Designation: E 2322 – 03 (Reapproved 2009)

Standard Test Method for

Conducting Transverse and Concentrated Load Tests on
Panels used in Floor and Roof Construction1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 2322; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method covers the following procedures for 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
determining the structural properties of segments of floor and C 109/C 109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of
roof constructions: Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube
Section Specimens)
Test Specimens 5 E 4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
Loading 6
Deformation Measurements 7
E 72 Test Methods of Conducting Strength Tests of Panels
Report 8 for Building Construction
Precision and Bias 9 E 73 Practice for Static Load Testing of Truss Assemblies
Testing Floors
Transverse Load 10
E 196 Practice for Gravity Load Testing of Floors and Low
Concentrated Load 11 Slope Roofs
Testing Roofs E 455 Test Method for Static Load Testing of Framed Floor
Transverse Load 12
Concentrated Load 13 or Roof Diaphragm Constructions for Buildings
E 575 Practice for Reporting Data from Structural Tests of
1.2 This test method serves to evaluate the performance of Building Constructions, Elements, Connections, and As-
floors and roofs panels subjected to (1) Uniform loading, and semblies
(2) Concentrated static loading, which represent conditions E 631 Terminology of Building Constructions
sustained in the actual performance of the element. The E 661 Test Method for Performance of Wood and Wood-
standard is not intended for the evaluation of individual Based Floor and Roof Sheathing Under Concentrated
structural framing or supporting members (floor joist, rafters, Static and Impact Loads
and trusses), or both. E 695 Test Method of Measuring Relative Resistance of
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes Wall, Floor, and Roof Construction to Impact Loading
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes, E 1592 Test Method for Structural Performance of Sheet
excluding those in tables and figures, shall not be considered as Metal Roof and Siding Systems by Uniform Static Air
requirements of the standard. Pressure Difference
1.4 This standard is not intended to cover concrete floor
slabs. 3. Terminology
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 3.1 Definitions—Refer to Terminology E 631 for definitions
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this of terms used in these test methods.
standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the 4. Significance and Use
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 4.1 Transverse Load—The procedures outlined will serve to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- evaluate the performance of floor and roof segments for
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- deflection, permanent set and ultimate capacity. Performance
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. criteria based on data from these procedures can ensure
structural adequacy and effective service.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.11
2
on Horizontal and Vertical Structures/Structural Performance of Completed Struc- For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
tures. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved April 1, 2009. Published May 2009. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as E 2322 – 03. the ASTM website.

