International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 06 Issue: 05 | May 2019 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Understanding the Structural Audit

Abhijit Belkade1, Aman Gupta2, Nikita Ingle3, Pramodini Kamble4, Vaishnavi Suryawanshi5,
Dr. S.M. Pore6
1,2,3,4,5Undergraduate Student, Dept. Of Civil Engineering, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University,
Lonere, Maharashtra, India
6Head of Department, Dept. Of Civil Engineering, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere,

Maharashtra, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract – Structural Audit of a building means and retrofitting measures required for the better
everything connected to the conduct of a building, which performance of the building.
includes strength of the columns, beams, pillars, iron bars, Model bye-law no. 77 of the Maharashtra Co-operative
plasters, sewage discharge systems, water pipeline systems, Societies Act specifies that:
etc. The need of structural audit is for maintenance and
The Society shall cause the STRUCTURAL AUDIT of the
repairs of existing structures timely which leads to
Building of the society as follows:-
prolonged life of the building and safety of the
occupants to avoid any mishaps and save valuable 1) For the building ageing between 15 to 30 years- Once
human life. The periodical structural auditing of existing in 5 years.
buildings is thus of utmost importance in finding the 2) For the building ageing above 30 years- Once in 3
present serviceability and structural viability of years.
structure.
1.2 Purpose of Structural Audit
Key Words: Structural Audit, Repairs, Maintenance, NDT
 To understand the condition and health of the
1. INTRODUCTION structure.
 To check actual reliability of the structure.
As time passes, buildings undergoes natural disruption  To highlight the critical areas of the structure
and disturbance. In India, there are many buildings which that needs immediate attention.
are under serious structural risk. Leakages are a frequent  To abide by the Municipal or any statutory
sight throughout monsoon. If further usage of such requirements.
deteriorated structure is carried on, it may put the lives of
inhabitants and nearby occupants at risk. We continue to 2. METHODOLOGY
discover occasional building failure, which have resulted
in irrecoverable destruction and losses of both men and 2.1 Stages in Structural Audit:
material from time to time. Proper measures should then
1. Study of architectural and structural drawings,
be executed to improve the performance and restore the
design criteria, design calculations, structural
appropriate desired function of the structures. Thus, it is
stability certificate of existing structures.
of utmost importance to carry out structural auditing of
existing structures and to execute maintenance or repair 2. If the Architectural plans and Structural plans
works time to time which will result in prolonged are not available, the same can be prepared by
existence of the structure and safety of the inhabitants. any Engineer.
3. Inspection of the building.
1.1 What is Structural Audit ? 4. Preparation of Audit report.
2.2 Visual Inspection
Structural Audit is an important approach to comprehend
the distress level or state of any existing The inspection report should reveal the following along
building/structure. It is an initial specialized technical with photographs and sketches:
inspection of a building to evaluate its general health as a civil
engineering structure. It is usually initiated as the first step for  Settlement of columns or foundations
repair. This is akin to the periodic health checkup  Settlement of walls and floors
recommended for older people. It ensures the safety of the
building and its premises. Structural audit is important for  Deflection and cracks in Retaining wall
knowing the real health status of the heritage buildings or  Materials used and framing system of structure
structure. It is a process which suggests appropriate repairs

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 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 06 Issue: 05 | May 2019 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

 Identification of the critical structural members

like floating columns, transfer beams, slender
members, rusting of exposed steel and its
extent.
 Status of all building elements like beams,
slabs, columns, balconies, canopy, false ceiling,
chajja, parapet and railings with respect to
parameters deflection, cracks, leakages and
spalling of concrete.
 Status of water tank, staircase, lift and lift
machine room.
 Dampness in walls
 Leakages in Terrace, toilets, plumbing lines,
drainage lines and overhead tanks. Fig -3: Exposed brickwork in walls
 Blistering of paints and paint peel off
2.3 Tapping observation
 Inspection of drainage system
Tapping sound is noted by tapping hammer on some
structural elements to find out whether it is hollow or
dense. Defects like cracks and bulging are also identified
by tapping with light hammer.

