Structural Inspection

What is a Structural Inspection?

A structural inspection undertaken by a structural engineer is often mistook for a structural survey which is undertaken by commercial building surveyor. A structural survey is an all-encompassing inspection of a property in order to provide a detailed overview of the condition of a property and other related matters. In contrast, a structural inspection is used to assess and analyse the structural condition of a building or a building component in order to understand the structural stability or condition.

A structural inspection is often preceded by a survey, which is undertaken by a building surveyor. The surveyor is likely to have identified a potential structural issue and have recommended further investigation by a specialist or a structural engineer. The knowledge and expertise of a structural engineer goes beyond that of a building surveyor in relation to structural matters. As part of the structural inspection, the structural engineer will assess and identify the likely causes of the structural defect through their knowledge and experience of building structures.

A structural inspection is likely to only focus on the specific defect that has been identified by the client or building surveyor and is unlikely to assess the whole of a building or its structure, unless this is a specific requirement of the structural inspection brief.

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What is included in a Structural Inspection?

The structural engineer will likely undertake an initial survey of the building/building component as part of the structural inspection. At this time the structural engineer will likely review any as-built information or drawings that are available. Existing structural drawings will assist with understanding the construction/structure of a building and may negate the requirement to complete opening up works or intrusive investigations as part of the structural inspection.

If the cause of the extent of the defect is still not clear then it may be necessary to complete intrusive investigations as part of the structural inspection. Dependent upon what/where the defect is located then it may be necessary to complete ground investigations, create holes in the building fabric or sample materials as part of the structural inspection.

A structural inspection may look at various different parts of the property or defects, including:

Timber defects/timber decay;
Issues with the foundations including subsidence, overloading etc.;
Movement and/or cracking to the superstructure;
Movement or distortion to a structural frame;
Bowing or distortion to floor structures or roofs;
Settlement;
Concrete defects including carbonation, chloride attack etc.

As part of the structural inspection the structural engineer will provide a full written report that will detail the observations, findings and recommendations for further surveys and/or investigations. If the structural inspection has identified the causes of the structural defect then the report will include recommendations for the structural repairs or remedial works.

What are the benefits of undertaking a structural inspection?

A structural inspection will provide clarity on the cause and likely remedial works required to rectify the structural defect. This will enable a clear and precise design and ensure that the project manager and/or client is clear on what works need to be undertaken. If there is any concern that the structure is in a dangerous condition then the structural inspection will either confirm that the structure is dangerous and therefore advise that it should not be occupied until a suitable level or shoring up or remedial works are undertaken. Alternatively the structural inspection may provide comfort confirming that the extent of the issue is not as severe as first thought. A structural inspection may also assist with supporting an insurance claim.

It is important that a structural engineer is engaged to undertake a structural inspection at the earliest possible time if there is concern about the structural integrity of a building.