PERIODIC STRUCTURAL INSPECTION

OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

GUIDELINES
FOR
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS

SEP 2022
Preamble
The ‘Guidelines for Structural Engineers’ has been prepared by the Building and
Construction Authority (“BCA”), with the inputs of the Association of Consulting
Engineers Singapore (“ACES”) and the Institution of Engineers Singapore (“IES”) to
provide information and a better understanding on periodic structural inspections of
buildings.

Disclaimer
These Guidelines are not a substitute for independent professional advice. These
Guidelines and its contents are made available on an "as is" basis, and all implied
warranties are disclaimed. The principles and illustrations used in these Guidelines
are not exhaustive in covering all matters on periodic structural inspections of
buildings. BCA, its employees, agents, service providers, representatives and partners
including ACES and IES shall not be liable for errors or omissions in the transmission
of these Guidelines, or for any claim or dispute, or liability, damage, loss or expense
arising out of or relating to, or in reliance on any of the information provided in these
Guidelines.

Readers should seek professional legal advice if they need to determine specific legal
rights and duties applicable to them. While every effort has been made to ensure that
this information is consistent with existing law and practice, should there be any
changes, BCA reserves the right to vary its position accordingly without any prior
notice.

Copyright
The contents of these Guidelines are protected by copyright and other forms of
proprietary rights, and are the property of BCA, or the party credited as the provider of
the contents. You may download, view, print, and reproduce copies of these
Guidelines without modification for your own reference, but you shall not otherwise
copy, reproduce, upload, distribute, publish, post, modify, create derivative works,
transmit or in any way exploit the contents of these Guidelines. If you wish to use the
contents for any purpose other than for your own reference, please seek BCA’s prior
written consent.

© Building and Construction Authority September 2022

CONTENTS

GENERAL ................................................................................................................. 1
1 Background ............................................................................................................... 1
2 Qualifications and Expectations of Structural Engineers (SE).................................... 1
STAGE 1: VISUAL INSPECTION.............................................................................. 3
3 Scope of Visual Inspection ........................................................................................ 3
4 Coverage of Visual Inspection ................................................................................... 4
FORMAT OF VISUAL INSPECTION REPORT ......................................................... 7
5 Main Contents of Report ........................................................................................... 7
STAGE 2: FULL STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATION ................................................ 12
6 General ....................................................................................................................12
7 Scope of Full Structural Investigation .......................................................................12
ANNEX A – CHECKLISTA FOR PERIODIC STRUCTURAL INSPECTION OF
EXISTING BUILDING(S) ............................................................................................ i
ANNEX B – SUPPLEMENTARY CHECKLISTG FOR CRITICAL COLUMNS IN
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS(S) BUILT BEFORE 1 JAN 1989 .................................. v
ANNEX C – CRITERIA FOR COMPLEX BUILDING............................................... vii
ANNEX D – Guidelines for additional inspection coverage due to age, defects
observed and maintenance history ..................................................................... viii
DEFINITIONS

Special and critical structures1 1 Examples of special and critical structures are
transfer girders/ beams/ trusses, small /
slender columns, long span structures, cable
structures, inclined columns, etc.

Structures without redundancies2 2 Example of structures without redundancies

are cantilever structures, cantilever structures
without backspan, cantilever balconies
exposed to elements, tension columns,
hanging/suspended structures, nibs and
corbels, etc. Reference should also be made
to Annex C.

Additional inspection coverage3 3 Additional inspection coverage that are

required due to age, defects observed and
maintenance history

Concealed columns4 4 Columns concealed behind architectural

finishes with air gaps between the column
face and the finishes. It excludes those
columns concealed with materials adhered
fully to the column face, i.e. tiles, plaster,
wallpaper

Structural materials5 5 Structural materials such as reinforced

concrete, pre-stressed concrete, steel, etc.

