Structural Appraisal Of Existing Buildings

This Digest gives guidance for professional engineers on the structural appraisal of existing buildings for a change of use, in particular as required by The Building Regulations for England and Wales. Regulation 6 requires that, in case of material change of use, that is change of use to an hotel, public building or an institution, the building must comply with the requirements of Parts A1, A2, A3 and A4 of Schedule 1. The approach to structural appraisal of an existing building is fundamentally different from that taken in designing the structure of a proposed building. This Digest explains the differences and describes a practical sequence for carrying out such an appraisal. The reporting and implementation of the findings of an appraisal for change of use are outlined. The need for, and approach to, testing of materials and structures are discussed and sources of information are given to aid appraisal. The Digest deals with the structural appraisal of both traditional buildings - constructed using rules of thumb and experience for the layout and sizing of structural members - and those whose structure has been designed, calculated and specified according to engineering principles.

This book looks at approaches to appraising and conserving mainstream architecture of the 20th century - commercial buildings, industrial buildings and housing.

Standard ASCE/SEI 30-14 provides a guideline and methodology for assessing the condition and performance of existing building envelope systems and components.

Structural appraisal is important to professionals concerned with the repair, maintenance or refurbishment of traditional buildings. It involves recognizing and establishing the cause of any structural damage and, if the damage is still active predicting its course. Such knowledge forms the basis for appropriate and efficient action. This book offers a comprehensive guide to the common causes of structural damage. It examines the techniques for collecting evidence including desk study, visual inspection, distortion survey, testing and ground investigation as well as offering advice on managing liability. Each appraisal is unique. A wide range of investigative techniques are described covering most of the circumstances that are likely to occur in practice. The second edition has been substantially re-written and includes more than 150 diagrams illustrating the main principles. There is additional material on; structural behaviour; initial appraisal; building types; use of iron in buildings; and the problems that occur with buildings built on clay.