How come edge loop select does not work? I try an Edge loop select in the following object. But Blender 2.79 does not select anything, are there any hidden parameters which can influence edge loop select? 

(I try this from the Select menu in Edit mode)
Loop selection doesn't work with triangular topology, because at an intersection, it can't determine which path to choose.

You can convert the topology to quads with the Tris To Quads function (select all the faces then Alt+J).