Unauthorised works6 6 Any structural works that are or were carried

out without any prior approval by the
Commissioner of Building Control of the plans
of those works where prior approval is
required under Part 2 of the Building Control
Act 1989
GENERAL

1 Background

1.1 The periodic structural inspection of existing buildings was introduced with the
promulgation of the Building Control Act in 1989. Requirements governing the
periodic structural inspection of existing buildings are stipulated in Part 5 of the
Building Control Act 1989 (“BC Act”) and Part 2 of the Building Control (Periodic
Inspection of Buildings and Building Facades) Regulations 2021 (“BC Regs”).
For guidance relating to periodic inspection of building facades under Part 5 of
the BC Act, information can be found in the separate document “Guidelines on
Periodic Façade Inspection”.

1.2 The periodic structural inspection applies to all existing buildings other than:
a) detached houses, semi-detached houses, terraced or linked houses which
are used solely as places of residence; and
b) temporary buildings.

1.3 Periodic structural inspections are carried out based on the following frequency:
a) every 10 years for buildings where at least 90% of its floor area is used
solely for residential purposes; and
b) every 5 years for all other buildings.

1.4 The inspection consists of one or both of the following stages:

Stage 1: visual inspection.
Stage 2: full structural investigation.

2 Qualifications and Expectations of Structural Engineers (SE)

2.1 The BC Act requires the visual inspection to be conducted by a structural

engineer who must be a registered professional engineer in the civil or
structural engineering discipline and who has in force a practising certificate
issued under the Professional Engineers Act 1991 authorising him or her to
engage in civil or structural engineering work. It is so due to the need for and
importance of a professional assessment and judgement in structural
engineering during the visual inspection.

2.2 The structural engineer appointed by the building owner is therefore expected
to carry out a comprehensive visual inspection that relies largely on his/her
professional engineering assessment and judgement. He/She shall exercise
reasonable diligence and take active interest in the planning and carrying out
of the inspection of the building. It is not an acceptable practice for the structural
engineer to not visit the building or to delegate the entire inspection work to
his/her assistant or any other person who is not a registered professional
engineer in the civil and structural discipline.
GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS 1
2.3 The structural engineer is required to comply with the deadlines stated in the
periodic structural inspection notice and written direction(s). If the structural
engineer is unable to comply with the deadline, he/she shall apply for a written
extension of time to BCA at least 5 days before the deadline.

2.4 Under Section 28(4) of the BC Act, where a building comprising 2 or more flats
is not subdivided and there are subsisting leases for those flats registered under
the Registration of Deeds Act 1988 or the Land Titles Act 1993, all the owners
of those flats must jointly appoint the same structural engineer to carry out a
structural inspection. The structural engineer shall only commence the
structural inspection after he/she has been jointly appointed by all owners of
the building.

GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS 2

STAGE 1: VISUAL INSPECTION

3 Scope of Visual Inspection

3.1 Prior to commencing the visual inspection, the structural engineer is required
to obtain a set of the building’s latest structural layout plans from the Building
and Construction Authority. The structural layout plan will help the structural
engineer to:
(a) understand the structural system and layout of the building;
(b) identify special and critical structures1 for inspection;
(c) identify structures without redundancies2;
(d) identify small-size, narrow or slender RC columns in void deck of residential
buildings built before 1989 and using grade 20 concrete;
(e) identify the allowable imposed loads, in order to assess the usage and
possibility of overloading; and
(f) identify structural works that are or were carried out without any prior
approval of the plans of those works where prior approval is required by
Part 2 of the BC Act.

3.2 In general, the structural engineer is expected to carry out, with reasonable
diligence, a visual inspection, which must also include a visual survey carried
out personally, of:
a) the condition of the building
- to identify the types of structural defects;
- to identify the signs of structural defect, deformation, or deterioration;

b) the loading on the structure of the building

- to identify any deviation from intended use, misuse and/or abuse
which can result in overloading; and

c) any unauthorised works

- to identify evidence of any structural works that are or were carried
out without any prior approval of the plans of those works where prior
approval is required by Part 2 of the BC Act.

3.3 If there are no signs of defect, deformation or deterioration, the visual inspection
should suffice.

3.4 If, on the other hand, signs of defect, deformation or deterioration are present,
the structural engineer should make a professional assessment of the defect,
deformation or deterioration and recommend appropriate actions to be taken.
Such actions may involve repair works or a full structural investigation to parts
of or the entire building.

GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS 3

3.5 In the course of his/her inspection, if the structural engineer observed any
building elements (e.g. architectural finishes, M&E finishes) at risk of
partial/total collapse, the structural engineer should inform the owner of the
building as soon as possible and highlight in his/her report.

4 Coverage of Visual Inspection

4.1 The visual inspection shall cover all structural elements within the building(s) at
the stated address.

4.2 In a situation where the structural engineer assesses that it is not possible to
inspect 100% of all areas in a building, professional judgement must be
exercised to determine any reduced coverage of inspection that may be
considered to obtain a sampling representative of the building’s condition.
Reference to structural layout plans to determine the presence of special and
critical structures1 and structures without redundancies2 would be crucial under
such circumstances.

4.3 When reduced coverage of inspection is inevitable, structural engineer shall

fulfil the minimum requirements as set out below:

4.3.1 Residential Developments

(a) All special and critical structures1 and structures without redundancies2
must be visually inspected. If such structures are concealed by
architectural finishes, access shall be made to inspect the concealed
structure.

(b) All unconcealed structural elements should be visually inspected.

(c) All structural elements in the common area (e.g. corridor, stairway, lift
lobby, clubhouse) must be inspected.

(d) At least 20% (≤30 years old building) or 30% (>30 years old building)3 of
the residential units must be accessed for inspection to be carried out. The
units selected should be well-distributed and representative of the
building’s structural condition. The selection of units shall fulfil the following:
• All rooftop units must be accessed and inspected
• At least 1 unit per storey on all other storeys must be accessed and
inspected
• The units selected for inspection should be well distributed (i.e. units
inspected are situated at different wings in the tower/block)
If there is more than 1 residential tower/block (including cases where
multiple buildings are connected by link-bridges), the criteria above will
apply to each and every block/tower.

GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS 4

 (e) For cladded columns4, the structural engineer shall expose at least 30% of
the cladded columns for inspection, and exercise professional judgement if
more columns (>30%) need to be exposed to obtain a representative
assessment. The owner shall arrange for the removal of the claddings or
concealments in order to provide access for such inspections.

(f) For concealed structural elements (i.e. beam and slab) within the selected
residential units, the structural engineer shall inspect via appropriate
access points (e.g. lighting points, access panels, and the like).

By performing (a) – (f), the structural engineer can expect to visually inspect
at least 70% - 80% of the building’s structural elements.

4.3.2 Non-residential Developments (e.g. Commercial/Industrial)

(a) All special and critical structures1 and structures without redundancies2 must
be visually inspected. If such structures are concealed by architectural
finishes, access shall be made to inspect the concealed structures

(b) All units and unconcealed structural elements should be visually inspected

(c) For indoor areas not exposed to weather and covered by suspended
ceilings, at least 1 suspended ceiling should be accessed every 500m2

(d) For outdoor areas exposed to weather (e.g. outdoor shelter, pickup/dropoff
point) and covered by suspended ceiling, at least 1 suspended ceiling
should be accessed every 250m2

(e) For cladded columns4, the structural engineer shall expose at least 30% of
the cladded columns for inspection, and exercise professional judgement to
decide if more columns need to be exposed to obtain a representative
assessment. The owner shall provide access and arrange for the removal
of the claddings or concealments for such inspections.

4.3.3 Mixed Use Developments (e.g. Shophouses, Integrated Developments)

(a) For residential towers/blocks in the building, please refer to Section 4.3.1
on minimum inspection coverage

(b) For the remaining areas of the building, please refer to Section 4.3.2 on
minimum inspection coverage.

4.4 Notwithstanding the minimum requirements for inspection coverage set out in
Section 4.3.1 to Section 4.3.3, the structural engineer shall exercise his/her
professional judgement and make an assessment if higher inspection coverage
is required. A list of factors that will warrant higher inspection coverage should
include, but are not limited to:

GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS 5

 i) Age
ii) Areas of high humidity/Wet area (e.g. toilet)
iii) Cause(s) and extent of defect(s) observed
iv) Exposure condition of the building (e.g. heat, proximity to aggressive
environment
v) Maintenance history of past defects and past strengthening works
vi) Complex structural layout (e.g. long span, transfer structure, different
structural systems)
vii) Visibility of concealed structural elements based on line of sight from
inspection point of suspended ceiling

Please refer to Annex D for suggested increased inspection coverage by

structural engineer due to the factors i), iii) and v) above.

