PURPOSE OF AND REASON FOR

STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATION
STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATION, ENGINEERING EVALUATION AND RETROFITTING
METHODOLOGY TO IMPROVE THE SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF EXISTING CONCRETE
BUILDING STRUCTURES BASED ON NSCP C101-10 AND ASCE41-13

Lecturer ENGR. ADAM C ABINALES, M.ENG, F.ASEP, F.PICE

Course STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
 ADAM C. ABINALES M.ENG.,F.ASEP,F.PICE

Outline

 Definition of Terms
Structural Investigation
Structural Assessment
Structural Evaluation

 Objectives
Purpose of and Reason for Structural
Investigation / Assessment
 ADAM C. ABINALES M.ENG.,F.ASEP,F.PICE

Definition
 Structural Investigation (SI)
 Pertains to the systematic collection
and analysis of data, evaluation, and
recommendations regarding the
portions of an existing structure which
have been damaged, have signs of
deficiencies or distress and
deteriorations due to extended use
and age, and would be affected by its
intended or proposed use.
 ADAM C. ABINALES M.ENG.,F.ASEP,F.PICE

Definition

 Structural Assessment (SA)

 Pertainsto the systematic
collection and analysis of data,
evaluation, and
recommendations regarding the
portions of an existing structure
which would be affected by its
proposed use.
 ADAM C. ABINALES M.ENG.,F.ASEP,F.PICE

Definition

 SI and SA References
ANSI/ASCE 11-90, replaced
by SEI/ASCE 11-99 “Guidance
for Structural Condition
Assessment of Existing
Buildings”
 ADAM C. ABINALES M.ENG.,F.ASEP,F.PICE

Definition

 Structural Evaluation (SE)

 Pertains to the process of
determining the structural
adequacy of the structure or
component of the structure
for its intended use.
 ADAM C. ABINALES M.ENG.,F.ASEP,F.PICE

Definition

 Structural Evaluation (SE)

References
NSCP Vol. I 2010 Section 420
“Strength Evaluation of
Existing Structures”
ASCE 41-13 “Seismic
Evaluation and Retrofitting of
Existing Buildings”
 ADAM C. ABINALES M.ENG.,F.ASEP,F.PICE

Definition

 Structural Evaluation (SE)

References
FEMA Publication 310
“Handbook for the Seismic
Evaluation of Buildings”
ADAM C. ABINALES M.ENG.,F.ASEP,F.PICE
 ADAM C. ABINALES M.ENG.,F.ASEP,F.PICE

Purpose of and Reason for Structural Investigation

/ Assessment
 Per ASCE 11-90, replace by ASCE 11-99, a structural condition
assessment to be undertaken for the following purposes:
 Develop a performance report;
 Establish building use;
 Serviceability;
 Code compliance;
 Life safety;
 Durability;
 Historic preservation; and
 Other special purposes based on the specific building and its current or
proposed occupancy or function.
 ADAM C. ABINALES M.ENG.,F.ASEP,F.PICE

Purpose of and Reason for Structural Investigation

/ Assessment
 Generally, a structural assessment may be required for
any or a combination of the above purposes by the
building owners, prospective purchasers, tenants,
regulatory officials to determine the fitness of the
building structure as to:
 For its existing purpose;
 For a proposed change in occupancy;
 For proposed alterations or additions; and/or
 After being subjected to a major earthquake or other
extreme events.
 ADAM C. ABINALES M.ENG.,F.ASEP,F.PICE

Purpose of and Reason for Structural Investigation

/ Assessment
 Specifically, why a structural assessment would be
required to determine the fitness of the building
structure as to:
 Sign of deficiencies or distress (i.e. excessive cracking,
settlements, building drift, deflections, excessive vibrations);
 Sign of deterioration due to use and age of the structure or
exposure to aggressive environment; and/or
 A prospective owner purchasing the building structure.
 ADAM C. ABINALES M.ENG.,F.ASEP,F.PICE

Purpose of and Reason for Structural Investigation

/ Assessment
 More specifically, why a structural assessment
would be required due to change in occupancy
and/or configuration of the building:
 Change of occupancy from residential to storage, in the
live load is significantly different;
 Introduction of additional / new loads such as
installation of water tank or equipment; and/or
 Introduction of additional floor area due to expansion
of building structure (vertically or horizontally).
 ADAM C. ABINALES M.ENG.,F.ASEP,F.PICE

Conclusion

 Understanding structural investigation and structural

assessment leading to structural (engineering) evaluation
must be set clear to the designer at the onset;
 Guidelines / handbooks are available which can be

referenced and as prescribed in the NSCP.

 ADAM C. ABINALES M.ENG.,F.ASEP,F.PICE

Questions/Discussions

 Question One
Discussion

 Question Two
Discussion

 Questions Three
Discussion