CODE OF PRACTICE FOR STRUCTURAL USE OF TIMBER : PART 7 : TESTING (FIRST REVISION)
This part gives recommendations for load testing, although in the normal course of events, structures or parts of structures designed in accordance with this standard are not required to be tested. Load testing is, however, an equally acceptable alternative to calculations, and in certain cases can be a more positive method of establishing the structural adequacy of a particular design.
The methods of testing given in this part are for structures fabricated partly or wholly from timber, glued laminated timber and other timber based products. They are not appropriate to the testing of individual pieces of timber, joints or structural models.
Testing may be necessary in circumstances which include:
a) where a structure or part of a structure is not amenable to calculation, or where
calculation is deemed impracticable;
b) where materials or design methods are used other than those of the relevant specification
or code of practice;
c) where there is doubt or disagreement as to whether the structure or some part of it conforms to design rules, or as to whether the quality of the materials is of the required standard; and
d) where a routine check of a mass-produced structure or part of a structure is required by prior agreement between the client and the manufacturer.
Wherever possible, more than one structure of the same design should be tested to enable an assessment to be made of the likely variability in performance. All structures should be tested in accordance with 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4 of this Part if required.
