Proof Load Test

In the construction industry, many processes are done to assure the quality of the construction project. One of these is a proof load test. It is used as only one step in the completion of the overall plan when constructing a building, road or other physical project. Without a proof load test the project cannot continue without compromising its integrity. For this reason there is this and many more tests involved in any construction project. Each process or test is part of the planned steps in the endeavor.

When setting up the processes the construction manager decides what order that each test phase be performed. Each test or process is done according to the priority of the conditions at the job site. For example a proof load test may be done early due to a concern from preliminary tests done before the project began. In addition, at any time during the process the proof load test may be done earlier or perhaps later as determined by the construction manager. There is no set guideline about which test or process is done first or last.

After the beginning of the job, there are many factors that can occur beyond the control of the construction manager, his crew or any subcontractors brought in to do specialized tasks. Each is affected by the weather, including humidity, precipitation, wind, temperature and number of daylight hours. For these reasons, a proof load test may be done early and perhaps repeated depending on how long the project takes to complete. There is no certainty in the completion of a construction job.

Nearing completion of a project the construction manager reviews each phase of each process to make sure that each test or process including a proof load test has been performed on schedule. Then the schedule of tasks is signed off on and sent to the architect and engineer for final review. Once this is done it is presented to the county or city planning board for the last time. The proof load test is as you see a small part of a big process.

Discuss It!