Number and nature of tests
55.—(1)  A tensile and a cold bending test shall be taken from each plate, as rolled; but, when the weight of the plate exceeds 2½ tons, a tensile and a bending test shall be taken from each end. In addition to the tests mentioned one temper bending test shall be made from every shell plate which has a tensile strength above 35 tons per square inch.
The plates for butt straps, man hole doors, and for compensating rings around the openings for doors, shall be tested in a similar manner. The bending tests from plates which have to be flanged or worked in the fire or which, when in use, will be exposed to flame shall be temper bending tests.
(2)  Test-pieces may be cut from the rolled material either lengthwise or crosswise, but cross check tests of boiler shell plates and butt straps shall be made as required by a surveyor of ships.