Damage Assessment of Structures

To identify the suitable repair procedure, it is necessary to have a planned approach to investigate the condition of concrete and reinforcement.

Visual Observation Of Damaged Structures:

• Visual observation uses direct inspection to detect obvious signs of deterioration, such as physical damage in the form of saplling or cracking. 
• It can often provide valuable information to the well trained eye. Visual features may be related to workmanship, structural serviceability, and material deterioration and it is particularly important that the engineer is able to differentiate between the various signs of distress which may be encountered.

A careful and detailed record of all observations should be made as the inspection proceeds. Drawings can be marked, colored or shaded to indicate the local severity of each feature. Defects that commonly need recording include:

• Cracking which can vary widely in nature and style depending on the causative mechanism
• Surface pitting and saplling
• Surface staining
• Differential movements or displacements
• Variation in algal or vegetative growths
• Surface voids, honeycombing, bleed marks
• Constructional and lift joints
• Exudation of efflorescence.