Tests on structural elements are a type of "in situ" tests carried out to carry out a geotechnical reconnaissance.

In general terms, the interpretation of each test is carried out through inverse analysis (back-analysis) of the corresponding element.

In general, these tests can be of two types:

In any case, the deformations must be measured. As results of the test, the admissibility of these deformations is obtained, that is, compliance with the design conditions, and the deformability parameters of the terrain. In the second case, verification of the safety coefficient against breakage and the soil resistance parameters are also obtained.

Within these tests it is worth considering:

One could also cite the analyzes carried out "a posteriori" (back-analysis) based on the data obtained from the observation of an accidental breakage of a geotechnical structure.