4.5 If the structural engineer assesses that the concealed structural element(s)
needs to be inspected, the owner, under Section 28 (5) and (5A) of the BC Act,
must allow and facilitate the removal of architectural finishes for the structural
engineer’s inspection.

4.6 The structural engineer shall provide justifications in his/her visual inspection
report that his/her inspection coverage is representative of the building’s
condition. The report should clearly illustrate the areas that have been
inspected on a building layout plan. A summary of inspected area should be
included (e.g. listing of all units that were inspected).

GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS 6

FORMAT OF VISUAL INSPECTION REPORT

5 Main Contents of Report

A report produced by the structural engineer is expected to be professional, clear and
conclusive. A report written in a manner, which can be used for any building with minor
changes to its title block, defeats the purpose of the Act. On the other hand, a thick
book consisting of mainly photographs with no engineering input also does not serve
the purpose. The report should therefore reflect the fact that the structural engineer
has carried out the inspection in a professional manner with reasonable diligence
expected of him as a professional engineer. A well-prepared and professional report
should consist of engineering views, assessment, judgement, conclusion, and follow-
up recommendations put forth based on the engineer’s observations. Such a report is
also useful for the owner as a maintenance record for any follow-up.

5.1 The following serves to guide the structural engineer when preparing the Visual
Inspection Report. In addition, a checklist in Annex A is to be included as part
of the inspection report.

a) General Information of the Building

- Name and address of the building
- Number of storeys in each block of building
- Description of main usage of the building
- Maintenance history of the building, if known

b) Structural System of the Building

- Description of the structural systems and materials5 used in different
parts of the building
- Description of the soil condition and foundation system, if known
- Identification of special and critical structures1
- Identification of structures without redundancies2
- Identification of concealed key structural elements and connection
systems of Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC)
constructed buildings
- Identification of Timber Structures

c) Diary and Scope of the Visual Inspection

- Date(s) of inspection(s)
- Description of any areas not covered by the visual inspection, the
reasons, and an assessment of whether such areas are critical to
overall structural integrity of the building.

GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS 7

 d) Survey of Loading on the Building Structure
- Records of and comments on the observations on the loading
conditions. Special attention to be paid to industrial buildings (e.g.
factories and warehouses etc.). In the report, structural engineers shall
state if:
• existing usage and loading condition is compatible with the intended
purpose of the structure
• any misuse, abuse and/or deviation from intended use resulted in
excessive loading which can adversely affect the building structure

- Where there is deviation from its intended use resulting in overloading

or supporting higher imposed load as recommended in the design code
such as CP3, BS 6399 or SS EN 1991 (and the relevant national
annexes), the structural engineer shall recommend:
• the need for further design checks to assess structural adequacy
• the display of allowable imposed loading signage to ensure that
building users are aware of the loading limit.

e) Survey of Unauthorised Works6 to Building Structure

- Records of and comments on the findings of any unauthorised works to
the building structure. Such information can be obtained by visual
inspection, engineering judgement, interviewing the management
corporation, owners, tenants and users, and checking the drawings
- State whether the unauthorised works have caused excessive loading
or other adverse effects on the building structure.
- To advise the owner to demolish/regularise the structure

f) Survey of Signs of Structural Defect, Deformation or Deterioration

- Records of any signs of structural defect, deformation or deterioration
• e.g. cracks, excessive deflection, connection failure, instability,
floor settlement, foundation settlement, tilt, spalling concrete,
corrosion of steel, termite infestation, dry & wet rot timber, etc.
- This could entail judicious removal of plaster or architectural finishes to
establish the underlying structural condition.
- Comments on the extent, possible causes and assessment of the
seriousness of these identified problems.
- Severity of the identified problems shall also be assessed to determine
if they are:
• Defects of no structural significance
• Defects requiring remedial action and/or monitoring
• Suspected defects of structural significance requiring full
structural investigation and immediate action

GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS 8

 g) Survey of exposure to aggressive environment
- Presence of column(s) immersed in water (e.g. ground floor water tank,
seawater, lakes, etc.)
- Presence of aggressive chemicals or other similar substances, which
may accelerate the deterioration of structural elements, particularly in
industrial buildings.

h) Survey of slope, retaining walls and slope protection structures (e.g.

soil nails, ground anchors, shotcrete slope)
- Evidence of wall/slope movement, inadequate surface drainage,
unintended imposed loading behind wall, corrosion of anchor blockhead,
spalling of shotcrete protection, tension cracks etc.

i) Survey of safety barriers (e.g. parapets and railings)

- Signs of corrosion, excessive deflection, spalling, cracks, etc. observed
on safety barriers particularly those in buildings where large crowds are
expected (e.g. shopping malls, institutional buildings, sport halls,
stadiums, theatres, etc)

j) Other Surveys or Checks Carried Out

- Presence of heavy suspended fixtures (e.g. thick cement plaster, large
cement-based or gypsum board over) in crowded locations, such as
food courts, atrium, waiting/seating areas
- Records of and comments on any known maintenance problems and
previous rectification carried out on the building structure. Useful plans,
sketches, photographs and tabulations could also be included to
illustrate the findings of the inspection.

k) Recommended Remedial Actions For All Defects Detected

- For all defects detected, the engineer will need to recommend the
appropriate remedial actions and procedure to be taken by the owner,
such as:
• Restricting the usage, or relocation of heavy machineries
• Need for the removal of the unauthorised works
• Need for inspection and treatment by an anti-termite specialist,
and to obtain the certificate of termite treatment accordingly
• Need for timber specialist to advise on required rectification works
for MET structure
• Recommendation of measures to address areas at risk of water
ingress in MET structure

GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS 9

 • Need for regular maintenance checks on condition of heavy
suspended fixtures (e.g. thick cement plaster, large cement-
based or gypsum board over) in crowded locations, such as food
courts, atrium, waiting/seating areas
• In cases where spalling concrete is observed, the engineer shall
carry out simple test (e.g. tapping) in other areas to identify risk
of spalling
• Recommendation for further monitoring/structural investigation
necessary to ensure the structural stability and integrity of the
building
• Major repairs and strengthening work, where necessary, shall be
treated as building works. As such, procedures relevant to
application for approval of plans or permit to carry out building
works and supervision of building works shall apply

l) Inspection Coverage
- Summarised list of inspected units
- Location of cladded columns exposed for inspection in a
structural/building layout plan
- Location of suspended ceiling accessed in a structural/building layout
plan
- Justification of inspection coverage

m) Conclusions
- Conclusions on the structural condition of the building shall include
observations on loading conditions; unauthorised works6; structural
defect(s), deformation(s) or deterioration; and overall structural integrity
and stability.

n) Sketches, Plans and Photographs

- All sketches, plans and photographs should be produced in a clear and
legible manner with proper titles, explanations and cross-references to
the main body of the report.
- Although photographs are often used by structural engineers as a
record of their inspections, the entire collection of photographs should
not be submitted indiscriminately (e.g. photographs of non-structural
elements with no defects)

o) Structural Engineer’s Endorsement and Standard Certification

- The report shall be signed and endorsed on the first and last page by
the Structural Engineer appointed to carry out the inspection as follows.

GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS 10

 Standard Certification by the Structural Engineer
for Periodic Inspection of Buildings

In accordance with Section 28(6) of the Building Control Act 1989 (the “Act”) and
Regulations 6 and 7 of The Building Control (Periodic Inspection of Buildings and
Building Façade) Regulations 2021 (the “Regulations”), I, ____________________, the
Structural Engineer appointed by the building owner under section 28(3) of the Act have
personally conducted a structural inspection of the building located at [pls state address]
(“Building”), including a visual survey carried out personally, and hereby submit the
report of my inspection of the Building. I certify and declare that the inspection of the
Building was carried out and the report was prepared by me in accordance with the Act
and the Regulations.

__________________________ _________________
Structural Engineer
For Periodic Inspection of Buildings Date
(Signature and Stamp)

- Depending on the results of the visual inspection, the Structural

Engineer shall submit the Visual Inspection Certification (Form
SF_ESID_SIS/SF-D3) as appropriate.

