WHL SURVEYING & ENGINEERING CASE STUDY
Structural Appraisal for High-Rise Residential Building Safety Assessment
WHL Surveying & Engineering was instructed to undertake a comprehensive structural appraisal of a high-rise residential building to support the preparation of a Building Safety Case under the Building Safety Act 2022.
Scope of Work
The scope included a visual assessment of the reinforced concrete structural frame, basement car park, external façades, balconies, roof construction, and other accessible structural elements. Available documentation was reviewed alongside the inspection to identify potential structural risks, assess the overall condition of the building, and provide recommendations for its ongoing safe management.
Findings
The building was found to be generally structurally robust, with no evidence of significant foundation movement or instability within the primary reinforced concrete frame. The appraisal identified localised defects consistent with the age and construction of the building, including moisture ingress within the basement car park, isolated concrete deterioration, surface spalling, and corrosion to exposed reinforcement in limited areas. Signs of water penetration were also observed around roof and façade interfaces, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance to protect the durability of reinforced concrete elements. While no immediate structural concerns were identified, further targeted investigations were recommended to verify the condition of concealed structural components, balcony connections, and areas susceptible to long-term deterioration.
Recommendations
WHL Surveying & Engineering recommended a programme of planned inspections and targeted intrusive investigations to assess the long-term durability of reinforced concrete elements, including balcony slabs, roof structures, and moisture-affected areas. Further testing of concrete cover, carbonation depth, and reinforcement condition was advised, together with repairs to waterproofing systems, drainage details, and areas of localised concrete deterioration. Improvements to fire stopping around service penetrations and commissioning of a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) were also recommended to support the building’s ongoing compliance with current building safety legislation. Regular structural reviews and proactive maintenance will help preserve the building’s long-term performance and ensure continued compliance with Building Safety Act requirements.
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