1708.1 General
Whenever there is a reasonable doubt as to the stability or load-bearing capacity of a completed building, structure or portion thereof for the
expected loads, an engineering assessment shall be required. The engineering assessment shall involve either a structural analysis or an insitu load test, or both. The structural analysis shall be based on actual material properties and other as-built conditions that affect stability or
load-bearing capacity, and shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable design standard. The in-situ load tests shall be conducted in
accordance with Section 1708.2. If the building, structure or portion thereof is found to have inadequate stability or load-bearing capacity for
the expected loads, modifications to ensure structural adequacy or the removal of the inadequate construction shall be required.
1708.2 In-Situ Load Tests
In-situ load tests shall be conducted in accordance with Section 1708.2.1 or 1708.2.2 and shall be supervised by a registered design
professional. The test shall simulate the applicable loading conditions specified in Chapter 16 as necessary to address the concerns regarding
structural stability of the building, structure or portion thereof.
1708.2.1 Load Test Procedure Specified
Where a referenced material standard contains an applicable load test procedure and acceptance criteria, the test procedure and
acceptance criteria in the standard shall apply. In the absence of specific load factors or acceptance criteria, the load factors and
acceptance criteria in Section 1708.2.2 shall apply.
1708.2.2 Load Test Procedure Not Specified
In the absence of applicable load test procedures contained within a material standard referenced by this code or acceptance criteria for a
specific material or method of construction, such existing structure shall be subjected to an approved test procedure developed by a
registered design professional that simulates applicable loading and deformation conditions. For components that are not a part of the
seismic force-resisting system, at a minimum the test load shall be equal to the specified factored design loads. For materials such as
wood that have strengths that are dependent on load duration, the test load shall be adjusted to account for the difference in load duration
of the test compared to the expected duration of the design loads being considered. For statically loaded components, the test load shall
be left in place for a period of 24 hours. For components that carry dynamic loads (for example, machine supports or fall arrest anchors),
the load shall be left in place for a period consistent with the component’s actual function. The structure shall be considered to have
successfully met the test requirements where the following criteria are satisfied:
- Under the design load, the deflection shall not exceed the limitations specified in Section 1604.3.
- Within 24 hours after removal of the test load, the structure shall have recovered not less than 75 percent of the maximum
deflection. - During and immediately after the test, the structure shall not show evidence of failure.