<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWithout conducting an audit on a structure, it is impossible to determine if a building has become structurally unsound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Constructed buildings do not suddenly become unsafe as a result of a singular occurrence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, it takes time for a structure to deteriorate over time before it becomes dangerous for use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes if a small\/insignificant problem is left unattended to for an extended period of time, it may develop into a much larger issue or require a lot more money to repair at a later date.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUsing a structural audit enables the owners of every building with their common group to make plans for maintaining; this is much better than responding to an emergency situation after an accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For potential purchasers of apartments, audits will give information about the present condition of the apartment(s) rather than just what appears to be in good condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>3.What is the Longevity of Concrete Apartment Buildings in India?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA typical question from prospective buyers of resale apartments is, “How long should I expect the concrete apartment building in India to be standing?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is no one answer because buildings age differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are three major factors that contribute to the life span of a structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nDesign quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n Construction quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n Lifetime of a building<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nBuildings that are both designed well and properly maintained can be expected to have a useful life of anywhere from sixty to eighty years. If high-quality materials are used, effective waterproofing is applied, and timely repairs and\/or replacements are completed, then the building may also remain functional for longer than that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conversely, poorly constructed buildings, water entry issues, no or little maintenance, and low-quality construction can all lead to rapid deterioration of the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some instances, serious building failures may appear as soon as twenty-five to thirty years after construction.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>The following three factors can have an impact on building lifespan:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSeveral factors affect the RCC building lifespan years<\/strong> more than age alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\nConstruction Quality<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nIn terms of construction; a well-constructed building will last much longer than one incorrectly constructed. A well-constructed building will be able to have a longer service life if it was constructed with structural integrity through use of good design principles, proper mix of concrete (concrete mix), appropriate curing of concrete, and through strict control of quality throughout the construction process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Waterproofing<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nConcrete is very susceptible to moisture and will break down due to long-term exposure to moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Repeated water infiltration of any type over long periods of time within concrete construction, will eventually lead to deterioration or corrosion of the reinforcing steel within the structure and\/or foundation, resulting in a reduction in the load carrying capacity of the structural member being affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Environmental Factors<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nStructures located near coastal areas, industrial sites, or in some cases aggressive exposed environment will typically deteriorate or break down more quickly as compared to buildings that are located in more stable environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maintenance<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nRoutine maintenance will prolong the useful life of the building, by providing preventive measures to reduce the need for repairs; whereas ignoring minor problems will usually lead to larger and more expensive repairs in the future. The age of the building is just one small portion of the overall impact on the structure\/service life.Its maintenance history is often an even better indicator of long-term structural performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>4.What a Structural Audit Will Reveal : Common Defects<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMany home buyers view a structural audit as a way of ensuring the property they are purchasing does not have any cracks. Yet, in reality, concrete has the ability to protect the steel reinforcement embedded within it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In reality, experienced structural engineers look much deeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the most common issues uncovered during a structural health of building assessment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Carbonation of Concrete<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOvertime, however, with constant exposure to air, the concrete surface becomes carbonated creating a loss of the protective layer around the steel. As a result, the steel becomes exposed to the possibility of corrosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corrosion of Steel Reinforcement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen steel reinforcement begins to corrode it begins to expand; thus placing stresses on the surrounding concrete, which ultimately results in the cracking or spalling of the surrounding concrete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Concrete Spalling<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe implementation of deteriorated areas from concrete beams, columns, slabs, etc., detachment from concrete is known to happen during spalling. Some people looking to purchase a home view spalling as just a cosmetic issue; in fact, this type of issue signals that the reinforcing steel embedded in the concrete needs immediate attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are situations where you may be experiencing what you know to be waterproofing failures, such as persistent terrace leaks or external wall water leaks, yet these scenarios may only be due to the waterproofing breach. However, continuous exposure to moisture by the elements over time can compromise the surface integrity (durability) of the concrete if left unaddressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While not all cracks in concrete will present a safety hazard, some will most definitely need to be assessed further. Some plaster cracks that might appear as “hairline” cracks are quite common, but structural cracks within load-bearing structures may signal some form of movement, settling or stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Distinguishing between cosmetic and structural cracks requires professional evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Differential Settlement<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSometimes different parts of a building settle unevenly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This may create:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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