The inspection data and conclusions of building structures are the basis for evaluating the quality of building structural engineering and the performance of existing building structures, as well as the basis for identifying the causes of quality accidents. Some inspection conclusions themselves have an evaluation function. The most basic requirement for structural inspection is reliable data.

When testing is required

On the whole, we can divide the building structures that need to be tested or assessed into the following three situations:

(1) Structures with construction quality disputes;

(2) Structure without quality disputes;

(3) Structures affected by external human factors.

In view of these three situations, we can divide the inspection into structural engineering quality inspection and existing structural performance inspection.

Structural engineering quality inspection

Engineering quality inspection refers to the inspection or evaluation of the components, materials, and physical quality of construction projects in accordance with inherent standards. In the following situations, the relevant units should entrust a professional third-party testing agency to conduct structural engineering quality testing:

(1) Testing stipulated by the current relevant national standards;

(2) The quantity of samples sent for structural engineering inspection is insufficient or the relevant inspection data is missing;

(3) The results of construction quality sample inspection or self-inspection by relevant parties did not meet the design requirements;

(4) Doubt or dispute about the construction quality;

(5) A quality or safety accident occurs;

(6) There is doubt or dispute about the engineering quality of the existing building structure;

(7) Structures for which construction quality acceptance is not carried out in accordance with regulations.

Existing structural performance testing

Existing structural performance testing refers to the testing of existing building safety and other aspects. In the following situations, relevant units need to entrust a professional third-party testing agency to test existing buildings.

(1) Reliability assessment of building structures;

(2) Safety and seismic appraisal of buildings;

(3) Evaluation before building overhaul;

(4) Evaluation before the building is changed, transformed, added or expanded;

(5) The assessment that the building structure will continue to be used when it reaches the design service life;

(6) Assessment of buildings affected by natural disasters, environmental erosion, etc.;

(7) Evaluation of finding emergencies or special problems.