STRUCTURE STABILITY TEST:
In India there are many old buildings which have reduced strength in due course of
time. If further use of such deteriorated structure is continued it may endanger the lives
of the occupants and surrounding habitation. Appropriate actions should then be
implemented to improve the performance of structures and restore the desired function
of structures. Thus, it is utmost important to perform structural audit of existing
buildings and to implement maintenance/ repair work timely which will lead to
prolonged life of the building and safety of the occupant. To act more responsible and
preemptive towards the dilapidated buildings, the municipal corporation must issue
notices to the buildings and co-operative societies which are more than 30 years old to
carry out mandatory structural audit and submit the audit report. Structural audit
should highlight and investigate all critical areas and recommend immediate remedial
and preventive measures. It should cover the structural analysis of existing frame and
find critical elements for all types of loadings. It also helps in delivering a strong
building structure with cost effective solutions and appropriate maintenance program.
This paper deals with study of different parameter of structural audit including visual
inspection, non-destructive testing, core sampling and testing. It also emphasizes on
different repairs and retrofitting measures to be used for buildings after structural audit.