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4.2 Concentrated Load—This concentrated load test shall deformation curves. Maintain complete load-deformation time
be used to evaluate surface indentation of structural framing records throughout the test. If application of a given load is
members. required for a certain period, such as 24 h, take deformation
4.3 These procedures will serve to evaluate performance of readings at the end of this period, to allow the satisfactory
roof and floor segments under simulated service conditions. plotting of a time-deformation curve for the complete period.
Diaphragm shear loading of roof and floor segments shall be NOTE 1—Reason for the 5-min application of constant-level increment
evaluated under Test Method E 455. Impact loading shall be loads are as follows:
evaluated under Test Methods E 661 or E 695. (1) To permit the assembly to come to a substantial rest prior to taking
the second set of readings. (Depending on the method employed for
5. Test Specimens applying the test load, it may be necessary to continue, at a reduced rate,
5.1 Specimens—There shall be at least three replicate speci- the motion of the loading device in order to maintain the constant load
mens for each test. Specimens shall be constructed to represent level during the 5-min period.)
sections of the floor, or roof assembly including the means of (2) To observe any time-dependent deformation or load redistribution,
the attachment when the load direction is away from the or both, and to record accurately the load level when time-dependent
deformation starts, that is, at the divergence of the immediate and delayed
supports. The specimens shall be representative in width and
load-deformation curves. This load level may, under certain conditions,
length as to the material and workmanship. The test specimen have an important bearing on the design load.
shall not be less than the width and length of the tributary load (3) To be able to stop the test, if this should be desirable, prior to total
area under actual conditions. If the tributary load area for the failure, after initial failure has been anticipated as a result of the
test specimen exceeds the test equipment, a reduced specimen observations.
that is representative in proportional width and length shall be (4) To assure uniformity in test performance and consistency in test
tested. Unsymmetrical assemblies shall be tested in each axis. results.
If the structural properties of a particular construction are to be
compared with another construction, widths of the specimens 7. Deformation Measurements
shall be of comparable size. 7.1 Measure the deformations with sufficient precision to
5.2 Age—Constructions, which include concrete and ma- define the load-deformation relationship, and report at least to
sonry for which the structural properties depend upon the age the nearest 0.25 mm.
of the specimen, shall be aged not less than what is indicated
by the manufacturer or national standard, or both. The age of 8. Report
the specimen shall be recorded in the report. 8.1 Prepare the report in accordance with Recommended
6. Loading Practice E 575.
6.1 Apparatus—The testing machine or load-measuring ap- 9. Precision and Bias
paratus shall comply with the requirements prescribed in
Practices E 4. 9.1 It is not possible to specify the precision of the proce-
6.2 Application of Load—Apply the load to each individual dure in this standard for measuring these test methods because
specimen in increments so that a sufficient number of readings of the variety of materials and combinations of materials
will be obtained to determine definitely the load-deformation involved.
curve (see 6.3) using the following sequence:
6.2.1 Prior to testing, apply a small initial load not greater TESTING FLOORS
than 5 % of the ultimate capacity load expected and hold for
5 min (6 1 min) and then release. Zero all measuring devices 10. Transverse Load—Floor
and begin the test. 10.1 Test Specimen(s)—Test specimen(s) shall be con-
6.2.2 Record the initial load and deformation reading of the structed in accordance with Section 5.
specimen and then increase the load on the specimen to the first 10.2 Apparatus—The apparatus shall be capable of apply-
predetermined increment. ing a uniform load (such as air bag load or vacuum load),
6.2.3 Record the load and deformation reading and release gravity load or two point load and shall conform to the
the load back to the initial load and then record the set of the requirements prescribed in 10.2.1 through 10.2.3 or the equiva-
specimen. lent.
6.2.4 Increase the load to the next predetermined increment 10.2.1 Uniform Load—Uniformly distributed loading is a
and record the information as indicated in the first load satisfactory test method. Uniformly distributed load shall be
increment above. Follow this sequence of loading and reading applied by air pressure, either in a bag or in a vacuum chamber.
for all predetermined load increment(s). 10.2.1.1 The bag method of loading is schematically shown
6.3 Duration of Load Application—After each increment of in Fig. 1. Connect a reaction platform parallel to the face to be
load is applied, maintain the load level as constant as possible loaded and wider than the specimen to the supports by tie rods.
for a period of 5 min (see Note 1). Take deformation readings Place an airtight bag as wide as the specimen and as long as the
as soon as practical after load application, at the end of the span between the specimen and the reaction platform. Apply
5-min period under constant load, and immediately and at the transverse load to the specimen by increasing the air pressure
end of the 5-min period after any partial or complete load in the bag. Measure the difference in pressure by means of a
release. Plot initial and 5-min readings in the form of load- manometer or other pressure measuring device. The error of
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 E 2322 – 03 (2009)

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FIG. 1 Apparatus for Uniformly Distributed Transverse Load (Bag Method)

the pressure reading shall not exceed 1 % of the full-scale load on the specimen shall include the weight of the specimen
reading. Deflection measurement shall be measured following between the supports. Apply the transverse loads to the upper
10.4. See Fig. 1. (finish floor) face for three of the symmetrical specimens. For
10.2.1.2 When the vacuum chamber method of loading is asymmetrical assemblies, the bottom face for three of the
used, place the specimen near the test frame to create an specimens must also be tested. Deflection measurements shall
airtight vacuum chamber. An airtight frame or curb shall be measured following 10.4. See Fig. 3.
surround the specimen closely and be flush with the upper 10.3 Loading Application—The application of load is found
surface of the specimen. An air resistant blanket covers the in 6.2. The application of load shall be compatible with the test
specimen, overlaps the frame, and is sealed so that it is apparatus indicated in 10.2.
reasonably airtight. Use a vacuum pump or positive action 10.4 Deflection Measurement Device—The deflection mea-
exhaust blower to reduce air pressure between the specimen surement device shall be compatible with the test apparatus
and floor/wall. Measure the difference in pressure by means of indicated in 10.2. A frame shall be placed on the upper face of
a manometer or other pressure measuring device. The error of the specimen in a manner such that the frame shall not deform
the pressure reading shall not exceed 1 % of the full scale as the specimen deforms under load. Two deflection measuring
reading. Deflection measurement shall be conducted following devices, one near each longitudinal edge of the specimen, shall
10.4. See Fig. 2. be attached to the frame at the mid span.
10.2.2 Gravity Load—Gravity load testing shall be con- 10.4.1 Method A—Deflection Measuring Device Top of
ducted in accordance with Practice E 196. Panel—Mid span deflection shall be measured on the top of the
10.2.3 Two Point Load—The two point (quarter-point) load- panel. The deflection measurement should be referenced to the
ing method is used for transverse load tests. Test the specimen panel deflection at the end supports.
as a simple beam (Fig. 3) on a span 150 mm less than the 10.4.2 Method B—Deflection Measuring Device Bottom of
specimen length. Apply two equal loads, each at a distance of Panel—Mid span deflection shall be measured on the bottom
one-quarter of the span from the supports, toward the middle of of the panel. The deflection measurement should be referenced
the span. For floor specimens tested horizontally (Fig. 1), the to the panel deflection at the end supports.

