Instrumental examination of structures, as well as building structures, is carried out if necessary to obtain the most accurate objective data on the reliability of individual load-bearing elements. Along with this, methods of instrumental examination can be used in the order of preventive planned assessment of the condition of structures.
What is the purpose of building surveys?
Instrumental examination of buildings is most often performed when there is a need to assess the technical condition of the building or its individual parts for subsequent reconstruction or major repairs. The goal of such measures may be the need for general monitoring of the condition of the structure with visual fixation of deformation or damage to individual structures.
The reason for performing an instrumental examination is sometimes the need to evaluate buildings that are in emergency, dilapidated or partially functional state. This, in turn, makes it possible to form ideas about the complex of measures, which allows to extend the service life of structures.
In what cases do they perform a visual-instrumental examination?
Technical visual and instrumental assessment of the state of structures and structures is carried out:
- at the expiration of the operational life of buildings provided for in regulatory enactments;
- in case of significant damage, destruction, structural defects during the operation of structures;
- after exposure to natural disasters, fires, catastrophes;
- in case of receipt of such an initiative from the owner of the facility;
- when changing the technological purpose of the building;
- according to the requirements of construction supervision.
What work can be done during an instrumental examination?
Instrumental examination of structures involves:
- Conducting an expert assessment of foundation beams, grillages, the foundation as a whole.
- Technical expertise of building envelopes: pillars, walls, columns.
- Inspection of the condition of coatings, beams, arches, ceilings, plates, girders.
- Examination of the state of joints, nodes, joints, connected elements, parts that are responsible for the stability of the frames.
- Carrying out engineering-geological, estimated, design work.
The order and progress of the instrumental examination
Instrumental methods of examination involve the assessment of the condition of buildings and structures in several successive stages. To begin with, all the necessary measurements of geometric parameters and the actual dimensions of building structures are performed. After that, the distances between the defining nodal structural elements are measured, the parameters of the sections, spans are specified, the degree of verticality of the supports is estimated, the actual height of the premises is measured.
At the end of the above activities, defects detected during the study are recorded. Drawn up plans and pictures are included in the technical report. According to the detected damage and defects, a special statement is drawn up. As a result, on the basis of the statement of the technical condition of the structure, a final conclusion is formed.
Instrumental examination methods
To assess the condition of structures, several instrumental methods can be used:
- Non-destructive - involves the use of specialized equipment: ultrasonic testers, a Schmidt hammer, sclerometer, instruments for tearing samples with chipping.
- Laboratory instrumental examination methods - sampling with their subsequent study in the laboratory.
Instrumental Examination Requirements
An assessment of the condition of buildings and structures should be carried out exclusively by trained personnel of specialized organizations that have sufficient material and technical resources to carry out such work.
The first instrumental examination is carried out after two years after the commissioning of the facility. Further examinations of this nature can be performed approximately once a decade.
The results obtained must necessarily include a whole complex of objective data sufficient to make a decision about the subsequent operation of the facility.
Formation of a technical opinion
The technical conclusion is the most important productive element of instrumental research. It should contain a brief description of the inspected object, the results of structural evaluations, defective statements with a list of detected deviations and damage.
Instrumental examination involves the creation of a technical report, which includes all the results of studies of samples in laboratory conditions, an assessment of the bearing capacity of individual structures, foundations, soils.
Data from the technical report allows the initiator of the instrumental examination to select the optimal modes of safe operation of the facility. Based on the conclusion, it is possible to formulate a work plan, the implementation of which will prevent the occurrence of emergency situations, disasters, collapses.