• Structural Survey

• Record Drawings

Prior to the Structural Survey, the existing record layout, structural framing plans and structural details shall be studied. The Registered Structural Engineer shall check the presence of unusual detailing that may cause abnormal structural behaviour during demolition, e.g., upward anchor of tensile reinforcement in cantilevered structures. If existing record plans are available, these plans shall be used as reference and preferably be brought along with the Structural Survey.

• Survey Items

The Structural Survey shall cover the following:

• The structural materials used;
  • The original structural system employed in the design;
    • The method of construction;
    • Any dilapidation and degree of deterioration on any structural elements;
    • The structural conditions of adjoining structures and its shoring which may be affected by the proposed demolition work;
    • The presence of continuous structures that may be truncated by the demolition;
    • The structural system and structural conditions of basements, underground tanks or underground vaults;
    • The presence of exposed bracing or possible presence of covered bracing;
    • The nature of walls, whether it is blockwall, reinforced concrete walls, load bearing walls or partition walls;
    • Cantilevered structures such as canopies, balconies, or other forms of architectural features; and
    • Any fixtures to the building such as signboard, sun-shading devices.

• Special Structures

The Structural Survey shall review the following :

• the correctness of structural information available;
  • the presence of any unconventional structural elements referred to in 2.1.3(A)(3) which may require special attention and well-defined modification procedures;
    • the possibilities of structural modification to enable efficient demolition traffic during demolition; and
    • any limitation on shoring and other temporary supports.

• Investigation and Testing

In the case when no structural details are available, the Structural Survey shall include on site measurement and retrieve any structural framing as much as practicable, performing tests and exposing some key structural elements to facilitate checking on existing structure. This will allow the development of procedures that ensure the stability of the building at all stages during demolition.