Structural Appraisal

Summary

Structural Appraisal - A structural appraisal is the study of an existing structure to find out how it works and whether it is fit for purpose.

Technical Information

A structural appraisal might be carried out on a slab because:

The facility is being repurposed – this usually involves a change in the loads that the slab will experience, either from an increase in the loads from stored goods or a different type of Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) being used on the slab, for example.
Original design information about the slab is unavailable.
New occupation of the facility; the suitability of the floor to carry the intended loading will need to be determined.

For concrete floor slabs, investigations include concrete core sampling and testing, cover meter testing for reinforcement and dowels, and when required, full geotechnical appraisals can be commissioned.