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Load Test
In-situ load testing is a powerful tool to assess the performance of structures with respect to
their ability to carry code-prescribed loads. The practice dates back to the late 1800s and has
been used to verify the load rating of structures, as well as the expected performance of
structures in retrofit, repair, and strengthening applications. These tests are especially powerful
in situations where structures or components may be deemed inadequate to carry the intended
loads and are slotted for potentially expensive retrofit or strengthening work. This is because
other conventional and even sophisticated analysis methods may be unable to adequately
assess reserve capacity due to the inherent inability to properly account for in-situ redundancy,
load sharing, and effects of alternate load paths.
Load testing had been developed to either create a “confidence in the ability of a structure to
perform” or “understand and define the mechanism of a specific structural behavior.” To this
end, load test practices have been designed to determine whether the structure can safely
support the proposed loading, and are not aimed at providing an indication of the ultimate
strength of the subject structure or its components, whose performance may be in question in
a wide variety of situations. Specifically, load tests can be used to evaluate structures exhibiting
signs of deterioration and distress whose severity and extent is not fully understood.
With the type of lifting equipment load testing method is changed .according to that we can
categorize as below,
1. Winches and hoist
2. Lifting trolley
3. Forklift
4. Cranes
Winches and hoist
with a test load of not less than l25% of the rated load, except that if load testing of the hoist
cannot be performed by the manufacturer, the user shall be notified and the load test shall be
accomplished at another location or job site, by or under the direction of a designated person
prior to the hoist being placed in service.
Hoists in which load-suspension parts have been altered, replaced, or repaired should be
statically or dynamically load tested as determined by a qualified person. If a qualified person
determines that a load test is required, the load test shall be performed.
If a load test is conducted, the load test shall be conducted by or under the direction of a
designated person as specified below. Lifting and lowering functions shall be tested. Testing
through the complete rated lift length is not required.If a load test is conducted, the test load
shall not be less than 100% of the rated load of the hoist or more than 125% of the rated load
of the hoist unless otherwise recommended by the hoist manufacturer or a qualified person.
Lifting trolley
it is the lifting equipment like a table.it can move in horizontal and vertical directions with lifting loads. in this machine, hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical technology are used. when we do the load test. firstly we do a visual inspection to recognize its condition by using some technical equipment (thermal cam). if it is working condition. we load it to its overload using our loads.
when it is an overload condition. we must not move the trolley horizontally . after it operates
to some height. we measure the height base to the upper part. after some time we checked the
height. if it is not changed .load test is passed. if not load test is not passed. before it uses, repaired, and does load test again.
Forklift
Load testing unit is required by each year and after major repairs in order to avoid unnecessary
accidents, injuries, and deaths. There are certain steps that should be followed before
beginning load testing. The first thing should do is test the brakes without a load and limit
safety equipment and features. This will help determine if the mechanisms are working
properly and minimize the risk of tipping over. Gather test weights matching the maximum
rated load specification as indicated in the operations manual. Weigh the test load to be lifted
to ensure the accuracy to be within minus five percent of rated capacity. Load the test weights
and ensure the slippage isn’t more than three inches vertically and one inch horizontally. You
should raise the load to the maximum for a minimum of 10 minutes to ensure the vehicle doesn’t
lower or drop the load. If it fails the load test, require the maintenance needed and perform the
test again. Once have successfully completed the test load, should write a report stating the steps
used, Following these steps will put you on the road to safe driving and accident prevention.
Cranes
Load testing is the process of inspecting a crane’s lifting abilities to ensure all parts are in
working order. This is often done by lifting a load or applying pulling pressure to the crane using
load testing tools. The performance results are then analyzed.This simulates actual day to day
crane lifting operations. It is essential to get load testing done on all overhead cranes. Chain
hoist, electric hoist, and engine hoist cranes should also be load tested before use and at
regular intervals.Each of your crane’s components will be evaluated during the load test. If any
of these individual components fail, crane as a whole will fail as well.