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A Beginner's Guide to ASCE 7-05 Chapter 1 - General Information © 2008, T. Bartlett Quimby |
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Section 1.6 Load Tests Last Revised: 11/04/2014 When in doubt about the strength of an existing structure, the structure can be proven to strong enough by subjecting it to physical load tests. As the dead load is already present, the applied load needs to be representative of the other anticipated loads and in the applicable combinations. Gravity loads are the easiest to mimic during load testing. Lateral loads are much more difficult. Load testing for compliance is a rare event, but allowed. Load testing an entire building for applicable load cases is not generally done as it is quite cost prohibitive and expensive. Load testing of components that support smaller tributary areas for gravity loads only is much more reasonable.
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