Construction Productivity Advancement Research (CPAR) Program. Evaluation of Nondestructive Methods for Determining Structural Configurations of Existing Buildings.
Abstract
Recently, a study correlating nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques with conventional destructive probe methods in a structural survey of a historical building was conducted. A comparison of NDE methods to actual physical analysis in a hands on application was achieved. The two main areas of interest included: determining the dimensions of a wide variety of structural configurations composed of different materials and structural integrity of the walls, ceiling and floor. The use of NDE methods could substantially reduce the amount of conventional physical probing necessary for rehabilitation analysis of existing buildings. The methods used in this study included radar, infrared, magnetic impulse, and impact echo techniques. These NDE methods were employed in the same areas that destructive analyses had been performed. Comparison of the NDE results to the destructive analyses were able to determine which methods were most suitable for analyzing different areas of a typical building structure. Results indicate that each technique has strengths and weaknesses dependent upon their particular applications. Results from every method should be analyzed to yield a complete analysis. Every method tested was much faster and potentially more accurate than conventional coring or probing because entire areas can be completely surveyed. (MM)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA297278
Entities
People
- Marie Ennis
- Robert A. Weber
- William Windes
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory