WHL SURVEYING & ENGINEERING CASE STUDY
Structural Appraisal of a Reinforced Concrete Residential Tower
WHL Surveying & Engineering completed a structural appraisal of a purpose-built residential tower to support the ongoing management of the building under the Building Safety Act 2022.
Scope of Work
The inspection focused on the reinforced concrete frame, balconies, podium deck, under croft parking, roof areas and communal spaces, assessing their overall condition and identifying any defects that could affect long-term structural performance. Particular attention was given to signs of deterioration associated with ageing reinforced concrete, waterproofing systems and service penetrations.
Findings
The assessment confirmed that the primary reinforced concrete structure remains stable, with no evidence of significant movement, settlement or structural distortion. The building continues to perform as intended, with the principal issues relating to durability and planned maintenance rather than structural stability. Localised concrete spalling and reinforcement corrosion were identified within sections of the undercroft, together with isolated cracking to beam and column junctions typical of reinforced concrete structures of this age. The inspection also highlighted widespread ponding to the podium waterproofing, weathering to roof finishes, localised moisture ingress and areas where fire-stopping around service penetrations required improvement. Overall, these defects were considered manageable through a programme of planned maintenance and targeted repairs.
Recommendations
WHL Surveying & Engineering recommended carrying out localised reinforced concrete repairs to areas affected by spalling and exposed reinforcement, together with refurbishment of the podium waterproofing system to address persistent ponding and improve drainage performance. The report also advised repairing roof coverings and associated detailing, reinstating compliant fire-stopping around service penetrations, and implementing a planned inspection regime for balconies, concrete elements and external envelope components. By adopting a proactive maintenance strategy, the building’s long-term structural durability can be preserved while supporting continued compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022.
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