How do engineeers test a building to make sure it’s structurally sound many years after its built?
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In the past a lot of ( mostly smaller) samples of structures were made and tested. The results where then calculated to the right scale and used for construction. This is still done today when new materials are developed, but most times computer simulations are used, because there is enough data available about common materials.
During the life span of a construction also a lot of inspection is done and sometimes further tests are necessary ( like ultrasonic testing, x-ray testing, camera inspections etc – it’s called Non Destructive Testing) to check the structual integrity of a construction. Sometimes this leads to further action or improvement.
I bet you have encountered this unconsciously when on a bridge a speed limit “suddenly appeared without a reason”. Then probably damages have been found and by reducing the speed of traffic less stress is applied to the construction and it can still be used and won’t collapse until necessary repairs can be done or a new bridge is built.
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