Ref.

–Other/2012-13/55 Date: - 03/11/2012

Structural Audit
Structural Audit & Its Need:

The General Health And Performance Of A Structure Depends On Its Quality, Workmanship &
Maintenance. As A Structure Grows Old, Ageing, Use (Or Misuse) And Exposure To The
Environment Can Affect The Health Of The Building Significantly. Therefore, It Is Advisable To
Monitor It Periodically By Taking A Professional Opinion.

Structural Audit Is A Preliminary Technical Survey Of A Structure To Assess Its General Health As
A Civil Engineering Structure. It Is Usually Initiated As The First Step For Repair. This Is Similar To
The Periodic Health Checkup Recommended For Older People.

Some Of The Finer Aspects Of Structural Audit Are Listed Below For Your Information:

A) Scope & Exclusions:

Quite Often The Word “Structural” Refers To The Building Frame, Which Supports Loads And
This Is Often In RCC. However, Structural Audit Not Only Covers Such Frame But Also Masonry,
Plaster, Painting, Plumbing, Waterproofing Etc Which Can Affect The Strength Or Durability Of The
Building, If Not Maintained Properly.

Following Exclusions From The Scope Are Also Noteworthy:

1. Non-Destructive Testing Is Excluded.
2. Visible Effects Of Internal Alterations Shall Be Documented, But Not Consumption Of FSI.
3. Type Of Repair Required Shall Be Specified, But Not Its Cost Estimate.
4. Remarks On General Health Of The Building Shall Be Given, But Assessment Of Foundation
And Structural Stability Are Excluded.

B) Observations/ Data:

Auditor’s Report Is Based On:

1. Visual Survey Of Building.
2. Feedback From The Members.
3. Repair History Of Building.
4. Drawings, If Available.
Structural Auditor Should Maintain A Comprehensive Checklist Of Observations. He Should
Also Correlate The Observations Before Giving His Remarks & Recommendations.

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 C) Difficulties During Survey:
Due To The Following Constraints, Some Distress May Not Be Visible:
1. Newly Plastered/ Painted Building
2. Locked Flats/ Inaccessible Areas
3. Wall Cladding/ False Ceiling
4. Heavy/ Fixed Furniture
Maximum Possible Data Should Be Collected Using Member Feedback Forms.

D) Contents Of Report:
The Report Should Cover:
1. Information About Society
2. Description Of Buildings
3. Info Supplied By Society
4. Dates & Mode Of Survey
5. List Of Areas, Flats Surveyed
6. General Observations
7. Critical Observations
8. Probable Causes Of Distress
9. Remarks On Structural Health
10. Recommendations For Further Investigations, Repair, Strengthening
11. Suggestions On Immediate Measures, If Necessary
12. Type Of Repair Required, Urgency & Repair Items

E) Responsibilities:
Commissioning Structural Audit And Implementing The Recommendations Of The Report Are
The Responsibilities Of The Managing Committee Of Each Cooperative Housing Society
(CHS).Submission Of The Report To The Society Marks The End Of The Auditor’s Scope Of Work.
The Structural Auditor Is Responsible Only To The Extent Of The Correctness Of His Observations
Listed In The Report And The Soundness Of His Remarks And Recommendations.

F) Beyond The Byelaws:

Structural Audit Is Mandatory For Chs And Its Provisions Are As Given In Byelaw No. 77.
However, Broadly It Should Be Seen As A Periodic Assessment Of A Building And Is Advisable
For Other Buildings Also. Structural Audit Is Inexpensive And Gives Useful Information To The
Owners Of Buildings Or Managing Committee Of Chs So That They Can Take Necessary Steps
ForBetter Upkeep Of Their Buildings. More Concerned People May Carry Out Structural Audit
Earlier And More Frequently Than Provided For In The Byelaws.

By Mr. Rakesh Jain

(P.M.C. Licensed Structural Engineer)

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