Abstract
Abstract This paper evaluates the influence of soil matric suction on the results of plate load tests conducted in an unsaturated, lateritic soil deposit at a depth of 1.5 m. Soil suction was monitored during the tests with tensiometers installed at the bottom of the testing pit. Field test results show that small increases in matric suction lead to substantial increases in bearing capacity of the soil-plate system. In situ experimental loading-collapse (LC) and suction increase (SI) yield surfaces are proposed for the soil investigated. Changes in matric sucion were observed to significantly influence settlement response, particularly for high levels of surcharge load. The rate of settlement shows a non-linear decreasing trend with increasing soil matric suction.
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