5.2 A supplementary checklist in Annex B is to be included in the visual inspection

report for residential buildings with small-sized, narrow or slender RC columns
in void deck of residential buildings built before 1989 and using grade 20
concrete. For such structural elements, lack of maintenance, natural
deterioration, accuracy of rebar placement, support settlement, or accidental
impact force (eg. from vehicles in void deck carparks) can significantly affect
the load capacity. Hence, structural engineers are to be thorough in identifying
early signs of deterioration/ distress and seriously consider recommending a
full structural investigation in order to ascertain the structural integrity of the
columns as well as the need for strengthening or protection.

GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS 11

STAGE 2: FULL STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATION

6 General

6.1 On the recommendation of the structural engineer who has carried out the
visual inspection, BCA may grant approval to carry out a full structural
investigation.

6.2 If the structural deficiencies are of a localised nature, the structural engineer
may recommend a full structural investigation for that area in the first instance.
The scope and extent of the investigation should be clearly defined and are
subject to the approval of BCA. The outcome of this first localised investigation
may lead to a full structural investigation for the whole building.

6.3 The owner may engage a different structural engineer to carry out the stage 2
inspection and should inform BCA of the appointment by way of a written notice
before such inspection is carried out.

7 Scope of Full Structural Investigation

7.1 The scope of the full structural investigation includes but is not limited to the
following:
(a) Information relating to the design, construction, maintenance and history
of the building;
(b) Assessment of the structural adequacy of the building by checking the
structural plans and calculations and reconstructing the structural plans
(c) Carry out tests on the materials used and structural elements of the
building;
(d) Carry out load test on parts of the building if necessary;
(e) Recommend appropriate safety precautionary and remedial measures
to restore the structural stability and integrity of the building structure.

GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS 12

ANNEX A – CHECKLISTA FOR PERIODIC STRUCTURAL INSPECTION OF EXISTING
BUILDING(S) AT__________________________________________ _________________
<Building Address>
Please tick Y or N/A, which are defined below, accordingly for all checklist items:

Y – Yes, I declare that I have checked and addressed the item in my report
N/A – Not applicable, I declare that I have checked and found the item to be not applicable
(i.e. does not exist)

Y NA
1. Structural System of the Building:
a) Reference to structural layout plans and details

b) Description of foundation system

c) Description of structural system (including storey height)

Location of critical floor systems (e.g. flat slab, flat plate or pre-stressed slab
d)
etc.), if any

2. Special and Critical StructuresB:

a) Signs of distress, cracks, deformation or corrosion

3. Structures without RedundanciesC:

a) Signs of distress, cracks, deformation or corrosion

4. Concealed Key Structural Elements And Connection Systems Of Prefabricated

Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) Constructed Buildings:
a) Reference to approved structural plans for location and detail of inspection
access points
b) Signs of distress, deformation or corrosion on concealed structural elements
and connection systems

A This checklist is to be included in the inspection report.

B Examples of special and critical structures are transfer girders/ beams/ trusses, small / slender
columns, long span structures, cable structures, inclined columns, etc.
C Examples of structures without redundancies are cantilever structures, cantilever structures without
backspan, cantilever balconies exposed to elements, tension columns, hanging/suspended
structures, nibs and corbels, etc. Reference should also be made to Annex C.
GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS i
 Y NA
5. Timber structures (including Mass Engineered Timber):
Signs of biological damage or decay (e.g. termite attack or fungus growth,
a) etc.)

b) Signs of deterioration (e.g. creep deformation, delamination, cracks, etc.)

Areas prone to water leakage, accumulation of water that can result in ingress
c) of water (e.g. end cap protection remain intact and water tight, waterproofing
is still effective)
Increase in moisture content beyond code and specialist recommendations
d)
checked using devices such as moisture meters and scanners.
Need for inspection and testing by a specialist (e.g. anti-termite, timber
e) specialist, etc.)

