Technical inspection of buildings and structures

Technical inspection of buildings and structures

A technical inspection of buildings and structures is a set of measures aimed at assessing the technical condition of a real estate object, its structures, and identifying possible defects, damage, or signs of aging.

This procedure is necessary to ensure safe operation of the building, plan repair or restoration work, and before redevelopment or reconstruction.

When a technical inspection of buildings and structures is carried out:

1. Scheduled inspections – carried out after certain periods of operation, in accordance with the requirements of regulatory documents or the owner’s own plans to monitor the condition of the facility.
2. After accidents or natural disasters – in case of damage caused by earthquakes, fires, floods, explosions, etc.
3. Before reconstruction or modernization – the survey is necessary to assess the possibility of making changes to the building or structure.
4. Before buying or selling an object – to determine the real technical condition, especially in the case of commercial or large objects.
5. When defects are detected during operation – if there are signs of deformation, cracks, subsidence or other structural problems.
6. Before renting out – especially for non-residential properties to ensure that they are fit for purpose.
7. At the request of regulatory authorities – for example, if there are complaints or concerns about the condition of the building.

Survey methods:

Inspection of buildings and structures is divided into two main groups:

• Destructive methods – involve the partial destruction of materials or structures to study their properties. This may include testing samples of concrete, metal elements, or other materials.
• Non-destructive methods – carried out without damaging the building elements. These include ultrasound, radiography, thermal imaging, visual inspection, geodetic measurements, and others.

The main methods used to inspect buildings and structures are divided into visual, instrumental and laboratory.

Here are the main ones:

1. Visual method:

• This is one of the simplest and most common methods, consisting of inspecting the building to identify visible defects such as cracks, subsidence, corrosion, material damage, etc.
• It is used as a preliminary stage of the inspection before a more detailed analysis by other methods.

2. Ultrasonic method:

• Used to determine the depth of cracks, defects in concrete or metal structures without damaging them.
• It allows to evaluate the internal structure of materials and detect hidden defects.

3. Thermal imaging:

• This method allows you to detect heat loss, insulation, leaks, and problems with engineering systems using thermal images.
• Suitable for diagnosing the condition of external and internal walls, windows, roofs.

4. Radiography:

• Used to examine the internal structure of structures, such as reinforcement in concrete or cracks in metal.
• X-rays provide accurate information about the condition of elements that cannot be visually inspected.

5. Geodetic measurements:

• Includes control of the geometric parameters of the building: horizontal, vertical, subsidence or tilt of structures.
• Used to monitor deformations of the foundation, floors and walls.

6. Acoustic method (shock response method):

• Includes the study of the state of structures based on the analysis of sound waves that occur when an element is struck.
• It can be used to detect cavities or defects in walls, slabs and other elements.

7. Local destruction method (destructive method):

• It consists in removing samples of structural materials for laboratory testing. This allows to assess their physical properties (strength, density, moisture, etc.).
• It is used when it is necessary to obtain accurate data on the condition of materials.

8. Electromagnetic method (magnetic flaw detection):

• It is used to detect defects in metal structures using magnetic fields.
• This method can detect corrosion and other damage to metal elements.

9. Infiltration method:

• It is used to detect leaks, waterproofing violations, or problems with the tightness of the structure.
• It consists in the introduction of a special substance (for example, dye or air) to determine the points of leakage.

10. Radiographic examination (gamma-ray flaw detection):

• Similar to X-rays, it allows you to inspect the inside of structures using gamma radiation.
• It is used to inspect thick metal structures or concrete elements with reinforcement.

Each of these methods is used depending on the type of structure, materials, condition of the structure, and the tasks to be performed. Often, several methods are combined to achieve the most accurate results.

Inspection of the foundation:

A foundation inspection may be necessary in cases of:

• detection of deformations or subsidence of the building;
• reconstruction or redevelopment of the facility;
• in preparation for the construction of new floors;
• when modernizing drainage or waterproofing systems.

Why is a construction expertise of residential and non-residential facilities carried out?

• Safety assessment – construction expertise helps to identify potential risks that may pose a threat to the life or health of residents or users of the facility.
• Determination of the need for repairs – helps to determine the scope and priorities of repair work to maintain operational suitability.
• Legal confirmation of the condition – the survey can be used as documentary evidence of the condition of the property in litigation or other legal matters.
• Real estate valuation – the exact technical condition of the property affects its market value when buying and selling.
• Before leasing – the survey helps to guarantee the tenant that the property is safe and ready for use.

Inspection of structures of buildings and structures:

Structural inspection includes checking all the main elements of the building:

• Load – bearing structures (walls, columns, beams) – for cracks, deformations, or corrosion.
• Ceilings – to detect damage that could lead to collapse.
• Roofs – to detect leaks, corrosion, or deterioration of materials.
• Engineering systems (power grids, water supply, sewerage) – for their serviceability and efficiency.

Thus, a technical inspection of real estate is an important step in maintaining its operational suitability, safety and value.

Contact GlobalBud Ukraine

Apply for a technical inspection of buildings and structures in GlobalBud Ukraine to get a professional assessment of the condition of your real estate.

The company’s specialists will provide a full range of services, including destructive and non-destructive inspection methods, assessment of the condition of the foundation and structures, and prepare appropriate recommendations for the safe operation or repair of the building.