FIELD: mechanical engineering; testing facilities. SUBSTANCE: invention is designed for determining breaking load in construction members. According to proposed method first pattern is made from vinyl plastic geometrically similar to full-scale plate, edges of vinyl plastic pattern being secured according to preset established boundary conditions of full-scale plate. Then first pattern is exposed to gradually increasing load similar to that acting onto full-scale plate till distinct visualization of zone of propagation of plastic deformations. Then second pattern is made of the same material as full-scale plate whose form should be geometrically similar to zone of propagation of plastic deformations revealed on first pattern and second pattern is rigidly secured along its curvilinear edge. Other sides of second pattern are secured in accordance with preset boundary conditions of full scale plate. Second pattern is exposed to load and value of load at which second pattern is broken is determined and carrying capacity of full-scale plate under testing is calculated using selected scale factor. EFFECT: reduced labor input in making of plate-pattern at complex law of change of full-scale structure thickness variations. 2 dwg
