Water weights

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title: "Water weights" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["nondestructive-testing"] description: "Weights composed primarily of water used to test structural integrity" topic_path: "general/nondestructive-testing" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_weights" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Weights composed primarily of water used to test structural integrity ::

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Testt_SWL.JPG" caption="Test of davit with water weight"] ::

Water weights are water-filled bags that are designed as a safe, practical and economical method of non-destructive testing and checking the structural integrity of cranes, davits, lifeboats, link spans, ramps and lifts, floors and bridges.

Water weights are a popular alternative to solid weights as they are safer to use and can offer cost savings in transportation, storage, and labor. When performing load tests using water weights, gradual application of the load allows problems to be identified before attaining maximum load.

References

References

1. Maritime and Coastguard Agency. (2003). "Merchant Shipping Notices". The Stationery Office.
2. "Lifting & Rigging Gear at Holloway {{!}} Chain Slings, Wire Rope Slings, Hoists, & More. Shop Now!".
3. (2025-03-26). "How Water-Bag Calibration Dramatically Improves Heavy Duty Industrial Weighing Precision - Pat Kruger".
4. "China Customized Load Test Water Bags Water-filled Load Test Water Bags For Lifeboat Manufacturers, Suppliers - Low Price - Gathering Marine".

::callout[type=info title="Wikipedia Source"] This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page. ::