Structural Audit is a preliminary technical survey of a building to assess its general health as a civil engineering structure. Let us understand some of its finer aspects.

Scope & exclusions:

Quite often the word “structural” refers to the building frame, which supports loads and which is often in RCC. However, structural audit not only covers such frame but also masonry, plaster, painting, plumbing, waterproofing etc which can affect the strength or durability of the building if not maintained properly. Following exclusions from the scope are also noteworthy:

• Tools such as a tapping hammer, damp detector etc should be used, but non-destructive testing is excluded.
• Visible effects of internal alterations should be documented, but not consumption of FSI.
• Type of repair required should be specified, but not its cost estimate.
• Remarks on general health of the building should be given, but assessment of foundation and structural stability are excluded.

Auditor’s report is based on:

• Visual survey of building
• Feedback from the members
• Repair history of building
• Drawings, if available

Difficulties during survey:

Due to the following constraints, some distress may not be visible:

• Newly plastered/ painted building
• Locked flats/ inaccessible areas
• Wall cladding/ false ceiling
• Heavy/ fixed furniture

Contents of report:

The Report should cover:

• Information about Society
• Description of buildings
• Info supplied by Society
• Dates & mode of survey
• List of areas, flats surveyed
• General observations
• Critical observations
• Probable causes of distress
• Remarks on structural health
• Recommendations for further investigations, repair, strengthening
• Suggestions on immediate measures, if necessary
• Type of repair required, urgency & repair items

Commissioning structural audit and implementing the recommendations of the report are the responsibilities of the managing committee of each cooperative housing society (CHS). Submission of the report to the Society marks the end of the auditor’s scope of work. The structural auditor is responsible only to the extent of the correctness of his observations listed in the report and the soundness of his remarks and recommendations.

Beyond the byelaws:

Structural audit is mandatory for CHS and its provisions are as given in byelaw no. 77. However, broadly it should be seen as a periodic assessment of a building and is advisable for other buildings also. Structural audit is inexpensive and gives useful information to the owners of buildings or managing committee of CHS so that they can take necessary steps for better upkeep of their buildings. More concerned people may carry out structural audit earlier and more frequently than provided for in the byelaws.