water weights

{{Short description|Weights composed primarily of water used to test structural integrity}}

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{{Use American English|date=March 2025}}

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.{{cite book|author=Maritime and Coastguard Agency|title=Merchant Shipping Notices|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CiMHN9eDpFYC&pg=RA1-PA64|year=2003|publisher=The Stationery Office|isbn=978-0-11-552478-3|page=64}}

Water weights are a popular alternative to solid weights as they are safer to use{{cn|date=June 2014}} 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.{{cn|date=March 2025|reason=Needs a source to meet WP:VERIFY }}