What is Post-disaster Inspection and Assessment?

Post-disaster building inspection and assessment in the construction testing industry refers to the professional investigation, testing, analysis, and evaluation of damaged buildings after natural disasters or emergencies such as earthquakes, floods, typhoons, and fires. This process determines the safety and functionality of the buildings, providing a scientific basis for subsequent repair, reinforcement, or demolition. It mainly includes overall structural assessment, inspection of component damage (such as cracks, deformation, and concrete strength), fire temperature estimation, and enclosure system testing.

Core Content of Post-Disaster Building Inspection and Assessment

• Disaster Impact Investigation: Determining the type of disaster, affected area, fire temperature, firefighting process, and characteristics of combustible materials.

• Overall Structural System Inspection: Assessing whether the building's load-bearing system and force transmission path are complete and safe.

• Component Damage Assessment:

• Concrete Components: Inspecting for spalling, delamination, cracks, exposed reinforcement, and color changes; estimating the internal temperature of the components; and determining concrete strength (strength testing), cross-sectional dimensions, and reinforcement details.

• Masonry Components: Inspecting for cracks, deformation, and disintegration.

• Steel Structures: Inspecting for component deformation, corrosion, weld cracking, and loose connections.

• Non-Structural Component Testing: Inspecting the damage to the enclosure structure (exterior walls, windows, roof) and interior decoration.

• Safety Assessment and Recommendations: Comprehensively assessing the building's hazard level (A, B, C, D grades), and providing recommendations for repair and reinforcement, restricted use, or demolition and reconstruction.

Main Technical Methods

• Non-destructive testing: Such as ultrasonic testing for internal defects and strength of concrete, and rebound hammer testing for strength.

• In-situ testing: Such as core sampling for concrete strength testing.

• Structural analysis and calculation: Simulating the effects of the disaster using methods such as finite element analysis.

• Fire trace analysis: Determining temperature based on residues and burn damage.

Assessment Process

• Commissioning and Site Survey: Receiving the commission and conducting a preliminary site survey.

• Testing and Investigation: Conducting comprehensive on-site testing according to relevant regulations (such as the "Code for Assessment of Building Structures").

• Analysis and Calculation: Performing analysis and calculations using testing data and theoretical models.

• Report Issuance: Providing assessment conclusions and treatment recommendations.

Importance

Post-disaster testing and assessment are crucial for ensuring the safety of life and property, facilitating the orderly resumption of production and daily life, and guiding post-disaster reconstruction. Professional organizations (such as CTI Testing) can provide assessment services with CMA certification.