Britannia Test House · Middlesbrough

Test Beds & Load Testing Facilities

High-capacity vertical and horizontal test facilities for controlled tensile, compression, destructive and bespoke engineered testing of lifting equipment, fabricated structures and heavy-duty components.

Load testing facilities at Durham Lifting Britannia Test House
BritanniaTest House · high-capacity vertical, horizontal and engineered test arrangements
Principal test facilities

Three flagship test beds for demanding load-testing work.

The 3000Te Vertical Test Bed, Avery H2 Horizontal Test Bed and 500Te Horizontal Test Bed are the principal facilities highlighted across the Durham Lifting testing section. Each supports a distinct range of loads, component geometries and test methods.

3000Te Vertical Test Bed
Vertical test bed

3000Te Vertical Test Bed

Modular high-capacity vertical testing for large components and engineered assemblies.

Tension working load3000Te
Compression working load1500Te
View 3000Te Test Bed →
Avery H2 Horizontal Test Bed
Horizontal test bed

Avery H2 Horizontal Test Bed

Heavy-duty horizontal testing with high tension and compression working loads and exceptional destructive-test capability.

Tension working load1250Te
Compression working load1200Te
Destruction testsUp to 1143t
View Avery H2 →
500Te Horizontal Test Bed
Horizontal test bed

500Te Horizontal Test Bed

Versatile horizontal testing for lifting, subsea and suitable mobilised test arrangements.

Tension working load500Te
Destruction testsUp to 110t
View 500Te Test Bed →
Additional testing capability

Wider facilities for different loads, lengths and geometries.

Britannia Test House has additional vertical, horizontal and jacking arrangements beyond the three principal facilities highlighted above. The correct setup depends on the component, load direction, dimensions, connection points and test objective.

2500Te vertical capability

A dedicated vertical test bed provides a 2500Te compression working load for substantial engineered components and structures.

Long-span horizontal testing

A 33m horizontal test bed provides additional capability for long components and assemblies, with a 160Te working load.

Engineered jacking arrangements

The Test Consult Jacking Rig provides controlled load application up to 150Te maximum, with 50Te per horizontal beam and a 3680 × 3250 working envelope.

Examples, not a complete inventory. These facilities illustrate the wider test arrangements available at Britannia Test House. For non-standard components or unusual loading requirements, Durham Lifting can advise on the most appropriate setup.
Testing routes

Facility capability backed by specialist test methods.

Proof load, tensile, compression, destructive and bespoke testing are delivered using the facility and load arrangement best suited to the component and project requirements.

Need to confirm which test arrangement suits your project?

Send the required test load, drawings, dimensions, connection details and any witnessing or certification requirements. Durham Lifting can review the project and identify the most appropriate test arrangement.

Request a Testing Quote
Durham Lifting Established 1996
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