We recently hosted an insightful Q&A session as part of our Structural Surveys CPD event, featuring expert guidance from Structural Engineer Ruben Wood. Ruben kicked off the session by exploring the key aspects of conducting thorough and accurate structural surveys, addressing both technical and practical challenges faced in the field.
Participants praised the session as “very informative with lots of relevant information,” highlighting how it clarified essential methodologies and reporting standards. A case study segment added real-world context, illustrating complex survey challenges and solutions—from initial inspections to final reports. Ruben’s insights on best practices and precise data interpretation offered invaluable takeaways for navigating today’s regulatory landscape.
In this blog, we will recap the top questions and expert answers, providing actionable insights for professionals aiming to enhance their structural surveying expertise. Let us dive in!
When compiling a BSC it is essential for the building manager (PAP) to demonstrate that they understand the building’s structural form, the risks associated with the type of structure and the current structural condition. The structural appraisal, which includes a survey, covers these points. Learn more at Firntec.com.
Common misconceptions include:
The structural surveys do not cover aspects relating to fire protection and/or architectural finishes. These are covered by fire specialists or within a general condition report.
Initially it is just certain areas, the ones where the structure is exposed and visible. After this stage it is decided if more areas need inspecting.
The surveyor has to demonstrate that the surveyor has experience and is competent in inspecting HRB’s and is up to date with the ongoing industry guidance and regulations. Chartered membership to the Engineering Council, ICE or IStructE is recommended. Learn more about Firntec’s expertise.
Some people are only submitting structural information and hoping for the best – why is this a bad idea?
The As-built information is useful as it will describe the structure in detail. However, it does not provide you with the structure’s current condition, it does not make an assessment of the risks associated with the type of construction or how those risks are managed.
Common Defects are listed on the slides under “General Defects.” Water ingress and cracking are the most common visible defects.
There are lots of differences, too many to discuss here. We recommend the IStructE’s guide “Assessing higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act: A compendium of structural typologies”
There are too many to discuss here. We recommend the IStructE’s guide “Assessing higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act: A compendium of structural typologies.” Note that when assessing LPS building ensure your engineer has experience specific to LPS structures and assessments.
Every 3-5 years, depending on current condition and structural typology.
Typically, we follow the stages set out in the slides, however there is an element of experience involved. We have been working on these surveys since the Building Safety Act came into force and are confident with every type of building typology and condition.
Intrusive investigations are good spot checks for information that the non-intrusive scans are picking up, in addition sometimes NDT surveys are inconclusive or not possible due to the build-ups.
Structural surveys were a thing prior to the BSA. Since then, there is a certain format to follow when conducting a survey in relation to the Act, as guidance provided by the IStructE and described in the slides.
This is discussed with the PAP once all the reports and surveys are completed and the BSC Report is being compiled.
When there is no archive information there is an additional step of understanding the buildings form and structural typology.
Clients should ask:
It is difficult to answer accurately but around the 1990’s.
https://www.towerblock.eca.ed.ac.uk/
Through archive information, visual survey, and our experience.
The surveyor has to demonstrate that the surveyor has experience and is competent in inspecting HRB’s and is up to date with the ongoing industry guidance and regulations. A chartered membership to the Engineering Council, ICE or IStructE is recommended.
The ones mentioned are for residential however many will copy over.
The IStructE guidance covers retrofitted buildings.
There are too many to discuss here. We recommend the IStructE’s guide “Assessing higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act: A compendium of structural typologies.”
Yes, they would, typically a concrete cover or possibly boarded.
Yes, intrusive investigations are recommended only is considered necessary after the visual and desk study. We always recommend which further investigations are required together with a timeline.
From the IStructE Bookshop “Assessing higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act: A compendium of structural typologies.” – https://www.istructe.org/shop/
Be sure to sign up for updates on our upcoming webinars and CPDs, and if you have any questions about the topics covered in this Q&A, feel free to reach out below. One of our consultants will be happy to assist you.