Structural Repairs Survey

Structural Repair Inspection Methodology

1. Destructive testing

To verify the integrity of a component, it is
always possible to cut or section through the
components and examine the exposed surfaces.
Components can be pulled or stressed and
pressurized until failure to determine their properties
of strength and toughness. Materials can be
chemically treated to determine their composition.
These are some forms of destructive testing.
Unfortunately this approach of destructive testing
renders the component useless for its intended use as
against non-destructive testing which can be
performed on the components and machines without
affecting their service performance.

2. Non Destructive testing

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a
wide group of analysis techniques used in science
and technology industry to evaluate the properties of
a material, component or system without causing
damage. The terms Non-destructive examination,
Non-destructive inspection and Non-destructive
evaluation are also commonly used to describe this
technology, because NDT does not permanently
alter the component being inspected, it is a highly
valuable technique that can save both money and
time in product evaluation, troubleshooting, and
research. Common NDT methods include ultrasonic,
magnetic particle, liquid penetrate, radiography,
remote visual inspection (RVI), eddy current testing.

 Non destructive Tests:

1. Rebound Hammer Test
2. Pulse Echo Method
3. Impact Echo Method
4. Ultra Sonic Pulse Velocity Method
5. Probe Penetration Test or Windsor Probe Test
6. Ground Penetration Radar Method
7. Carbonation Test
8. Half Cell Potential Meter Test

Structural Audit - Mumbai's basic need

Due to Mumbai's coastal climate , there are many old buildings which have reduced strength in due course of time. If further use of such deteriorated structure is continued it may endanger the lives of the occupants and surrounding habitation. Appropriate actions should then be implemented to improve the performance of structures and restore the desired function of structures. Thus, it is utmost important to perform structural audit of existing buildings and to implement maintenance/ repair work timely which will lead to prolonged life of the building and safety of the occupant. 

To act more responsible and preemptive towards the dilapidated buildings, the municipal corporation must issue notices to the buildings and co-operative societies which are more than 30 years old to carry out mandatory structural audit and submit the audit report. 

Structural audit should highlight and investigate all critical areas and recommend immediate remedial and preventive measures. It should cover the structural analysis of existing frame and find critical elements for all types of loadings. It also helps in delivering a strong building structure with cost effective solutions and appropriate maintenance program. Detailed study of different parameter of structural audit including visual inspection, non-destructive testing, core sampling and testing should be done. It should also emphasize on different repairs and retrofitting measures to be used for buildings after structural audit. 

 What is Structural Audit? 
                                               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 appropriate repairs and retrofitting measures required for the buildings to perform better in its service life. Structural audit is done by an experienced and licensed structural consultant.