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Inspection and Testing of Building Structures

Course developer

Prior knowledge

BūvZ2048, Basic Theory of Structures

BūvZ2061, Building Materials

Course abstract

This course includes the theoretical background for inspecting and testing of structures depending on stage: design, manufacture, assembling, maintenance and reconstruction. There are provided methodological bases for assessment of building structures, including determination of material properties and load bearing capacity as well as specific features of experimental test execution. Different case studies in inspection, expert reports and suggestions for reconstruction are analysed. In conclusion, ways and facilities of reconstruction and strengthening are discussed. MS Excel, AutoCAD, MathCAD programmes are used preparing for further work with BIM software.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

As a result of studies student: 1) know the content and methods in technical assessing of building constructions; 2) is able to perform theoretical and experimental tasks and can analyze the results; 3) is able to give a competent expert conclusion and provide valuable recommendations for reconstruction project. Assessment is given on the basis of defended laboratory test reports and individual control tests.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Assessment of structural behaviour regarding to reliability 1 h.
2. Inspecting and testing of strucures in different stages of construction process and maintenance of building 1 h.
3. Inspecting methods for structures 1 h.
4. The role of experiment in assessment procedure of in-use structures 1 h.
5. Loading methods and tools for studying of structural behaviour in field and laboratory conditions – 3 h.
6. General characterization of measuring tools, instruments, devices and their choice for testing – 2 h.
7. Mechanical tools for measuring of deflections and deformations. Optical instruments – 3 h.
8. Electrical strain gauges for measuring of deformations. Combined tools – 2 h.
9. Calibration and verification of measuring instruments – 2 h.
10. Non-destructive methods for determination of material properties – 3 h.
11. Methodological bases for assessment of building structures and planning of jobs – 3 h.
12. Determination of characteristic values from tests by software tools for data processing – 3 h.
13. Comparison of theoretical (calculation) and experimental test results – 3 h.
14. Conclusion on research results – 2 h.
15. Ways and facilities of reconstruction of the structure 1 h.
16. Methods of strengthening of in-use structures 1 h.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Credit points are awarded if control tests are enrolled and laboratory works are succesfully presented.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Preparing to laboratory works according to plan. Making of descriptions and analysis of test results. Defending of student jobs. Studying of lecture topics for control tests.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Attendance at lectures and laboratory lessons. Successfully passed control tests. Control test is passed, if at least 75% correct answers are given. Results of individual control tests and defence of laboratory works.

Compulsory reading

Лужин О. В., Злочевский А. Б., Горбунов И. А., Волохов В. А. Обследование и испытание сооружений. Москва: Стройиздат, 1987. 263 с.
Richardson Barry A. Defects and deterioration in buildings. London: E.&F.N. Spon, London, 1991. 188 p.

Further reading

Реконструкция зданий и сооружений. Под ред. Шагина А. Л. Москва: Стройиздат, Высшая школа, 1991. 352 с.
Kaķītis A., Galiņš A., Leščevics P. Sensori un mērīšanas sistēmas. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 395 lpp.
Armer, G. S. T. Monitoring and assessment of structures/ G.S.T. Armer. - London; New York : Spon Press, 2001. - X, 167 lpp. Lasītava - 624 ; 03/759

Periodicals and other sources

Latvijas Būvniecība. ISSN 1691-4058

Notes

Compulsory Course in Professional Bachelor’s study programme “Civil Engineering”