inspection/approval Inspection Request materials Inspection
Request
3.0 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
3.1 Excavation setting out and Method statement, All Areas Inspection H H
levels specification request, Check
sheet

QF-070. Issue 01, Rev. 00, Date 14.09.2021

 INSPECTION AND TESTPLAN (ITP)

Document No ITP
Falcon Laboratory Activity: EARTH WORKS

Revision: 00
Date:14-09-2021
Page: 2 of 2
Inspection and/or Testing Authority
Sr. Activity Controlling Document and
No. (Description of Acceptance Criteria Frequency
Verifying FAL Remarks
activity/operation requiring Engineer
inspection
3.2 Backfilling layers and/or test)
and leveling Method statement, All Areas CheckDocument
sheet H S
specification

3.3 Compaction test Method statement, Material All Areas Inspection H H

submittal, approved mockup request, Check
sheet
3.4 Cleaning and Grubbing Method statement, Material All Areas Check sheet H S
submittal, approved mockup

QF-070. Issue 01, Rev. 00, Date 14.09.2021

RISK ASSESSMENT

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