Old buildings/structures have reduced strength in the due course of time. If further use of such weakened structures is continual, it may endanger the lives of the occupants and surrounding occupancy. Appropriate actions need to be applied to improve the performance of structures and restore the desired function of structures. Thus, it is of utmost importance to perform a structural audit of existing buildings and to implement maintenance/ repair work time which will lead to prolonged life of the building and safety of the occupant. A structural Audit is an overall health and performance checkup of a building like a doctor examines a patient. It ensures that the building and its premises are safe and have no risk. It analyses and suggests suitable repairs and retrofitting measures required for the buildings to perform better in their service life.
Visual Inspection: A thorough examination of both the exterior and interior of the building to detect visible signs of damage, such as cracks, water seepage, and corrosion.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Techniques like ultrasonic pulse velocity tests, rebound hammer tests, and infrared thermography are used to assess the structural integrity without causing damage to the building.
Load Analysis: Evaluation to determine if the building’s current load exceeds its designed capacity, crucial for buildings with changes in usage or additional floors.
Preliminary Assessment: Collecting basic information about the building, its history, and any known issues.
Site Visit and Inspection: Conducting a detailed on-site inspection to identify immediate concerns and gather data.
Testing and Analysis: Performing necessary tests and analyses to evaluate the structural integrity and material properties.
Evaluation and Risk Assessment: Analyzing the data to assess the building’s current state and any associated risks.