Evaluation of Existing Buildings Basics 1

[jk2017]

I am looking for resources on the basics of evaluating existing structures. I realized that while I've spent my two years out of grad school doing (very valuable) design and CA work, I'm not confident that I could perform an adequate assessment of an existing structure if needed. I certainly know to look for the obvious (shear cracks in concrete, bad rusting of steel, for example) but beyond that I'm not so sure. Worth noting that I am not a PE and do not plan on doing "official" assessments quite yet, this is more about my learning in general. What sort of official trainings/certificates are out there for this? I am interested in getting some sort of second responder training in the future as well (Cal/OES, for example) for what its worth. Many thanks!

 

[SandwichEngine]

AISC Design Guide 15 is about working on existing structures.

 

[StrucPatholgst]

ASTM publishes a number of standards regarding structural assessments. There are also a couple of good books out there by Robert Day, and by Stephen Petty. But I should note that experience plays a large role in performing assessments. You have to have a broad base of practical design and construction experience, otherwise you're going to miss things. Shadowing an experienced PE for a handful of assessments will give you a good idea of where you're lacking. And even with that said, your training should never really stop. I've been at this for 20 years, and my goal is to either do a CEU course or research a small topic or part of a larger topic once a week.

 

[jk2017]

@SandwichEngine thanks, I'll check that out. Have referenced several AISC DG's in design but never that one!

 

[jk2017]

do a CEU course or research a small topic or part of a larger topic once a week

I am stealing this idea, many thanks for the advice. Will look up the ASTM standards and the books.

 

[Harbringer]

ATC 20 has good information on the evaluation of structures after an earthquake.

 

[kipfoot]

check out the ASCE publication, "Guideline for Structural Condition Assessment of Existing Buildings." I don't know of official training in the U.S. It comes with experience and familiarity with historic building practices.

 

[Ron247]

Here are some basics I learned as I went.

1. You are doing 2 things at minimum in an assessment. Trying to determine the design concept of how this structure is intended to function as loads are applied to it and how well is appears to be performing in that capacity. A lot of what you would like to see is not visible.
2. Applied loads do not damage much of anything, it is stress that tends to damage or distort. The applied loads attempt to move an object but the resistance to that movement is what causes the stress and strain.
3. View the structure from multiple physical viewpoints. Going around the building clockwise may show some but not all defects. Going back around CCW may reveal others. Either look both directions as you go, or make 2 separate trips.

I bet everyone responding has 2 or 3 basic things they do that may not be in any publication.