Henry Amadi .

2(Two)-Storied
Masonry and Concrete
Structure Building.
ASSESSMENT OF STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF E

2022

MERGE ASSOCIATES LIMITED.

 REPORT
ON ASSESSMENT OF STRUCTURAL SAFETY OF

Henry Amadi. P.O.Box 87

Located at Chuna Two

Estate,
Enkasiti Area,
Kitengela.
Kajiado County

Prepared by
Eng. Omondi Felix Mark.PE
B.Tech. Eng.(CIVIL&STRUCTURAL)
MEBK-A3123

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INTRODUCTION

This is the report of visual inspection that was conducted on the structural components of the
residential house as described below.

It has become necessary to determine the integrity of a two-storey apartment building

belonging to Henry Amadi (Husband) and Grace Ojil (wife) at Chuna Two Estate, Enkasiti
Area, Kitengela, in Kajiado County. The client (Grace Ojil), therefore, engaged the services
of the Engineers to undertake this exercise in order to assure her with utmost certainty,
suitability of the facility for its intended use.

In response to Grace Ojil (client) request, the team on the 30th of March, 2022, undertook an
assessment by Visual inspection only on this building. This document reports on the
structural integrity assessment of the facility is based on Physical Observations conducted on
the building. The analysis, however, does not include any gravity and lateral loads Analysis
or tests

The structure which is analyzed and assessed is a two-storey load bearing natural masonry
building with solid RCC first flor slab on its top. The structure has been strengthened with
different vertical and horizontal RC beams and columns so as to improve the gravity loads
performance of the structure.

Based on the visual inspection carried out, the building is primarily designed as a residential
apartment. This means the suspended floor is expected to serve mainly as bedrooms.
kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms. At the time of this investigation, the building was
loaded since it had occupants in it and it is partially under repairs which are yet to be fully
completed.

There is indication of alteration to the building structure at the garage space which deviates
from its initial intended purpose to a room area as a residential apartment. The other
alteration to the building structure is at the living room front section load bearing walls is
temporarily removed to allow for foundation repairs.

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PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The main purpose of this structural condition assessment is to observe and note down
the items of distress or design deficiency and the method of construction,

This report is an outcome of the structural condition assessment process as

undertaken, and is primarily based on the preliminary visual inspection as carried out
and preliminary review of available information regarding the design, construction,
supervision, operation, repair, maintenance and any alteration or expansion of the
existing building.

While there is no existing comprehensive guideline for assessment of structural

safety/condition of existing building in the context of the country’s current
civil/structural engineering practice (design, construction, supervision, maintenance,
repair and alteration), this assessment process is premeditated in a manner keeping
into utmost consideration of life threatening issues.

It is conducted in a way to aid in identifying and quantifying the scope/extent of

further comprehensive detailed assessment, if needed. It may also aid in evaluating
the action plan of any immediate remedial measure. Consultant’s vigilant observation,
intuition, experience, judgment, rationale has been incorporated.

Utmost effort has been utilized in this respect to become as much objective possible in
observing, visualizing, analyzing, interpreting, evaluating and assessing, instead of
being subjective. A checklist based field data sheet, as being prepared by MERGE
ASSOCIATES LIMITED. personnel from their previous experience in this field, is
fully utilized in order to optimize the outcome of the field inspection phase in this
regard.

The objective of this report is to check the building whether they are technically fit for
operating as residential building or not according to the Building Codes & other
required codes.

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AVAILABLE BUILDING AND SUBSURFACE INFORMATION

No Available documents regarding the existing building were presented. The

following documents regarding the existing building was not made available to us:

An architectural drawing of the building

An as built drawing sheet showing structural details

A geotechnical investigation report.

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CLIENT INFORMATION/HISTORICAL DATA

Prior to the commencement of visual inspection, the structural engineers obtained

verbal historical information from the building owner and occupants. The Initial data
obtained from the client were as indicated below.
 They have lived in the developed residential structure for seven (7) years
 The structure was built on black cotton soil during the construction of the
foundations.
 No firm ground was confirmed or established during the commencement of
the structure and setting out of the building
 No professional engineer was involved in the construction of the structure
 First cracks developed at some points and locations of the developed
residential structure.
 Foundation excavation was done to modify the bases to avert the cracking
problems.
 The foundation modifications were done in stages at different moments and
time at particular positions.
 The cracking problems have persistent.
 Currently, excavation to the foundation footing is underway particularly at the
front entrance and garage region in preparation to amend the strip foundation
and bases to stop the cracks enlargement and development.

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VISUAL INSPECTION/PHYSICAL OBSERVATIONS

Established upon the physical observations made during this inspection, the following
items were noted:

 Evidence of ongoing construction at the garage area.

 Partial backfilling of the foundation walling is seen at the garage
 50% removal of one side of the load bearing walls of the garage.
 Front patio at the entrance has a deep excavation, done for purpose of
repairing the strip foundations.
 Quality of the construction works is poor, this is evidence by The load
bearing wall at the entrance of the living room was removed and slab-beam
supported on poorly erected poles.
 There are visible structural cracks on the floor dinning or sitting rooms to the
living room.
 There are visible structural cracks on the walls of rooms adjacent and
connected to the garage room.
 It is noticeable that the Reinforced Concrete Frame Building show the lack of
beam-slab, beam-beam and beam-column resistant features as per building
codes.
 There are visible structural cracks on the walls of rooms adjacent and
connected to the sitting and entrance patio section of the living room.
 The staircase appears to be in good shape there is no noticeable cracks on it
 No structural drawings or technical specifications were available for review
 It is noticeable that detachment of the walls with the columns due to
movement induced in the house by effect differential settlement at the
foundations.
 The cracks in beams were generally located near the end supports of the
members and appeared to be oriented predominantly in the diagonal direction.
 There were several concrete columns at the entrance of the garage and that
had longitudinal cracks with rust stains and concrete spalls.

