State Any Four Points Due to Which Structural Audit Is Necessary
Safety: A structural audit is necessary to ensure the safety of a building, especially if it is an older building or has experienced damage due to natural disasters or other events. The audit can identify any potential structural issues that may compromise the safety of the building or its occupants.
Maintenance: A structural audit can identify areas that require maintenance, such as cracks or corrosion. Identifying these issues early can help prevent more extensive damage and costly repairs in the future.
Compliance: A structural audit can help ensure that a building is compliant with building codes and regulations. It can identify any issues that need to be addressed to bring the building up to code.
Legal requirements: In some cases, a structural audit may be required by law, such as when a building undergoes a change in ownership or when there is a change in building use. A structural audit can ensure that the building is in compliance with any legal requirements.
Limited scope: A structural audit typically only examines the structural integrity of a building and may not include a detailed examination of other systems such as plumbing, electrical, or HVAC. This can limit the overall assessment of the building's condition.
Visual inspection only: A structural audit is typically a visual inspection, which means that some issues may not be visible or easily identified. For example, internal damage or deterioration may not be apparent without invasive testing or analysis.
Limited liability: The structural engineer conducting the audit may have limited liability for any issues that are identified. This can make it challenging for building owners to hold anyone accountable for any problems that arise after the audit is completed.
Cost: A structural audit can be expensive, especially if extensive testing or analysis is required. This cost can make it challenging for some building owners to conduct regular audits, which can lead to safety or compliance issues over time.
Limited lifespan: A structural audit is a snapshot of a building's condition at a specific point in time. As such, it may not be an accurate reflection of the building's condition over time. Regular audits may be necessary to maintain an accurate assessment of a building's structural integrity.