Paper Contents
Abstract
INTRODUCTIONGeneralAs urban infrastructure ages, the need to assess and ensure the structural integrity of existing buildings becomes increasinglycritical. Residential buildings, in particular, are often subjected to various environmental, structural, and functional stresses over the years, which can lead to deterioration in their load-bearing capacities, safety, and serviceability. This has heightened the importance of structural auditinga systematic examination of buildings to evaluate their health and performance. A Structural Audit is a vital tool used to assess the present condition of a building and determine whether it is safe for continued occupancy or if it requires repair, retrofitting, or reconstruction. It involves both visual inspections and advanced techniques like NonDestructive Testing (NDT), which help identify hidden defects such as corrosion, cracks, concrete deterioration, and deformation in structural members. The rehabilitation process follows the audit and focuses on restoring or improving the structural performance of the building. It may involve minor repairs, strengthening of structural elements, or complete retrofitting depending on the level of deterioration detected. The goal is to enhance the safety, usability, and lifespan of the structure in a cost-effective and minimally invasive manner INTRODUCTIONGeneralAs urban infrastructure ages, the need to assess and ensure the structural integrity of existing buildings becomes increasinglycritical. Residential buildings, in particular, are often subjected to various environmental, structural, and functional stresses over the years, which can lead to deterioration in their load-bearing capacities, safety, and serviceability. This has heightened the importance of structural auditinga systematic examination of buildings to evaluate their health and performance. A Structural Audit is a vital tool used to assess the present condition of a building and determine whether it is safe for continued occupancy or if it requires repair, retrofitting, or reconstruction. It involves both visual inspections and advanced techniques like NonDestructive Testing (NDT), which help identify hidden defects such as corrosion, cracks, concrete deterioration, and deformation in structural members. The rehabilitation process follows the audit and focuses on restoring or improving the structural performance of the building. It may involve minor repairs, strengthening of structural elements, or complete retrofitting depending on the level of deterioration detected. The goal is to enhance the safety, usability, and lifespan of the structure in a cost-effective and minimally invasive manner
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Shahuraj Lohkare. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