6. Survey of Loading:
a) Compatibility of existing usage with the design loading
Deviation from intended use or supporting higher imposed load as
b) recommended in the design codes (e.g. CP3, BS 6399 or SS EN 1991 and the
relevant national annexes)
Signs of distress or deformation due to overloading (to show affected
c) location(s) on plan)

7. Unauthorised WorksD:
a) Presence of unauthorised works (to show locations on plan)

b) Impact of unauthorised works on the building structure

c) Record of previous strengthening works without Approved Plans.

d) Additional unauthorised floor within a high volume/headroom space

8. Signs of structural defects and deterioration:

a) Building tilt/ settlement

b) Structural deformation

c) Major structural defects (e.g. structural cracks, decayed timber member, etc.)

d) Minor structural defects (e.g. minor corrosion and minor spalling, etc.)

e) Non-structural defects

D Examples of slope protection structures are soil nails, ground anchors, shotcrete slope, etc.
GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS ii
 Y NA
9. Exposure to aggressive environment:
a) Column immersed in water (e.g. ground floor water tank, seawater, lakes, etc.)
Aggressive chemicals or other similar substances which may accelerate the
b) deterioration of structural elements, particularly in industrial buildings

10. Slope, Retaining Walls And Slope Protection StructuresE:

a) Signs of slope erosion
Defects of retaining wall and other slope protection structures (e.g. cracks, tilt,
b) displacement, etc.)
Signs of undesirable condition surrounding retaining wall (e.g. tension cracks
c) in soil, choked weephole(s), presence of big trees nearby, inadequate surface
drainage etc.)

11. Safety Barriers (i.e. parapets & railings):

a) Any signs of structural defect, deformation or deterioration

b) Any continuous handrail for full glass barriers

12. Other Surveys Or Checks Carried Out

Presence of heavy suspended fixtures (e.g. thick cement plaster, large
a) cement-based or gypsum board over) in crowded locations, such as food
courts, atrium, waiting/seating areas
Records of and comments on any known maintenance problems and previous
b) rectification carried out on the building structure.

13. Inspection Coverage

Summarised list of units inspected
a)
• Percentage of units inspected: %
F
At least 30% of cladded columns are exposed for inspection
b)
• Percentage of cladded columnsF exposed: %
Suspended ceiling accessed points are indicated on a structural/building
c) layout plan

d) Justification of inspection coverage

E Evidence of any structural works that are or were carried out without any prior approval of the plans
of those works where prior approval is required by Part 2 of the Building Control Act
F Columns concealed behind architectural finishes with air gaps between the column face and the
finishes. It excludes those columns concealed with materials adhered fully to the column face, i.e. tiles,
plaster, wallpaper
GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS iii
 Y NA
14. Recommended remedial actions for all defects detected

15. Standard Certification on first and last page of report

__________________________ _________________
Structural Engineer
For Periodic Inspection of Buildings Date
(Signature and Stamp)

GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS iv

ANNEX B – SUPPLEMENTARY CHECKLISTG FOR CRITICAL COLUMNS IN
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS(S) BUILT BEFORE 1 JAN 1989

Please tick Y or N/A, which are defined below, accordingly for all checklist items:

Y – Yes, I declare that I have checked and addressed the item in my report
N/A – Not applicable, I declare that I have checked and found the item to be not applicable
(i.e. does not exist)

Y NA
1. Presence of Critical Columns:
a) Design concrete grade 20

b) Small-size, narrow, or slender columnsH

c) Columns subjected to bi-axial bending or bending about minor axis

d) Columns unbraced along minor axis.

e) Void deck used as carpark

2. Signs of structural defects and deterioration:

a) Spalling, cracks or deformation

b) Signs of damage by external force (e.g. vehicular impact)

c) Signs of differential settlement

3. Recommendations:
c) Need for full structural investigation

d) Need for crash barrier around void deck columns

__________________________ _________________
Structural Engineer
For Periodic Inspection of Buildings Date
(Signature and Stamp)

G This supplementary checklist is to be used together with ‘Annex A - Checklist for Periodic Structural
H As a guide, small size or narrow columns are defined as having minimum width less than/ equal to
300mm
GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS v
EXPLANATORY NOTES TO SUPPLEMENTARY CHECKLIST (Annex B)

1. Structural engineers are to pay special attention to the inspection of small-size,

narrow or slender RC columns in void deck of residential buildings built before 1989
and using grade 20 concrete. For such structural elements, lack of maintenance,
natural deterioration, accuracy of rebar placement, support settlement, or
accidental impact force (eg. from vehicles in void deck carparks) could significantly
affect the load capacity.

