Structural Audit PDF
Structural Audit PDF
Structural Audit PDF
Abstract
1. Introduction
In India 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.
This paper deals with study of different parameter of structural audit including visual
inspection, non-destructive testing, core sampling and testing. It also emphasizes on
different repairs and retrofitting measures to be used for buildings after structural audit.
2. Structural Audit
2.1 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.
2.3 Bye-Laws
As per clause No.77 of revised Bye-Laws of Cooperative Housing Societies: The
Society shall cause the Structural Audit of the building as follows:
For building aging between 15 to 30 years once in 5 years
For building aging above 30 years Once in 3 years
Likewise, verify the status of water tank, staircase, lift and lift machine
room.
5. Conclusion
The structural diagnosis is vast, important and highly responsible job which is
connected with lives of human beings. It is mandatory and advisable to carry out the
periodical structural audit of the buildings by professional experts and act immediately
through recommendations provided in audit report. The success of repairs and
restoration is always based on thorough knowledge, correct diagnosis and in-depth
studies of problems in building, proper repair practices and finally socio-economic
considerations. The effective implementation of auditing enhances the life span of
structure, prevents deterioration of building leading to sustainability.
References
[1] M. J. Monteiro and N. J. Pathak (2011), Article in International Journal of Earth
Sciences and Engineering, ISSN 0974-5904,
[2] Volume 04, No 06 SPL, October 2011, pp. 677-680.
[3] J. J. Shah (2008), Article in The Indian Concrete Journal, pp. 1726.
[4] Indian Standard: 13311:1992 (Part 1) NDT methods of Test- Ultrasonic Pulse
Velocity.
[5] Indian Standard: 13311:1992 (Part 2) NDT methods of Test- Rebound Hammer.
[6] ACI 546R-04 Concrete repair guide.
[7] ACI 562-12 - Code Requirements for Evaluation, Repair, and Rehabilitation of
Concrete Buildings.
[8] Indian Standard: 456: 2000- Plain and Reinforced Concrete Code of Practice
(Fourth Revision).
[9] Indian Standard: 516: 1959- Method of test for strength of concrete.