FIG. 2 Apparatus for Uniformly Distributed Transverse Load (Vacuum Bag)

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 E 2322 – 03 (2009)

FIG. 3 Quarter Point Loading

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10.5 Calculations and Report: 10.5.2 Data Presentation—Report the results in the form of
10.5.1 Load-Deflection Data—For each deflection measur- a graph in accordance with Section 8.
ing device, calculate the deflection under a given load as the
difference between the reading when the load is applied and the 11. Concentrated Load—Floor
initial reading. Calculate the deflection of the specimen for the
span as the average of the deflections obtained from each of the 11.1 Test Specimens—Tests shall be made on each of the
measuring devices. Calculate the sets under the initial load by transverse specimens after the transverse tests are completed.
using a similar method. Record the maximum load for each 11.2 Apparatus—The apparatus shall be assembled as
specimen. shown in Fig. 4 and shall conform to the requirements for

FIG. 4 Typical Concentrated Load Apparatus

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 E 2322 – 03 (2009)
component parts prescribed in 11.2.1 through 11.2.3 or the 11.4.2 Deflection—Calculate the amount of deflection at a
equivalent. given load to the nearest 0.025 mm as the difference between
11.2.1 Steel Bar—Steel bar having a diameter of 25.4 mm the displacement for the load and the initial reading of the
and the edge of the face contacting the specimen rounded to a deflection measuring device before a load has been applied to
radius of 1.3 mm. When testing for decking deflection, place a the specimen.
25.4 mm diameter flat disk between the steel load bar and the 11.4.3 Data Presentation—Report the results in the form of
decking surface. a graph in accordance with Section 7.
11.2.2 Depth Gauge—The depth gauge shall consist of a TESTING ROOFS
measuring device that is capable of indicating displacement to
0.025 mm and is mounted on a support. The support shall be 12. Transverse Load—Roof
notched to permit placing the measuring device directly 12.1 Test Specimens—Test specimen(s) shall be constructed
adjacent to the bar and shall be long enough to permit placing in accordance with Section 5.
the supporting elements on undisturbed areas of the face of the 12.2 Apparatus—The test apparatus shall conform to the
specimen. requirements of 10.2.
11.2.3 Loading Device—Any convenient means for apply- 12.3 Procedure—Conduct the test in accordance with
ing a compressive load up to 5 kN and means for measuring the 10.2.1 through 10.2.3 for the transverse load tests of the roof.
load within 1 %. See Fig. 4. Apply the load to the upper roof surface when testing for
11.3 Procedure: inward loading. Apply the load to the inner roof surface when
11.3.1 Loading—Place the entire specimen or portion of the testing for outward loading. Application of load is found in 6.2.
specimen on a horizontal support and level the specimen. 12.4 Calculations and Report—Report the results as indi-
Apply the loads on the face of the specimen. Place the steel bar cated in Section 8 and 10.5.
on the surface of the specimen at what is judged to be the 13. Concentrated Load—Roof
weakest place and, also, at what is judged to be the strongest
place. Apply a load vertically downward to the upper surface of 13.1 Test Specimens—Tests shall be made on each of the
the bar. Continue loading until maximum load or 4.45 kN is transverse specimens after the transverse tests are completed.
attained on the steel bar. Application of load is found in 5.2. 13.2 Apparatus—The apparatus shall conform to the re-
quirements of 11.2.
11.3.2 Depth of Indentation—Measure the depth of inden-
13.3 Procedure—Conduct the test in accordance with 11.3
tation, by means of the depth gauge, and record the reading of
on concentrated load tests of floors, except apply the loads only
the gauge to the nearest 0.025 mm.
to the upper face of the specimen. Application of load can be
11.4 Calculations and Report: found in 6.2.
11.4.1 Depth of Indentation—Calculate the depth of inden- 13.4 Calculations and Report—Report the results as indi-
tation (set) after a given load has been applied and the bar cated in Section 8 and 10.5.
removed to the nearest 0.025 mm as the difference between the
depth for that load and the initial reading of the deflection 14. Keywords
measurement device before a load has been applied to the 14.1 concentrated loads; deformation; floors; load duration;
specimen. roofs; sheathing; strength tests; transverse loads

