Instrumental inspection of structures, as well as building structures, is carried out if it is necessary to obtain the most accurate objective data on the reliability of individual load-bearing elements. Along with this, instrumental survey methods can be used as a preventive scheduled assessment of the state of structures.
What is the purpose of building surveys?
Instrumental inspection of buildings is most often performed when it is necessary to assess the technical condition of a building or its individual parts for subsequent reconstruction or major repairs. The purpose of such activities may be the need for general monitoring of the state of the structure in case of visual fixation of deformation or damage to individual structures.
The reason for performing an instrumental survey is sometimes the need to assess buildings that are in an emergency, dilapidated or limited working condition. This, in turn, makes it possible to form ideas about a set of measures, which allows you to extend the service lifefacilities.
When is a visual-instrumental examination performed?
Technical visual-instrumental assessment of the state of structures and structures is carried out:
- upon the expiration of the service life of buildings provided for in regulatory enactments;
- in case of significant damage, destruction, structural defects during the operation of structures;
- after the impact on structures of natural disasters, fires, catastrophes;
- in case of such an initiative from the owner of the object;
- when changing the technological purpose of the building;
- according to building authority regulations.
What work can be done during an instrumental examination?
Instrumental inspection of structures involves:
- Expert assessment of foundation beams, grillage, foundation as a whole.
- Technical examination of the enclosing elements of buildings: pillars, walls, columns.
- Inspection of the condition of coatings, beams, arches, ceilings, slabs, girders.
- Examination of the state of joints, nodes, connections, connected elements, details that are responsible for the stability of frames.
- Conducting engineering-geological, estimate, design work.
The order and course of the instrumental examination
Instrumental survey methods involve work to assess the condition of buildings andstructures 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 sections and 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 measures, the defects discovered during the research are fixed. The drawn up plans and photographs are included in the technical report. According to the detected damages and defects, a special statement is drawn up. As a result, on the basis of the statement of the technical condition of the structure, the final conclusion is formed.
Instrumental examination methods
Several instrumental methods can be used to assess the condition of structures:
- Non-destructive - involves the use of specialized equipment: ultrasonic testers, Schmidt hammer, sclerometer, tools for tearing samples with chipping.
- Laboratory instrumental examination methods - sampling with their subsequent examination in the laboratory.
Requirements for an instrumental examination
The 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 base to perform such work.
Firstinstrumental examination is carried out after two years after the commissioning of the facility. Further surveys of this nature could be done about once a decade.
The results obtained must necessarily include a whole range of objective data sufficient to make a decision about the subsequent operation of the facility.
Formation of 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 the assessment of structures, defective sheets with a list of identified deviations and damages.
Instrumental survey involves the creation of a technical report, which includes all the results of research samples in the laboratory, an assessment of the bearing capacity of individual structures, foundations, soils.
The data from the technical report allow the initiator of the instrumental survey to select the optimal modes for the safe operation of the facility. Based on the conclusion, it is possible to form a work plan, the implementation of which will prevent the occurrence of emergencies, disasters, collapses.
