• a) Loading and measuring devices shall be calibrated in advance.
• b) The design of the test rig shall be such that:

1. Loading system adequately simulates the magnitude and distribution of the loading;
2. It allows the specimen to perform in a manner representative of service conditions;
3. Lateral and torsional restraint, if any, should be representative of those in service;
4. Specimen should be free to deflect under load according to service condition;
5. Loading system shall be able to follow the movements of the specimen without interruption or abnormal restraints; and
6. Inadvertent eccentricities at the point of application of the test loads and at the supports are avoided.

• c) Test load shall be applied to the unit at a rate as uniform as practicable.
• d) Deflections should be measured at sufficient points of high movements to ensure that the maximum value is determined.
• e) If the magnitude of stresses in a specimen is to be determined, the strain at the desired location may be measured and the corresponding stress calculated.
• f) Prior to any test, preliminary loading (not exceeding the characteristic values of the relevant loads) may be applied and then removed, in order to set the test specimen on to the test rig.