Structural Inspection of Buildings
Structural inspection and analysis is an important inspection to make on a building. Many factors can influence the structural integrity of a building especially if that building is located close to the ocean and the salt air environment. The age of the building plays an important role in the structural integrity of a building since many times there is visible evidence of spalling in the concrete portions of a building. Structural deficiencies can occur as a result of concrete spalling. Structural reinforcing steel can be weakened by the uncovering of the steel by spalling away or cracking away of the concrete cover.
Definition: Spalling is a result of water entering brick, concrete or natural stone and forcing the surface to peel, pop out or flake off. This is because the moisture penetrates the concrete cover and begins to rust the steel reinforcing bars within the concrete section. The reinforcing steel is the keeps the concrete section together and adds “stiffing” of the concrete. When the reinforcing rebar begins to rust from the water intrusion the outer surface of the concrete wall or column “pops off” the concrete that was covering the steel. Now the steel rebar is exposed to the elements and the structural integrity begins to deteriorate. Immediate repair is required to prevent further deterioration and possible failure of the concrete section over time. Eventually, spalling can cause crumbling and destruction of a structure. Using third generation construction experience in addition to the past 35 years of inspection and direct “hands on” construction activity Andrew Allocco, P.E. can diagnose the cause and correction for almost any construction defect.
He is a licensed consulting engineer practicing in the Structural – Mechanical & Electrical categories.
ROOF – STRUCTURE – HVAC – WATER – SEWER – SWIMMING POOL – SPA – FIRE PIPING – MOTORS – MACHINERY
Call: (772) 388-3188
