The structural studies Renovations to existing structures are essential for extending the useful life of buildings—here's why.
Structural Studies of Existing Structures: When Should They Be Conducted, and Why?
Today, structures are designed and built with a service life, a criterion that is typically defined by each country’s technical regulations (in Spain’s case, the CTE establishes it for each type of structure). Even so, a structure may be affected by natural phenomena or accidents, or one may simply wish to repurpose it for a new use; and when this happens, Structural studies must be conducted to determine the necessary measures, and so that it can continue to operate, extending its useful life.
This is an increasingly common practice, since It can breathe new life into a building, reduce costs compared to building it from scratch, and have a much smaller impact on the environment. In fact, The new structural code has introduced new regulations regarding the management of existing structures, To learn more about the changes introduced by the new structural code compared to the previous EHE-8 in Spain, we invite you to read this post.
How to Conduct a Structural Study
The structural study is intended for clearly identify whether the stability of the existing structure is compromised and why, or whether it will be able to meet the safety factors required for a new use. This type of study is conducted in three main phases:
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The first thing is gain an in-depth understanding of the structure being studied, that is, to compile all the documentary information (floor plans, elevations, and details) and compare it with the actual conditions and current state of the structure through test excavations. The most important thing is verify the materials used in its construction and whether it has undergone any modifications over time.
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Perform a inventory of injuries, medical conditions, or critical issues that could affect the stability of the structure or that could pose a future risk.
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Finally, one must analyze the foundation and the soil where it is supported, resorting, if necessary, to geotechnical studies.
Exposed reinforcement in concrete beams. Poyatos
The study's results should reflect all the information collected, as well as the load-bearing capacities of the structure as a whole and of each structural element. As well as addressing the questions that prompted the study.
When Are structural studies needed?
1. Historic Buildings
Studies of this kind are common in historic buildings, which often continue to host various types of cultural activities, and which They were not built according to modern structural design standards, and they also tend to develop health problems over time.
2. Appearance of cracks
According to the types of cracks If cracks appear in the building, it is possible to determine whether the cause is related to the exterior cladding, the interior walls, or whether it is structural in nature. In the latter case is cause for concern A structural assessment must be conducted to determine the extent of the damage and identify a possible solution.
Crack caused by structural defects. Piresa
3. Symptoms of deterioration
It's not just historically significant buildings that require structural assessments; ordinary buildings do as well When they reach the end of their service life, they require periodic inspections to ensure the continued use of the structure
4. Changes in Use
When the goal is to make a drastic change in the use of a building, It must be determined with certainty whether the structure can withstand the new types of loads, and to be able to design the necessary reinforcements based on the actual capacity of the existing structure.
Conducting this type of study requires qualified professionals, such as architects and engineers, depending on the size and type of the structure. And with the high demand for changes in land use due to their low environmental impact and economic benefits, more and more engineers and architects are specializing in the analysis and design of existing structures.
