Print this page The Structural Evaluation of Existing Buildings
D. Matthew Stuart, P.E., S.E., F.ASCE, SECB
Course Outline
This course includes the following information:
1. The importance of existing drawings.
2. Options if no existing drawings are available.
a. Code search.
b. Exploratory demolition.
c. X-ray
3. Interpretation of X-Rays.
4. Load tests.
5. Load tables.
a. Open web steel joists flowchart
6. Wood structures.
a. Material testing.
7. Searching for existing drawings.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Become familiar with 3 methods of assessing an existing structure in which no drawings are available;
- Understand how to interpret X-Rays; and
- Learn the limitations of load tests and load tables.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for structural engineers and architects.
Benefit to Attendees
Become familiar with the importance of obtaining existing structural drawings when working on a renovation project, and methods that can be used to assess an existing structure when no drawings are available.
Course Introduction
The need for existing structural drawings as a part of the evaluation of an existing structure is critical, however, the ease at which an existing structure can be analyzed in the absence of structural drawings varies depending on the nature of the system and the extent to which the structure is concealed or exposed, and accessible. This course will provide the user with methods that can be used to assess an existing structure when no drawings are available.
Course Content
In this lesson, you are required to study the following course content in PDF format:
The Structural Evaluation of Existing Buildings
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Course Summary
The ease at which an existing structure can be analyzed in the absence of structural drawings varies depending on the nature of the system and the extent to which the structure is concealed or exposed, and accessible. Methods of evaluating an existing structure in which drawings are not available include a Code search, exploratory demolitions and non-destructive means of testing like X-Raying. Insitu load testing of a structural system is not recommended when drawings are not available. In addition, caution should be used when assuming that available load tables correspond to a specific as-built structural system.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following website:
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/habs_haer/index.html
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