APPENDIXES

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(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. COMMENTARY ON TEST METHOD

X1.1 This standard was originally part of a larger standard estimated ultimate load carrying capacity of the specimen. This
test method, Test Method E 72. Due to difficulties in maintain- load can be estimated by means of calculations or previous
ing the large and cumbersome test method, the floor and roof experience based on historical tests or analysis.
sections of Test Method E 72 were modified and placed in this
new standard to help aid in maintaining an up-to-date standard X1.3 Estimate the number of increments for application of
test method. load. This number of increments when applying load can be
estimated by means of calculation or previous experience
X1.2 Estimating Ultimate Load Carrying Capacity of based on historical test or analysis. The minimum number
Specimen—The loading schedule of 6.2 is based on the should be between 3–10.

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 E 2322 – 03 (2009)

X2. TECHNICAL INTERPRETATION

X2.1 It is the purpose of these test methods to provide a mation and set, simulated, to some extent, the conditions of
systematic basis for obtaining comparable engineering data on repeated loading under service conditions. Therefore, results
various construction elements and structural details of value to by such a method of loading may be more useful than those
professionals, designers, builders, building officials, and others obtained by increasing the load continuously throughout the
interested in this field. test. The results from increment loading tests may show
whether different portions of a construction act as a unit under
X2.2 Subjecting complete structures to known loads is very load, whether the fastening or bonds have adequate strength, or
expensive and requires much time; therefore, that method of whether they rupture under repeated loads. For any engineering
carrying out investigations to establish structural properties is structure, including small house, it is necessary not only that
not likely to be used to any great extent. Such tests have the the strength be adequate, but also that the deformation under
further disadvantage that only the strength of the weakest load shall not appreciably decrease the usefulness of the
elements of a particular structure could be measured. structure. If the working load and the allowable deformation
for an element for a structure are known, constructions
X2.3 For these reasons, it seems more practicable to apply
complying with these requirements may be selected by inspec-
loads to specimens that accurately reproduce a structural
tion of the graphs from tests of such constructions.
portion of a finished building. These portions of a building
have been designated as “elements;” for example, floor, roof, X2.5 A structure is elastic if, after a load has been applied
etc. For the procedure described in these test methods, the and then removed, the set is inappreciable. If the set is small for
elements have been restricted to those most important struc- an element of a building, it may be assumed that the construc-
turally. For each element, methods of loading are described that tion has neither been damaged nor appreciably deformed by the
simulate the loads to which the element would be subjected load. The set, therefore, is another property that may be used
under service conditions. It is believed that the results of these when comparing different constructions and may be useful
measurements on the structural elements will be more useful to when selecting construction for a particular purpose.
architects and engineers than the results of tests of the
individual structural members. Although it may be impractical X2.6 The variations in the properties of a construction as
to determine all of the structural properties of each element of used commercially for buildings, in all probability, will be
a building, it is believed that the more important properties greater than the variations for the three specimens tested as
may be determined by tests described in these test methods. directed in these test methods. Reason being, these specimens
will be all fabricated at the same time by the same workers and
X2.4 The test method, involving the application of the from the same lot of material. This fact should be clearly
loads in increments and the concurrent measurement of defor- indicated in any general report based on these test procedures.

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