INGENIEUR
INGENIEUR
THE MANNER OF INSPECTION OF A BUILDING UNDER THE ACT
The inspection of a building may consist of one or both or the following :
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Visual inspection , or
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Full structural investigation .
VISUAL INSPECTION
Conducting a visual inspection includes :
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A visual inspection of the building , including a visual survey of the condition of the building , its structural elements and any addition or alteration to the building and its structural elements ;
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A visual inspection of the surrounding areas including the slopes and drainage system and any alteration to the slope retaining structures ;
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The preparation and submission to the local authority of a report of the result of the visual inspection ;
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If , having regard to the results of the visual inspection , the engineer reasonably suspects or is of the opinion that there are defects , deformations or deterioration in the building and its structural elements that will or are likely to endanger or reduce the structural stability or integrity of any part of the building , he shall inform the local authority of the need to carry out a full structural investigation , including investigation in respect of its structural elements ; and
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Details and guidelines on Visual Inspection and the Submission of the report are in the sidebar .
FULL STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATION
The local authority may after considering the report of the engineer , authorise the engineer to carry out a full structural investigation which shall include the following : a ) taking all reasonable steps in obtaining information relating to the design , construction , maintenance and history of the building ; b ) with reasonable diligence checking the structural plans of the building and the calculation therein if the plans are not available and reconstructing such structural plans where the local authority so requires , with a view to the determining of any inadequacy in the structural elements of the building ; c ) carrying out or causing to be carried out tests on the structural elements of the building with reasonable care so as not to damage any part thereof ; d ) carrying out tests on the materials used in the construction of the building ; and e ) carrying out tests on such parts of the building as the engineer considers necessary .
The engineer shall then prepare and submit to the local authority a report of the results of the full structural investigation carried out together with his recommendations .
REPORT OF THE RESULT OF AN INSPECTION
A report of the result of an inspection of a building shall comprise : a . a detailed description of the visual inspection and any full structural investigation of the building conducted by the engineer ; b . an analysis of observations and tests conducted in the course of any full structural investigation of the building ; and c . recommendations by the engineer as to any remedial works as are necessary to ensure the structural stability or integrity of the building .
The local authority may , if after evaluating the inspection report , accept it in full , reject it , accept part of it or obtain a second opinion on it . The local authority shall thereafter : - a . issue an order to the owner of the building to take the appropriate measures to rectify or remedy any defect , deformation or deterioration as recommended by the engineer within such period as the local authority may specify ; or b . may issue , in place of an inquiry under section 83 , of the Act 133 , closure or
24 VOL 71 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2017