A foundation survey may be needed in a variety of cases. The most obvious options are a long-term construction, which it was decided to renew, or simply old buildings, in which some reconstruction is planned in a modern way. It often happens that the construction that is started by the customer is frozen for a while, because it has some problems. And then, when it comes time to re-preserve it, the reliability of the structure being constructed is called into question. Did the foundation receive any deformations invisible to the eye that would affect the strength of the future building? A foundation survey can answer these questions.
Old buildings are often reconstructed with a subsequent superstructure, an increase in the number of storeys. And this means an increase in the load on the base of the structure. To find out whether such plans can be implemented, and, first of all, an examination of the foundations is done. The results of such surveys may lead to the fact that it will be necessary to make changes to the design, use lighter structures and materials, or reduce the estimated number of storeys of the reconstructed building. In some cases, it is possible to strengthen existing foundations, but more often inspection of dilapidated buildings leads to their recognition as emergency.
Inspection of the structures of buildings and structures begins with a visual inspection. If the walls already have cracks visible by the eye, then experts are unlikely to be able to give a positive conclusion. The following is an instrumental examination. For example, using georadar, it is possible to establish the presence of defects inside reinforced concrete structures without violating their integrity. Mechanical, ultrasonic, vibrational and other methods are applied, allowing to compile a complete picture of the presence of defects and damage.
Inspection of the premises is usually done not during construction, but before the sale. In this case, it is possible to establish with a 100% guarantee what hidden defects an apartment building, cottage or office building has, what mistakes have been made during its construction or operation, how much it will cost to fix them, does it make sense to purchase a property with such characteristics. Such a procedure can also answer the question "is it possible to carry out repairs or reconstruction in this room".
As a rule, the foundation is first examined. Then evaluate the technical condition of the walls and other supporting structures, utilities, as well as the roof. Violation of their integrity is often recorded in photographs. Surveys are also carried out after various emergency situations, for example, after a fire, in order to assess whether the surviving structures will make the restoration, how much money may be needed for this. In addition, such work should be ordered if there are doubts about the quality of the work of builders. The results of the survey and construction expertise can be used in court.