surveys

structural condition surveys

A structural condition survey will focus on the structural aspect of a building only.
Pre-purchase structural condition surveys are sometimes recommended by conveyancing surveyors if a particular concern has been noticed. These surveys can help a purchaser better understand a the extent of any remedial works that maybe necessary.
A Specific Structural Inspection survey maybe of interest to an owner of a property concerned with specific structural issues that are visible or concerning.
To give a thorough opinion, all of our structural condition surveys consider, where possible, all accessible parts to a building.

site investigation surveys

Fundamental to the design of any structure is an understanding of it’s location and it’s relationship with the local environment and neighbouring buildings. All of our design work starts with a simple desktop study followed by an initial site investigation. Essential to the consideration of any existing structure is an understanding of it’s structural arrangement and structural condition. Typically, exploration holes such as external trial pits are necessary to determine the depth and profile of existing foundations. Any historical alterations should also be confirmed. New build projects will usually require a ground investigation survey to confirm the characteristics of the underlying geology, hydrogeology and potential for ground contamination. Arboricultural surveys may be required to better understand the influence of local trees on foundation design. We can procure cost quotes for third party involvement.

structural movement monitoring

Structural movement monitoring can be an essential cog in the successful completion of some construction projects. Basement works or projects next to sensitive buildings or listed buildings may require structural movement monitoring to identify potential issues with construction sequence, temporary works, unknown ground conditions, or an unknown condition of an existing structure. Periodical monitoring throughout the construction phase can allow, if necessary, early intervention to mitigate any issues or concerns. A specialist surveying company will help devise a monitoring scheme and then install and provide periodical monitoring data for review by the design team. Structural movement monitoring may also be required when assessing foundation movement such as that caused by subsidence or differential settlement.

subsidence / foundation movement

Foundation movement can be categorised into either subsidence or settlement. Subsidence is related to foundation movement caused by shrinkable soils which can be influenced by factors such as soil characteristics, proximity of local trees, and an increase in ground water from sources such as leaking drainage pipes. Settlement can be related to foundation movement over granular soils, or where foundations are subject to an increase in load, or perhaps where foundations have become defective over time. Differential settlement can occur between different foundation systems operating at different depths, and/or generating different bearing pressures. Lateral foundation movement can be caused by the shrink/swell action of some soils, a release of passive pressure upon bulk dig of excavations, or due to a lack of resistance to retained ground. In each case, an understanding of foundation depths and profiles is required. In some instances a ground investigation is necessary to procure an efficient remedial solution.

REINFORCED CONCRETE; inspection of steel reinforcing bars

Construction of reinforced concrete elements comprise steel reinforcing bars embedded within concrete. These steel bars are designed and bent to particular shapes and lengths, and need to be arranged in accordance with the design and codes of best practice. The Project Engineer will need to inspect the installation of these bars prior to the pouring of the concrete.

testing of existing REINFORCED concrete

Testing of existing concrete maybe required depending on the age and condition of the concrete, change of use, or increased loading. Should concerns be apparent or strength characteristics need to be confirmed, then samples of concrete can be taken and tested by a UKAS registered laboratory. Some typical defects are given below;
- Historical concrete can be susceptible to chemical attack, especially in aggressive soils.
- Some historical concrete can contain high alumina or high alkali cement leading to loss of strength.
- Spalled concrete from freezing and thawing can expose the embedded steel reinforcement which if left exposed for long periods will corrode and weaken the structure.
- Carbonation of concrete cover leading to erosion of the embedded steel reinforcement, consequentially leading to spalling of the concrete.