The strength of road plates depends on a number of factors, such as their thickness, the material they are made of, how they are installed and the conditions in which they are used.
Steel road plates are typically 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch thick and can withstand significant loads. Their load capacity depends on the thickness, but a 3/4-inch-thick steel road plate, for example, can withstand weights of up to 40 tonnes [1].
Slab strength Slab load capacity per m2 with good soil compaction
10 mm = 10 tonnes
12 mm = 20 tonnes
15 mm = 40 tonnes
18 mm = 60 tonnes
2 0 mm = 80/100 tonnes
Plastic road plates can have different load capacities, depending on the thickness and material they are made from. For example, 1/2in thick fibreglass laminate road plates can support up to 16 tonnes [2].
However, it is important to remember that it is not only the strength of the road slab that is important, but also the way in which it is installed and laid. Road slabs need to be properly laid on a level and compacted substrate for optimum load bearing capacity and safety for traffic.