testing of in-place psl beams

[lookattheplans]

i'm working on an existing condominium support by psl beams. the contractor originally going to replace all beams but now wants to test and hopefully only replace about half of beams. what, if any, test methods are available to determine if the psl beams are adequate. destructive and non-destructive methods. thanks.

 

[Ron]

As a structural component, it can be load tested like any other structural component. I would recommend testing to 75% of design, plotting a load-response curve and see if it tracks with a theoretical load-response curve.

As for nondestructive methods, you're a bit limited. You can use pulse-velocity testing (usually used for concrete but can be used for wood as well) to find large voids (termites down the middle that do not show from outside) and you can use a wood boring sampler to check cross-sectional integrity