Appraisal of Structural Integrity Assessment Methodology and Reports of Existing RC Building Structures in Ghana

Abstract

This study reviewed eighty-three (83) structural integrity reports obtained from two (2) Metropolitan and six (6) Municipal Assemblies in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana to ascertain the availability of national standard assessment methodology and reporting format for structural integrity assessment of existing building structures in Ghana, evaluate test methods and techniques used in the assessment, and ascertain justification for recommended intervention levels. A case study with a special form/instrument was designed to collect the required data from the reviewed reports in response to the study objectives. The study revealed that there are no national standards or published guidelines available for a methodology for structural integrity assessment and reporting format for existing building structures in Ghana, resulting in a wide variation in the reporting structure by experts or consultants. The most widely used test methods and techniques (and their frequency of use) were visual inspections (100%), Non-Destructive Tests by Schmidt Hammer (95%), Covermeter (40%), Dynamic Cone Penetration Test (DCPT) (48%), and Trial Pits (55%); however, equipment specifications for the test methods and techniques were generally not stated in the reports. The justification for the assessments was largely for structural adequacy and safety assessment for regularization (code compliance), repair, rehabilitation, upgrading, extension or change of use. While only 31% of the reports reviewed provided information on analysis and design calculations, most reports recommended a ‘safe structure’ irrespective of the depth/adequacy of investigation and information provided in the reports. A national standard reporting format was therefore developed and recommended for adoption in the activity of Structural Integrity Assessment and reporting for existing RC building structures in Ghana and beyond.