Article · Reference
A glossary of technical inspection terms
Key building-inspection concepts in plain language, so that the client and the specialist speak the same language.
The terms below appear in contracts, reports and review requirements. Understanding these concepts helps you set the task correctly and assess whether the work has been done well.
Technical building inspection
A set of works to determine the actual technical condition of a building and its structures: examination, instrumental control of material strength, verification calculations of load-bearing capacity and assessment of the technical-condition category. The core service is technical building inspection.
Engineering report
The final document produced from an inspection: condition category, load-bearing capacity, a defect schedule with photo evidence, verification calculations and recommendations. It serves as the input data for the design and state expert review.
Building responsibility level
A classification of a building by its importance and the consequences of a possible failure of its structures: level I (increased), level II (normal), level III (reduced). Only accredited organisations inspect properties of levels I and II. More — in a separate article.
Technical-condition category
An assessment of the condition of structures to the codes of Kazakhstan: serviceable, operable, limitedly operable, emergency. It determines whether continued operation is admissible and whether strengthening is required.
Load-bearing capacity
The maximum load a structure can take without losing strength and stability. It is assessed by a verification calculation based on the actual characteristics of the materials.
Verification calculation
A calculation of the actual load-bearing capacity of existing structures taking into account real dimensions, material strength and loads — as opposed to the design calculation of a new building.
Defect schedule
A systematised list of identified defects and damage to structures, with photo evidence, references to elements and an assessment of the danger.
Design documentation
A set of design and estimate documents for construction, reconstruction or major repair. An engineering report serves as the input data for it — see the pre-design survey.
State expert review
A state check of design documentation for compliance with the codes. A design based on the report of an accredited organisation passes review without remarks on the input data. More — engineering report for state expert review.
Seismic safety (seismic resistance)
A building’s ability to withstand seismic actions. For seismic regions, including Almaty, it is assessed during inspection, reconstruction and commissioning — see the seismic assessment.
Need a property
inspection?
Describe your task — we will tell you which report you need and name the timeline and cost.