Buildings

Building Investigations

Investigo offers comprehensive building investigation services to assess the condition and structure of existing buildings. Using advanced techniques, we gather vital data to inform maintenance, repairs, and renovations.

• GPR & Tomography: We employ Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Ultrasonic Pulse Tomography (UPT) to locate reinforcement and voids, without intrusive methods.
• As-Built Details: Our team investigates and confirms as-built details using a combination of NDT and intrusive methods. This includes the original construction features and materials, providing a clear understanding of the building’s structure.
• Rebar Arrangement and Thickness: We map out the rebar arrangement and measure the thickness of concrete sections using a combination of NDT and intrusive methods to help to assess the strength and integrity of the structure.
• Breakouts & Cores: We conduct controlled breakouts and core drilling to extract samples for testing and analysis, offering direct insights into the materials used and their condition.
• Steel Element Sizes: We verify the sizes of steel elements within the structure to ensure they meet design specifications and structural requirements.
• Hardness Vickers (HV) Testing: This test measures the material’s resistance to indentation, providing insight into the strength and durability of steel elements.
• Tensile Strength Testing: We assess the material's ability to resist stretching forces and determine its capacity for load-bearing by extracting samples for laboratory testing.
• Compression Testing of Cast Iron Cores: Our compression tests evaluate the strength and stability of cast iron, helping to ensure their structural integrity.
• Trial Pits for Foundation Details: We conduct trial pits to investigate foundation conditions and gather essential data on foundation depths, materials, and stability.
  
  

Wall Tie Investigations

Wall ties are crucial components in masonry construction, connecting the leaves of cavity walls and helping the structure resist external forces like wind. However, poor installation or degradation over time can lead to structural issues, as seen in incidents where outer wall leaves have collapsed due to faulty or deteriorated ties.

Investigo provides expert wall tie investigations, ensuring that cavity walls are built to design specifications and remain structurally sound. Our experienced engineers use a variety of methods tailored to each project:

• NDT Scanning: We use wall tie detection systems, cover meters, and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to locate ties and assess spacing and installation quality.
• Localised Drilling: Drilling may be necessary to check tie depth, condition, and the cavity’s integrity after NDT scanning.
• Borescope Inspection: We employ borescopes to visually inspect the cavity and confirm the condition of the ties.
• Masonry Unit Removal: In some cases, we carefully remove masonry units to inspect ties in detail, ensuring accurate assessment of embedment, material condition, and cavity thickness.

We also offer remedial wall tie installation and replacement services, including the installation of frame cramps, head restraints, and crack ties.

RAAC Inspections

In the 1980s, Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) roof planks were found to be highly prone to failure, leading to the demolition and replacement of many affected structures. Unlike traditional concrete, RAAC is lightweight and made from fine aggregates and chemical additives that create air bubbles during curing. This results in a material with low strength and limited bonding capability with embedded reinforcement.

RAAC was commonly used for roof, floor, and wall panels, where it was reinforced to form structural units. However, due to poor bonding between the material and reinforcement, protection against corrosion was essential, typically through coatings like bitumen or cement-latex.

Case studies have revealed several issues with RAAC, including inadequate steel cover, high span-to-depth ratios, and insufficient transverse reinforcement, all of which contribute to failure. Despite many buildings being demolished in the 1980s, RAAC panels are still present in numerous structures across the UK today. Therefore, it's essential for property owners to confirm the presence of RAAC and assess its condition.

Investigo’s expert engineers conduct thorough inspections to identify RAAC, using non-destructive testing, detailed assessments, and targeted investigative methods to ensure accurate evaluation of the material’s condition.

Timber & Wood Surveys

Investigo offers a comprehensive range of timber and wood-related inspection services, designed to assess the health and condition of wooden structures. If you require a service not listed here, feel free to contact us – we’re happy to tailor our solutions to your needs.

