Proof Load Testing & Heavy Load Testing Services
Durham Lifting provides high-capacity proof load, tensile, compression and destructive testing for complex lifting equipment, fabricated structures, wire rope assemblies and bespoke engineered test arrangements from Britannia Test House in Middlesbrough.
Choose the right testing route for your project
Proof Load Testing
For lifting equipment, fabricated structures, lifting beams, spreader frames and engineered assemblies requiring certified load verification.
Destructive Testing
Controlled testing to failure for wire ropes, components, prototypes and assemblies where failure behaviour or break load needs to be understood.
Tensile Testing
High-capacity tensile testing for rigging assemblies, wire rope, lifting components and specialist engineered items.
Compression Testing
Vertical compression testing for structural components, fabricated assemblies and heavy engineering applications.
Specialist testing capabilities
Alongside our core testing routes, Durham Lifting also supports specialist testing requirements including on-site load testing, shear and bending tests, quayside bollard testing, witness testing and additional inspection support where required.
High-capacity testing facilities
Britannia Test House supports larger and more specialist projects using a range of horizontal and vertical test beds, wire rope testing capability and bespoke engineered load application systems.
Engineering support from enquiry through to certification
Understand the requirement
We review the item, required test load, drawings, dimensions, connection points and certification requirements.
Define the test method
Our team identifies the safest and most practical route, whether that is a standard test bed or a bespoke arrangement.
Engineer the arrangement
Where required, we support the design of fixtures, jacking systems and controlled load application methods.
Carry out controlled testing
Load is applied using the appropriate facility, with attention to safety, monitoring and the agreed test procedure.
Provide documentation
Following successful testing, certification and supporting documentation are supplied in line with the project requirement.
Load testing support for demanding industrial sectors
Built around heavy industry, not standard lab testing.
Our work often supports projects where the item is large, awkward, safety-critical or requires a bespoke test arrangement. That makes Durham Lifting well suited to offshore, marine, construction, infrastructure and heavy engineering environments.
Offshore Wind
Testing support for lifting equipment, offshore structures, rigging systems and heavy engineered assemblies.
Marine & Ports
Harbour bollard testing, mooring equipment verification and marine testing arrangements.
Heavy Engineering
Structural testing, fabricated assemblies and bespoke engineered load testing projects.
Construction
Testing support for lifting frames, temporary works, structural fabrications and site-critical equipment.
Oil & Gas
Testing support for offshore lifting systems, rigging assemblies and engineered energy sector projects.
Historic engineering. Modern testing capability.
The facility was constructed specifically to house the W. & T. Avery structural steel testing machine, capable of applying up to 1250 tonnes of load for large-scale engineering and structural testing.
Before construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge arch began, scale models of the bridge’s steel members were tested to destruction at Britannia Test House to verify calculations and structural performance.
Today, Durham Lifting continues that engineering legacy from the same historic site, supporting proof load, tensile, compression and destructive testing for offshore, marine, infrastructure and heavy engineering sectors.
Explore the history of Britannia Test HouseDiscuss your testing requirement
Testing questions answered
From proof load and tensile testing through to on-site testing, MPI, third-party witness testing and bespoke engineered arrangements, here are some of the most common questions we receive.
What types of testing does Durham Lifting provide?
Durham Lifting provides proof load testing, tensile testing, compression testing, destructive testing, shear testing, bending tests, quayside bollard testing and bespoke engineered load testing arrangements.
Can Durham Lifting carry out testing on site?
Yes. Some proof load and load testing projects can be carried out on site, depending on the item being tested, the required load, site access, available reaction points and the safest method of applying and controlling the load.
What is proof load testing?
Proof load testing verifies that an item, component or assembly can safely withstand a specified load under controlled conditions before being placed into service.
Can you test bespoke or unusual items?
Yes. Many projects involve unusual geometry, non-standard connection points, large fabricated structures or specialist fixtures. Our team can help define a practical and controlled testing method.
Do you offer destructive testing?
Yes. Durham Lifting can carry out controlled load to failure testing for wire ropes, lifting equipment, fabricated structures, components and prototypes where failure behaviour or ultimate capacity needs to be understood.
Can you carry out quayside bollard testing?
Yes. Durham Lifting can support quayside bollard and mooring arrangement testing for marine, harbour and port infrastructure, subject to site conditions and the required load application method.
Do you provide pre and post test MPI?
Yes. Pre and post test magnetic particle inspection can be provided where required, helping support inspection evidence before and after load testing.
Can testing be third-party witnessed?
Yes. Testing can be arranged with client representatives, surveyors or third-party witnesses in attendance where required by the project, specification or certification process.
What information do you need for a testing enquiry?
Useful information includes drawings, dimensions, photographs, required test load, connection details, available reaction points, certification requirements and whether the test needs to be carried out at Britannia Test House or on site.
Where is Britannia Test House located?
Britannia Test House is located in Middlesbrough, United Kingdom. It is home to the historic H2 Avery test bed and supports modern proof load, tensile, compression and destructive testing projects.