Structural evaluation process is the quality assessment of old structures. Structural evaluation process is done to protect the building in long run. This evolution is carried out to avoid structural defects in the structure.
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What is Structural Evaluation Process?
The method applies to conventional in-situ reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete and prestressed in-situ concrete. Evaluation of existing concrete buildings is usually done with respect to stability, strength, safety and expected future life. Structural evaluation may be required in the following situations:
- The structure is exposed to excessive or inappropriate loads, vibration, fire, etc.
- Structures with visible signs of damage or deterioration, such as excessive cracking or spalling of concrete, corrosion of rebar, flexure or rotation of members.
- Structures with questionable design, details, materials and construction.
- I have questions about the safety of future loads and the original design criteria.
- After change of use or possession. After repair or reinforcement.
Various Types of Structural Evolutions
Here, I have listed various levels of structural assessment.
- The stability of the structure as a whole and the stability of the individual components of the structure.
- Strength and safety of individual structural elements.
- The stiffness of the entire structure and the stiffness of individual structural elements.
- Susceptibility of individual components to excessive long-term deformation.
- Dynamic behavior of individual structural elements. Structural durability.
- Fire resistance of structures
- Ease of use of structure.
The most common structural evaluation steps
- Selection of structural elements requiring detailed evaluation.
- An assessment of the past, present, and future load conditions to which the structure will be subjected in anticipated use.
- Carrying out evaluations.
- Evaluation of results.
Final Thought
The strength of existing concrete structures can be assessed by analysis or load testing. Observations such as crack type and severity, excessive deflection, concrete degradation and load history, design records, design records and evaluation results are used to determine exactly why a structure is loaded.
There may be one or more reasons and mechanisms that caused the problem. The cause, effect and magnitude of the problem’s impact on the usability and safety of the structure should be investigated. Repair systems should be as inexpensive as possible. Before repairs begin, the cost of repairs and the expected life of the structure after repairs should be compared to the cost of rebuilding to draw a logical conclusion as to whether repairs are the solution.