Article · Reconstruction
Inspection before reconstruction and strengthening
Why a reconstruction cannot be designed blind, what an inspection includes and how recommendations for strengthening load-bearing structures are formed.
A reconstruction changes the loads, layout or use of a building — and therefore affects the work of the load-bearing structures. Before designing the changes, you need to know the building's actual condition precisely. That is why an inspection before reconstruction is not a formality but the input data for the design.
When an inspection before reconstruction is needed
- changes to the spatial-planning solutions (merging, removing or moving walls, creating openings);
- increased loads — new equipment, a floor addition, a change of use;
- an extension or expansion of the building;
- restoring a property after a long idle period or unfinished construction;
- preparing input data for the design and state expert review.
What the inspection includes
Measurements and examination. Recording actual dimensions, structural schemes and visible defects with photo evidence.
Instrumental control. Determining the strength of concrete, masonry and metal, reinforcement, and the condition of nodes and connections.
Verification calculations. Assessing the actual load-bearing capacity of the structures with the new design loads.
Report and recommendations. Technical-condition category, defect schedule and strengthening solutions.
Recommendations for strengthening structures
If the calculations show a load-bearing-capacity deficit under the new loads, the report includes strengthening recommendations. They indicate which structures need intervention and by which methods:
- strengthening of foundations and bases;
- strengthening of columns and piers with jackets and by increasing the cross-section;
- strengthening of floor slabs and beams with additional elements;
- use of composite materials (carbon fibre) where justified;
- measures to ensure seismic safety.
Strengthening recommendations are the part of the report the designer uses directly. We have repeatedly prepared such reports for administrative, public and industrial buildings. The core service is inspection for reconstruction; related ones — floor addition and work with load-bearing structures.
Where to order and who may carry it out
Only an accredited organisation may carry out an inspection for the reconstruction of a capital building. KAZNICEP LLP is accredited for properties of responsibility levels I and II (certificate No. KZ43VWC00251342), with certified specialists and its own calculation base. How to choose a contractor correctly — in the article “How to choose a company for technical inspection”.
Frequently asked questions
Why is an inspection needed before reconstruction?
A reconstruction design cannot be correctly developed without knowing the actual condition and load-bearing capacity of the existing structures. A technical inspection provides this input data: the technical-condition category, the load-bearing-capacity margin, defects and recommendations. On the basis of the report, the designer builds in strengthening solutions, and the design passes state expert review.
Where can I order an inspection before reconstruction in Almaty?
An inspection before reconstruction should be carried out by an accredited organisation with certified specialists. KAZNICEP LLP is accredited for properties of responsibility levels I and II (certificate No. KZ43VWC00251342) and has carried out inspections for the reconstruction of administrative, public and industrial buildings across Almaty and the regions of Kazakhstan.
What is included in the recommendations for strengthening structures?
Strengthening recommendations are based on verification calculations of the actual load-bearing capacity. They indicate which structures (foundations, columns, floor slabs, walls) require strengthening, by which methods (jackets, increasing the cross-section, additional elements, composite materials) and to what extent. This is the part of the report the designer uses.
How long is an inspection report valid?
As a rule, a building condition report is taken into account in design for around 3 years, provided the operating conditions have not changed and no events affecting the structures (accidents, fires, earthquakes) have occurred. The exact period depends on the task and the requirements of expert review.
Inspection for
a reconstruction
We prepare a report with verification calculations and strengthening recommendations — in the format state expert review accepts.