Assessment of Existing Structures Using Cyclic Load Testing

When a building is renovated for a change of use, the load-carrying capacity of the structural system must be established. The cyclic load test (CLT) method requires the application of multiple cycles of loading and unloading (typically six). Two case studies are presented. In both of the described cases, the CLT method efficiently verified the capacities of the existing structures. The method was also used to evaluate structural behavior after members were strengthened using externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer reinforcement alone or in conjunction with a reinforced concrete topping course.