Comparative Analysis of the Relationships Between Soil Deformation Moduli in Static and Dynamic Plate Load Tests and Stress Distribution Based on Boussinesq Theory

Foundations are critical structural elements that provide contact between the building superstructure and the ground. They are often constructed on soils consisting of different layers for various types of structures and are subjected to different static and dynamic loads. In such conditions, accurate design and the correct determination of soil bearing capacity using realistic soil parameters are of vital importance for the safety of the superstructure. One of the most reliable and rapid methods for determining soil bearing capacity is the static and dynamic plate load tests. The occurrence of varying conditions in soils with different depths, types, and stratifications leads to different effects on the engineering parameters of the structures to be built. This study presents the results of static and dynamic plate load tests conducted on the foundation soil of a two- story prefabricated reinforced concrete building with a grid foundation system. The soil profile consists of natural clay at the bottom and a granular fill layer placed above it. Both layers were sufficiently compacted using a steel-drum roller. The compatibility between the results of static and dynamic plate load tests was evaluated within the framework of international standards. These tests provide a fast and practical solution for assessing compliance with predictable deformation criteria in soils. Moreover, the combined evaluation of static and dynamic load test results offers time savings while enabling safe and reliable engineering design. A German-manufactured Terra Test device was used for the dynamic plate load tests. In addition, water content (w), natural and dry unit weights, and relative compaction tests were performed on the compacted granular fill using a Troxler 3440 device. The degree of consistency between the static and dynamic plate load test results and these test data sets was also investigated in this study. Finally, stress distribution between soil layers was analytically calculated using Boussinesq’s stress distribution theory, and the results were evaluated as a whole.