Structural Audit
Why Necessary
A structural audit is essential for evaluating the safety and integrity of a building. It identifies potential risks and necessary repairs, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, preserving property value, aiding in planning renovations, and meeting insurance requirements. Essentially, it's a proactive measure to maintain a building's health and safety for its occupants.
TEsts conducted in structural audit
Visual Inspection
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test
The most basic form of assessment, involving a thorough visual examination of the structure to identify any visible signs of distress like cracks, corrosion, water seepage, or structural deformations.
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test
A non-destructive test that uses ultrasonic waves to measure the quality and homogeneity of concrete and detect internal flaws or voids.
Rebound Hammer Test
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test
Rebound Hammer Test
The Rebound Hammer Test is a non-destructive method to estimate the compressive strength of concrete by measuring the rebound of a spring-loaded hammer after it strikes the concrete surface. Quick and easy to perform, it provides immediate results but is influenced by factors like surface conditions and moisture content, and is typically used alongside other tests for accuracy.
carbonation test
core cutting test
Rebound Hammer Test
The Carbonation Test is a non-destructive method used to assess the depth of carbonation in concrete structures. Carbonation occurs when carbon dioxide from the air reacts with calcium hydroxide in concrete, reducing its alkalinity and potentially leading to the corrosion of steel reinforcement. The test involves spraying a phenolphthalein solution on a freshly broken concrete surface. Areas that have not carbonated remain alkaline and turn purple, while carbonated areas remain colorless. This test helps in evaluating the durability of concrete and the need for protective measures against reinforcement corrosion.
core cutting test
core cutting test
core cutting test
The Core Cutting Test is a destructive testing method used to assess the concrete's compressive strength, durability, and other properties directly. It involves drilling out cylindrical concrete samples (cores) from an existing structure. These samples are then taken to a laboratory, where they are subjected to compressive strength tests. The test provides accurate and direct insights into the concrete quality and its characteristics at specific locations within the structure. Since it's destructive, it's performed selectively and requires subsequent repair to the core-drilled areas. This test is crucial for evaluating the structural integrity of buildings, especially in renovation or damage assessment scenarios.
load testing
core cutting test
core cutting test
Load testing on structures involves applying controlled loads, simulating the design load conditions, to evaluate the structure's performance under expected operational conditions. This test assesses the structural components' strength, stability, and deformation characteristics under load, verifying compliance with design specifications and identifying potential weaknesses or failures. It's conducted for floors, bridges, and other load-bearing elements, providing valuable insights into the actual behaviour of a structure under service conditions. The process is critical for ensuring the safety and reliability of both new and existing structures, offering a practical assessment of their load-bearing capacity and overall integrity.
Half-cell Potential Measurement
Half-cell Potential Measurement
Half-cell Potential Measurement
Half-cell Potential Measurement is a non-destructive technique to assess corrosion risk in concrete's reinforcing steel by measuring the electrical potential difference between the steel and a reference electrode. Negative readings indicate a higher corrosion likelihood, helping to pinpoint areas needing maintenance or repair.
Cover Meter Survey
Half-cell Potential Measurement
Half-cell Potential Measurement
A Cover Meter Survey is a non-destructive testing method used to locate reinforcement bars (rebar) within concrete and measure the concrete cover depth over the rebar. This technique employs a handheld device that detects the magnetic field around the reinforcing steel. It helps ensure that the structural elements comply with specified cover requirements for durability and corrosion protection. The survey provides valuable information for structural assessment, quality control, and planning repair or modification works without damaging the concrete.