Inspection of buildings and structures
To diagnose an existing structure correctly, we track changes in the geometry of its load-bearing elements and in the physical and mechanical properties of the materials they are made of.
01
Methods
The strength of reinforced-concrete elements is determined by non-destructive testing of the concrete with a rebound hammer, and the reinforcement is mapped with a cover meter. The degree of corrosion of the bars can also be measured. Where laboratory testing of the existing material is needed, cores are taken from the structure.
On steel parts of buildings and structures we can measure the thickness of applied coatings and the tension in bolted connections.
02
Non-destructive testing of existing structures
Non-destructive testing of existing elements includes:
- 01checking the strength of concrete
- 02locating reinforcement in concrete and determining its characteristics
- 03assessing the corrosion potential of embedded reinforcement
- 04measuring the thickness of non-magnetic coatings on steel (fire-protective paints, primers, etc.)
- 05measuring the surface moisture of reinforced-concrete elements