2.4 Destructive testing

It is feasible most of the times to make a stroke through

the components and inspect the exposed surfaces to
substantiate the robustness of a component. The building
components can be stressed and pressurized until
failure to ascertain their properties of strength and
toughness. Materials can also be subjected to chemical
testing. These are some forms of destructive testing.
Unfortunately this approach of destructive testing
renders the component useless for its intended use as
Fig -1: Exposed reinforcement in wall
against non-destructive testing which can be performed
on the components and machines without affecting
their service performance.

2.5 Non Destructive testing

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a wide group of

analysis techniques used in science and technology
industry to evaluate the properties of a material,
component or system without causing damage.
Common NDT methods include ultrasonic, magnetic
particle, liquid penetrate, radiography, remote visual
inspection (RVI), eddy current testing. These types of
tests are of great importance in determining the damage to
structures subjected to corrosion, chemical attack, fire
attack, etc.

3. AUDIT REPORT

Fig -2: Cracks in beams An Audit Report is prepared on the basis of the inspection
carried out.
General Format of the Structural Audit Report:

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 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 06 Issue: 05 | May 2019 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

 Name of the building Slab

 Name of the owner
 Address Water tank
 Contact No. Drainage
 Year of Construction line/Pumping
 Name of Structural Engineer for Audits line
Deflection
4 Beam
Table -1: General Observations
Slab
Remark
Sr. Description
No. Balcony

1 Type of bldg. structure Condition

5
of staircase,
Age of building balcony,
2 flooring
and ducts
No. of wing
3
RCC framed structures are rated by grades as follows:
Mode of use
4
 Very Bad (VB)
No. of stories  Bad (B)
5
 Fair (F)
No. of flats  Good (G)
6  Very Good (VG)
Architectural plan
7 4. CONCLUSIONS
available

Structural Audit is a highly responsible job and of utmost

Table -2: Structural Observations importance since it is connected with lives of people and
socio-economic considerations. It is advisable to carry out
Component Grade structural audit of any building atleast once in five years;
Sr. Description
No. and for buildings aging more than 30 years, structural
1 Cracks Beam audit should be carried once in 3 years. The effective
carrying out of structural audit prevents deterioration of
Column building ensuing sustainability. The periodical structural
auditing and analysis for health of existing buildings is
Slab very important for finding the present status of
structures.
Plaster
REFERENCES
Wall
[1] A.B. Mahadik and M.H.Jaiswal, ”Structural Audit of
Settlement Foundation Buildings”, International Journal of Civil Engineering
2
Research, ISSN 2278-3652 Volume 5, Number 4 (2014),
Joint at plinth pp. 411-416
[2] I.H SHAH, ”Structural audit of RCC Building” 2008
Column [3] B. H. Chafekar, O. S.Kadam, K. B. Kale, S. R. Mohite, P.
A. Shinde, V. P. Koyle, “Structural Audit”, International
Wall Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering Research
(IJCSER), VOL 1, Issue 1, pp : (42-46), Published 2014.
Leakage
3 External wall
and
Dampness
Toilet

Terrace

© 2019, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.211 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 383
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 06 Issue: 05 | May 2019 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

BIOGRAPHIES
Abhijit A. Belkade
Undergraduate student, Dept. Of
Civil Engineering, Dr. Babasaheb
Ambedkar Technological
University, Lonere

Aman C. Gupta
Undergraduate student, Dept. Of
Civil Engineering, Dr. Babasaheb
Ambedkar Technological
University, Lonere

Nikita G. Ingle
Undergraduate student, Dept. Of
Civil Engineering, Dr. Babasaheb
Ambedkar Technological
University, Lonere

Pramodini D. Kamble
Undergraduate student, Dept. Of
Civil Engineering, Dr. Babasaheb
Ambedkar Technological
University, Lonere

Vaishnavi D. Suryawanshi
Undergraduate student, Dept. Of
Civil Engineering, Dr. Babasaheb
Ambedkar Technological
University, Lonere

Dr. S. M. Pore
Head of Department, Dept. Of
Civil Engineering, Dr. Babasaheb
Ambedkar Technological
University, Lonere B.E. (Civil
Engineering) M. E. (Structures)
Ph. D. (Earthquake Engineering-
Struct. Dynamics)

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