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2.forensic Structural Investigation

This document outlines various field tests that can be used in forensic structural investigations, including load tests, instrumentation, dimensional measurements, material tests on concrete, masonry, metal and wood, and tests to evaluate water and air penetration and heat loss. It provides examples of each type of test and emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate test methods and locations to accurately evaluate the structure.

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Revanth Local Mokkapati
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52 views

2.forensic Structural Investigation

This document outlines various field tests that can be used in forensic structural investigations, including load tests, instrumentation, dimensional measurements, material tests on concrete, masonry, metal and wood, and tests to evaluate water and air penetration and heat loss. It provides examples of each type of test and emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate test methods and locations to accurately evaluate the structure.

Uploaded by

Revanth Local Mokkapati
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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17CE4703/5

FORENSICS IN CIVIL
ENGINEERING

Instructor: Sai Chandrika Nimmagadda


FORENSIC STRUCTURAL
INVESTIGATION

Instructor: Sai Chandrika Nimmagadda


OUTLINE
Load Tests
Instrumentation
Dimensional Measurements
Concrete And Masonry Tests
Metal Tests
Wood Tests
Weld Tests
Water And Air Penetration Tests
Heat Loss Tests
FIELD TESTS
An excellent source of test techniques and standards is Guideline
for Structural Condition Assessment of Existing Buildings [ASCE
1990].
Some of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
standards for individual tests give recommendations for
methodologies.
As with field sampling, the investigator must give careful
consideration to the number of tests and the locations at which
they are to be conducted.
When the test results are critical to the conclusions of the
investigation, the test should be corroborated with results of
similar tests of a different method or by calculations.
LOAD TESTS

 The static, dynamic, and fatigue behavior under load of


components is frequently determined by testing in the field.
 Many types of loading are applied, including hydraulic jacks,
mechanical jacks, air pressure, imposition of water or other heavy
materials.
 Before the test is conducted, it is important to isolate the
component or region of the structure being tested from other
structural and nonstructural components to accurately obtain its
response.
 Safety precautions, such as provision of limiting scaffolding that
avoid complete collapse, are sometimes necessary to avoid injury.
LOAD TESTS

In-field Pull-out Tests On Stone Anchors.


INSTRUMENTATION
 The Personal Computer revolution has produced a new dimension in
field instrumentation capabilities including electronic strain gauges
 Other displacement-measuring devices include dial gauges, simple
tapes or rules, and optical or laser technology.
 Traceable calibration procedures must be strictly employed with all
instruments.
 The operating limitations and performance characteristics of
instruments must be clearly understood.
INSTRUMENTATION
Vibrating-wire Strain Gauges Monitor Cladding
Movements
DIMENSIONAL MEASUREMENTS
Conventional level survey techniques are
employed to measure building topography
(as in the case of foundation settlements or
over deflection).
Laser and infrared technology, liquid-filled
tubes with pressure transducers, high-
resolution photogrammetric, and satellite
methods have been refined to increase the
accuracy and ease of data gathering
DIMENSIONAL MEASUREMENTS
Specially Designed Profilometer Is Used To
Measure Deflected Shape of Buried Reinforced
Plastic Pipe.
CONCRETE AND MASONRY TESTS
 Rebound methods, such as the Probe or Swiss hammer, are
available for estimating the in situ compressive strength of
concrete. 
 They are best used to indicate relative strengths of samples,
after calibration with compressive strength results taken from
cores for a particular project.
 Ultrasonic techniques, such as the impact-echo method have
been used to determine concrete density, as well as to detect
flaws such as cracks.
 Snap-off tests and bond tests have recently been developed
for estimating the tensile and bond strength of concrete and
masonry in situ
CONCRETE AND MASONRY TESTS
Bond-wrench testing on in situ brick masonry.
METAL TESTS
Tests include the mechanical properties of
 Compression Strength
 Modulus Of Elasticity
 Thermal Expansion
 Abrasion Resistance
 Bond
 Creep
 Expansion/Shrinkage Characteristics
 Tensile Strength
 Flexural Strength
 Shear Strength
 Fatigue Strength
 Fracture Properties
Material tests include chemical analyses, petro graphic analysis, and air
content.
METAL TESTS
Various nondestructive methods are available to detect
conditions below the
Surface of a material, such as flaws or embedment's.
Magnetic “R-meters,” X-ray, Ground-penetrating radar,
and pulse-echo methods are used to detect reinforcing
bars or other steel embedment's in concrete and
masonry.
WOOD TESTS

Common wood tests applied in the field are simple


methods that involve probing or boring into the
surface of the wood to estimate its density or to detect
deterioration such as rot, fungus, or insect infestation.
WELD TESTS

The techniques of testing welds of metal fabrications


are standardized by the American Welding Society
(AWS).
Their application requires an inspection specialist.
Common nondestructive testing methods employed
include radiographic, ultrasonic, visual, dye penetrate,
magnetic particle, and eddy current methods.
Selection of the best method for a particular task
depends on the type of discontinuity to be detected,
the joint type, and the accessibility of the joint.
WATER ANDAIR PENETRATION TESTS &HEATLOSSTESTS

These tests are most often used to check the capability of building
cladding to provide a suitable enclosure from natural elements.
Water and air penetration tests range from simple hose or flood
testing to elaborate setups with spray racks and vacuum/pressure
chambers. 
Methods are specified by the
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
Architectural Aluminum Manufacturers’ Association (AAMA).
Infrared thermography has been refined for general use in detecting
heat loss, used correctly it can be an effective tool for varied
applications (eg., detection of airleakage in walls, presence of
moisture in roofs, and location of reinforcement in concrete slabs).

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