What is the primary purpose of conducting load tests in structural evaluations?

The primary purpose of conducting load tests in structural evaluations is to verify that a structure meets the design load requirements before occupancy. Load tests are essential to ensure that a building or structure can support the anticipated loads it will encounter throughout its lifespan, including weights from occupants, furniture, equipment, and environmental factors such as wind, snow, and seismic activity.

This verification process is critical for safety, as it helps to identify any structural weaknesses or potential failures that could lead to hazardous situations. Load testing validates the assumptions made during the design phase and confirms that the construction meets the engineering specifications intended to maintain structural integrity and safety levels under expected service conditions.

Other options do not address the central need for load testing in the context of ensuring a structure's safety and compliance with load-bearing requirements, making them less relevant in this scenario.