Job # 08

PHYSICAL LOAD TEST (ACI-2008 Chapter 20)

Objectives:
Load test is performed for strength evaluation of structure and to clear the
doubts about the
Shear or bond strength
Deficiencies related with flexure or axial capacity.
Introduction:
This test is performed for part of the structure with minimum age of 56 days.
It is preferred to compare the results of the load test with the results of the
analysis.
The first step before the start of load test is that all the parties decide and
agree upon

The region to be loaded

The magnitude of the load

The load test procedure

Acceptance criteria

If the observed response during load test satisfies the acceptance criteria,
the structure or part of the structure is permitted to remain in service for a
specified time period.
Load Arrangement:
The spans and panels having more doubt during survey are
considered.
The number and arrangement of spans to be loaded are selected to
maximize the deflection and stresses in the critical regions of the
structural elements to be tested.
It is better to apply same type of load as is expected on the structure
under examination.
The pattern loading expected for the structure must also be
considered.

Load Intensity:
The total test load is taken larger of the following three values:
1)
2)
3)

1.15 D 1.5 L 0.4( Lr / S / R ) De

1.15 D 0.9 L 1.5( Lr / S / R ) De
1.3D De

Loading criteria:
Before conducting the test, it must be made sure that the structure
does not fully collapse under the test load.
Establish failure criteria before the test (at which stage the test is to be
stopped and structure is unsafe).
Decide carefully about the

Types of expected cracks

Method of measuring the width and length of cracks

Expected locations for measurements of cracks

Approximate limit for opening and development of cracks.

The test load is applied in four or more equal increments in a

manner to ensure uniform distribution of the load to the portion
of structure to be loaded and maintain full test load for at least
24 hrs.

All response measurements (deflections, rotations, strain, slip,

crack width) are made after each load increment.

Wait for 24 hours after the removal of the entire test load. All the
response measurements are taken again.

The general acceptance criterion for a structure under the test

load is that it should not have an evidence of failure.

Evidences of failure include excessive cracking or deflection.

Measured deflections must satisfy any one of the following two

equations.

l 2t
=
20000h
r

t
4

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
The repeat test can not be conducted earlier than 72 hours after
removal of the first test load.
The portion of the structure tested in the repeat test is considered
acceptable if

2
5

Where 2 is measured maximum deflection during second load test in mm.