Weighty Matters: An Overview of in situ load testing

In-situ load testing is a powerful tool to assess the performance of structures with respect to their ability to carry code-prescribed loads; it is used to verify the rating of proprietary systems, structures undergoing change of occupancy, deteriorated structures, and the expected performance of retrofit, repair, and strengthening applications. This article provides a historical review of the practice, a description of the state-of-the art protocols and methods for load testing and their rationale, a review of several building codes and standards, as well as lessons-learned from a number of case-study examples.

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