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 Evidence of structural cracks in the northeast bedroom balcony exhibiting
walls and columns dethatched from each other. Visible damage between the
guard rails from their support structures.
 All other rooms located at the rear section of the house are in good shape
because of non-structural cracks observed on them.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

 Visual inspection is required for proper assessment and analysis on the effect of the
current construction on the existing structure. The Site visit is in order so that
appropriate survey can be conducted to determine the structural characteristics of the
existing building through
 Modeling of the existing building using the data for the residential Building.
 Structural analysis of the modeled building.
 Reinforced concrete design of the structural elements considering STAAD
results.
 Compare the obtained & existing design of structural elements of the
residential building.
 Recommend whether buildings are settlement safer or not for the building
uses.
 Availability of the architectural drawings, structural drawings and technical
specifications of the building structural layout plans from the building owner will
assist the structural engineers to:
 Understand the structural system and layout of the building;
 Identify critical areas for inspection;
 Identify the allowable imposed loads, in order to assess the usage and
possibility of overloading; and
 Verify if unauthorized addition or alteration works that affect the structure of
the building have been carried out
 Hence, it is concluded that the existing building is use as a residential Building is Non
Engineered Building based on the requirements of Building Codes, construction
quality and architectural design. Retrofitting is recommended for the building.
 After the analysis of the residential building, we conclude that the existing building
has no sufficient capacity to resist additional force during the construction activities.
So the retrofitting works are essential to this building during the repair of the
foundations.

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 The structure may have experience differential settlement between its foundation
systems underground due to the high shrink/swell potentials because of the high
percentage of expansive clays present. This type of soil is known to be one of the
most expansive clay soils so classified in the area.
 The stairs and landings leading to the upper stories of the structure appear to be
performing their intended functions. The stair step geometry generally appears to be
within the allowable amounts and there were no excessive height changes in the steps.
 The existence of the diagonal crack on the ground floor, in our opinion, is more of a
function of the foundation movement due to frequent swell and shrink of the clay soil
below the structure. This should immediately be resolved.
 Lack of proper support of the props at the top and bottom may lead to collapse of the
slab – beam, this issue is critical to the safety of the house. It is an important safety
consideration for the occupants. Therefore, the quality of repair workmanship
exhibited on the site is quite non satisfactory with poor support systems.
 Existence of cracks repair at the walls is an indication of continuous renovation of the
persistence problem overtime. Also, cyclic excavation of the foundation can decrease
masonry strength considerably. It is worth mentioning that for initiation and
propagation of cracks due to settlement of the foundation and excavation.

RECOMMENDED TESTS
The aim of these tests are to show that the structural integrity of the structure and
foundation to carry loads of the two-floor house is adequate:
a) Scan tests
The purpose of this test is to determine the bar size, bar spacing and bar
cover in order to ascertain the serviceability and ultimate limit state
confirming to the designed characteristic compressive strength and steel
reinforcement amount if they are adequate. Since no drawings are available,
and some honeycombing has been observed, we would need to know the as-
built condition of the structure and the location and quantity of the
reinforcement which will help in the evaluation of the structure strength and
capacity.
b) Rebound hammer

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 To assess the capacity of the structure, the material properties of the relevant
elements must be known. Since the client has not provided any drawings or
project documentation, a way to determine the mechanical properties of the
elements is necessary. The Elcometer concrete rebound (Schmidt) hammer
test is a recognized non-destructive test to assess the homogeneity and
integrity of concrete strength.
Characteristic compressive strength for concrete is the ability of material or
structure to carry the loads on its surface without any crack or deflection.
This ability is highly required to be analyzed whether external loading is
properly applied to be resisted by internal load involving by compressive
strength of concrete member in combination with steel reinforcement.
Rebound hammer test establish the current the compressive strength of the
structure.
c) Trial pits
To determine the depth of exaction and soil characteristics.
d) Soil tests
There are no information regarding geotechnical perimeters to be utilized for
assessments of ultimate limit state and serviceability limit state based on
codes of practices. But, the foundation is evidently thought to be constructed
on black cotton soil layer. Soil tests are necessary to affirm the condition of
the supporting ground.
e) Soil bearing capacity
The ground conditions are postulated by visual inspection and experience of
the structural engineers. No geotechnical tests were carried out on the site
hence a conservative soil bearing capacity tests should be carried out.

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CONCLUSION

Proper inspection and the recommended tests as indicated in the report of the existing
components can help reduce the possibility of structural failures.

Overall, this house is in not in good shape because of the unfinished repair works and
partially incomplete prop support system.

Based upon the observations made during this inspection, it is our opinion that the
following structural components of the residence either defective in performance or
are in need of attention.

Subsequently: It is in our opinion that the performance characteristics of the load-

bearing structural components of this residence may continue to be negatively
affected if the following construction measures are not adhered to during the repair
stage;

a) Strict Control over quality of materials and workmanship is required for

expected performance of building in future. Hence, the following shall
be considered during construction works to obtain expected results.

b) All works to be carried out in accordance with current best practice,

Building Regulations, the project specification and relevant Building
Code, Kenya Bureau of Standards and Codes of Practice. Materials and
components to be appropriate for their intended use.

c) The construction-works shall only be carried-out by trained mason with

supervision of Engineer.

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 d) During construction, the contractor shall be responsible for maintaining
the structure in a stable condition and ensuring no part shall be
damaged under construction activities.

e) Workmanship and materials are to be done in accordance with the

relevant current Standards including all amendments and the local
statutory authorities, except where varied by the contract document.

APPENDIX

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