2. During the inspection of such critical structures, structural engineers are to be

thorough in identifying early signs of deterioration/ distress and seriously consider
recommending a full structural investigation in order to ascertain the structural
integrity of the columns as well as the need for strengthening or protection.

GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS iv

ANNEX C – CRITERIA FOR COMPLEX BUILDING
A building is deemed to be complex if it consists of one or more of the following:

1) Multiple level transfer structures (2 or more transfer floors each carrying 3 or

more floors) or cantilevered transfer structures (carrying 5 or more floors);

2) Non-vertical/inclined structural elements (with offset of floor plate more than 3m

from the edge of the floor above or below);

3) Structures with unconventional geometry (e.g. dome or arch-shaped); or

4) Large span structures (with span more than 40m) or large cantilever span
structures (where cantilever span is more than 8m).

GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS vii

ANNEX D – Guidelines for additional inspection coverage due to age, defects
observed and maintenance history

Notwithstanding the minimum requirements for inspection coverage set out in Section
4.3.1 to Section 4.3.3 of the guidelines, Annex D provides greater details on the
guiding principles for the structural engineer when assessing the additional inspection
coverage required when certain risk factors are observed.

I) AGE

Historically, we noticed that older buildings have a greater percentage of buildings with
structural defects observed. As such, a higher inspection coverage is recommended
to detect and identify localised degradation/deterioration of building material. Unless
buildings have undergone major structural improvement/strengthening works,
following inspection coverage is recommended for buildings which are >40 years old:

Residential Developments

Percentage of units to be
Age
inspected (%)
> 40 years old 40%
> 60 years old 60%

Non-residential Developments

The increased coverage would require PE to access the suspended ceiling access
panels at smaller intervals than 500m2 (indoor areas) and 250m2 (outdoor areas)
specified in Section 4.3.2. Depending on the line of sight, the structural engineer will
have to make an assessment of the inspection intervals.

II) CAUSE(S) AND EXTENT OF DEFECT(S) OBSERVED

Depending on the cause and extent of the defect(s) observed, the location and amount
of additional inspection coverage required may vary. As a general guidance, the
recommended additional inspection for commonly observed defects are:

A) Signs of distressed structural elements

- Inspection should be extended to structural elements that may
undertake the redistributed loading

B) Corrosion-related defects due to exposure conditions (e.g. corroded

rebar, connection or structural steel elements)
- Inspection should be extended to areas in the building with high
humidity, or exposure to aggressive environment. Other areas in the
building with similar exposure condition should also be inspected

GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS viii

 C) Degradation of building material due to age (e.g. spalled concrete)
- In such cases, inspection coverage should generally be increased
throughout the building to establish the extent of structural defect
and to obtain a better representation of the building condition.
- The increased coverage should consist of inspecting more
residential units, and/or accessing the suspended ceiling access
panels at smaller intervals than 500m2 (indoor areas) and 250m2
(outdoor areas) to establish the extent of structural defects

For defects observed and not listed above, due diligence should be exercised by the
structural engineer to:
i) assess the additional inspection coverage required, and
ii) justify his/her assessment

III) MAINTENANCE HISTORY OF PAST DEFECTS AND PAST

STRENGTHENING WORKS

The maintenance history of a building is telling of the likely defects that may be
observed in a building. The structural engineer should customise the inspection
coverage, inspection methodology and repair methodology based on findings from the
building’s maintenance history. For example:

i) Water leakage at RC roof will have a higher likelihood of spalling concrete

occurring than a ceiling slab observed on other floors. Hence, structural
engineer is expected to exercise due diligence and carry out simple, appropriate
tests (e.g. tapping) at Stage 1: Visual Inspection to detect signs of hollowness.

ii) Improper or incorrect repair of spalling concrete, cracks and holes due to the
use of an incorrect repair procedure or unsuitable materials. This will result in
the spalling concrete continuing to deteriorate undetected underneath the fresh
coats of repair. Hence, the structural engineer is expected to review past repair
methodology

GUIDELINES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS ix