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.