Section E
What a structural integrity test actually involves
Rebound hammers, cores and drawings: a plain guide for building owners who want to know if their building is sound.
By Engr. Tunde Bakare, structures · Yaba, Lagos
Why owners ask for one
Buying a building, adding floors, seeing new cracks, or simply reading the news. An integrity test turns worry into facts you can act on.
The walk-round
An engineer looks at every floor for cracks, deflection, spalling concrete and rust stains. Most of what matters can be seen by a trained eye.
Non-destructive tests
A rebound hammer measures surface hardness, which gives a quick comparison of concrete across the building. Ultrasonic tests check for voids inside members.
Cores
Small cylinders are cut from columns or slabs and crushed in a laboratory. This is the most reliable measure of concrete strength, and the holes are repaired the same day.
The report
You get findings, test results, photos and a verdict, with any repairs described and priced. A good report tells you what is fine, not just what is wrong.
