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Structural Investigations

At Firntec we take pride in delivering comprehensive Structural Surveys tailored to your property needs, ensuring peace of mind and confidence in your buildings. With Firntec, excellence meets affordability. Choose Firntec for a survey that exceeds your expectations.

Reinforced Concrete Frame Material Testing

Health and condition tests for reinforced concrete frames with a combination of Non Destructive and laboratory testing we can assess:
  • The durability of the RC frame and estimate the likely time to onset of corrosion due to carbonation 
  • Assess the risk of corrosion due to cast-in and ingress chlorides 
  • An indicative fire resistance of the concrete elements derived from concrete rebar scanning undertaken in a few representative locations of the main structural elements 
  • The presence of HAC within the concrete 
  • An assurance on the quality of the construction and workmanship with spot checks on the compressive strength of the concrete
How we complete reinforced concrete frame material testing:

We will supply a team of trained and experienced contractors to site to take the samples and then send to certified laboratory for testing.  

  • Collect 3 core samples of 100mm diameter concrete to test strength  
  • Check cover depth in 6 locations  
  • Check depth of carbonation in 5 locations  
  • Test 5  locations for presence of chloride  
  • Collect 5  samples for laboratory testing for presence of High Alumnia Cement 
  • Laboratory testing of the samples taken 
  • Report back on works completed and supply comprehensive photos of all works and areas inspected
  • Follow up structural interpretive report for client with conclusions and recommendations  
Cladding Fixings Survey

Cladding fixing surveys are to check the presence and condition of the internal wall ties between the inner and outer leaf. This would be completed at 3 locations on each elevation,  top, middle and bottom. This is to assess the wall under all types of exposure.   

Abseilers can assess the presence and condition of the original cavity walls using endoscope surveys and assessment of their structural integrity.

How we undertake Cladding Fixings Surveys:
  • Supply a team of fully equipped roped access technicians to site. 
  • Use of anchorage points where possible on each block or a mobile weight anchorage box to be used for rigging. 
  • Abseil all four facades to each block and drill holes in three locations (top, middle and ground) to assess the condition of the internal wall ties. 
  • 3x inspection locations to be undertaken per elevation of the building. 
  • Cavity wall tie’s locations will need to be identified with a wall tie scanner, and we will need to report back on locations of wall ties. 
  • Installing an endoscope camera at each location to take some pictures of the brick ties and filling the hole again with a suitable dye matched mortar dye. 
  • Use of a wall tie scanner and endoscope camera required for condition photos to be suppled. Tie scanner will require rental.  
  • Report back on works completed and supply comprehensive photos of all works and areas inspected. 
  • Follow up structural interpretive report for client with conclusions and recommendations. 

Large Panel Building Checks

We can assess the presence and form of remedial brackets installed to large panel system buildings which were recommended by the inquiry after the Ronan Point disaster in 1968.

How we complete Large Panel Building Checks:
  • Walkaround survey to determine locations for opening up works in each building. Ideal situation is a corner flat that includes gable and front/back elevation.
  • Mobilise team to site.
  • Opening up works to determine if presence and condition of ties between the vertical and horizontal panels. This can be done for the end elevation panels and internal if deemed necessary.
  • Check reinforcement layout.
  • Cover check to internal reinforcement and establish fire resistance of structural panels.
  • Durability testing of concrete panels to establish health and condition of material (Carbonation testing / chloride ingress / Schmidt hammer tests).
  • Localised opening up works will be repaired with suitable repair mortar, note redecoration not included.
  • Interpretation of the results, written up in a report to give the client assurance to determine if the LPS can withstand explosion forces, or if remedial works should be included in action plan.
  • Risk assessment of structural failure included in report.
  • Action list included in report.

Non destructive concrete testing using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

We can establish general construction details such as overall thickness, reinforcement depth and layouts. The GPR is additionally used to determine the presence of corrosion potential within each of the RC slabs. This can be effective to determine the durability and condition of a cantilevered balcony.  

Cover Meter Checks

Spot checks on the cover depth on representative locations of an RC frame to determine the as-built fire resistance of the structural frame. 

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) Identification

We can assess precast concrete flooring systems to determine if RAAC panels are present. Following the identification we can check the condition of the planks and provide a remedial works scheme to mitigate the risks. 

Structural Risk Assessment

We can determine whether there are any hazard scenarios that have an unacceptable level of risk and if so to identify steps to mitigate those risks based on the flow diagram procedure described in  BS EN 1991-1-7.

Case Study

Chelmer Housing Partnership (CHP) is responsible for managing a diverse range of residential properties.

With increasing regulatory requirements due to the Building Safety Act, CHP sought Firntec’s expertise to ensure the compliance of a high-rise residential block in Chelmsford. 

Read more

Professional, accredited and highly skilled in delivering building compliance and surveying consultancy

Firntec is a leading provider in building compliance and surveying consultancy. We work with landlords, organisations and UK businesses to ensure their buildings are compliant for use by all. We carry out top-quality fire risk assessments and building surveys across a multitude of sectors.
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Our Expertise
  • Fire Safety
  • Building Safety Case Consultancy
  • Electrical Safety
  • Asbestos Management
  • Legionella Management
  • Measured Building Surveys
  • BIM 3D Modelling
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