Safe Working Loads

Many structures and fittings require load testing prior to commissioning or after changing of design loading as described in various British Standards and manufactures requirements. These can be roughly divided into four categories.

Safe Working Load

This includes both static and dynamic loading. Generally, static loading is required for lifting points, beams and rails and is performed with reference to BS 2853:1957. Dynamic safe working loads for a fall arrest system require a drop test to satisfy the requirements of BS EN 795:2000.

Pull-out Testing

Generally required to demonstrate the correct installation of fixtures such as grouted-in rebar and expanding or resin bonded anchors. This testing is usually performed with reference to the manufacturer’s requirements or the calculated design load.

Load Bearing Capacity

Usually required to demonstrate the loading capacity of an existing structure when the loading is to be changed or features in new structures, such as stairs.

BS EN 8110 allows for structures to be tested and examined after completion and before final handover if there is a question about the design or build quality.

Load-bearing capacities of floors or stairs usually require universally distributed loads which, dependent on the resources available, can be in the form of kentledge or water contained within a temporary structure.

Shear testing

This is usually required for load-bearing test fixings in walls. For ease of testing the tests are usually performed in pairs of fixings with the load applied between each pair.

Shear tested fixings usually fail in a tensile manner and so most tests are pull-out rather than shear testing.

Static safe working load and pull-out and shear testing require a reaction point from which to act. This can be in the form of a reaction bridge or a fixed point, either temporary or permanent. A temporary fixed point can be a dead load, expanding anchor or cruciform anchored to a suitable floor slab or wall.

Sandberg has performed load tests ranging from 125kg to 60 tonnes. We offer advice and rapid response with the capability to fabricate test equipment to enable load test in virtually any situation.