• Visual Assessment: Our team conducts detailed visual inspections to identify issues such as cracking, warping, and signs of insect or fungal decay, helping to spot potential structural concerns early.
• Roof Surveys for Wooden Structures: We perform in-depth roof inspections, using specialist access equipment to evaluate all roof elements, ensuring they are structurally sound.
• Floor Surveys: We carefully remove finishes to inspect the underlying timber support structures, ensuring there are no hidden issues affecting the integrity of the floor.
• Damp Surveys: Using advanced probe technology, we detect and measure dampness within wooden structures, identifying the depth and spread of moisture issues.
• Dry & Wet Rot Survey: Our experts assess the presence and severity of dry and wet rot, helping to determine the extent of decay and necessary repairs.
• Timber Grading: We evaluate the strength and quality of existing timber to ensure it meets structural requirements.
• Sample Extraction:We collect wood samples to identify the type of wood and any preservatives used, helping to understand its condition and longevity.

Steel & Metallic Sampling

Metallic materials like steel, cast iron, and wrought iron are widely used in construction, each with distinct properties that can vary based on production methods. Assessing the condition, material type, and strength properties of these materials is crucial for ensuring structural integrity and safety.

At Investigo, we offer a range of testing services to evaluate the condition and performance of metallic elements:

• Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI): MPI is used to detect cracks in ferromagnetic materials, including welds, that are invisible to the naked eye. The process involves magnetizing the material and applying magnetic ink to reveal defects.• NDT Testing for Cast Iron: We apply specialized non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques to assess the condition of cast iron elements, which can vary due to the casting process.
• Ultrasonic Testing: Ultrasonic thickness gauges measure material thickness and detect any cross-sectional loss, helping to assess the remaining load-bearing capacity.
• Hardness Testing: Using Vickers hardness (hV) testing, we estimate the tensile strength of metallic materials, often combining on-site testing with laboratory analysis for accuracy.
• Sample Extraction and Testing: We extract material samples from non-critical areas to identify materials and test their strength. This includes beams, columns, and reinforcing bars.
• Magnetic Drilling: Our engineers use magnetic drilling to extract small samples, such as rivets or metallic cores, with minimal impact on structural integrity.

ICorr Paint Surveys & Protective Coatings Inspections

At Investigo, our team of ICorr Level 1 and Level 2 certified protective coatings inspectors is equipped to provide a full range of inspection and testing services. Our expertise covers all aspects of protective coatings, from QA and OC inspections to equipment control and calibration.

We offer a variety of services including the production of written instructions and specifications, as well as the capability to carry out testing works on coating systems and materials. Our team conducts thorough corrosion assessments and manages the control and testing of blasting abrasives to ensure the best preparation for coating applications.|

In addition, we perform contamination testing and sampling, evaluate coating systems and paint formulations, and conduct paint film testing to ensure optimal application quality. Our inspectors are skilled in identifying coating faults and defects, applying metallic coatings, and implementing cathodic protection systems.

Investigo provides both factual and interpretive reports that detail all findings, offering valuable insights into the integrity and effectiveness of the protective coatings. Whether you require routine inspection or specialized coatings services, Investigo’s qualified team ensures the highest standards of quality and safety for your assets.

Fire Rating Surveys

At Investigo, we conduct comprehensive fire rating surveys to assess the fire resistance of building materials and structural elements. Ensuring that your structure meets the required fire safety standards is critical for both safety and compliance.

One of the key services we provide is Covermeter Surveys, which allow us to assess the concrete cover over reinforcement without extensive breakouts. This non-destructive method uses a covermeter to measure the depth of concrete cover, helping us determine if the structure has adequate protection for its reinforcement to ensure fire resistance.

By performing limited breakouts where necessary, we can validate the findings and further ensure the structural integrity and fire resistance of the building. These surveys are essential for identifying any areas where the fire resistance may not meet regulatory requirements, allowing for timely remediation.

Our team of experienced engineers follows industry standards to provide accurate, reliable results that support compliance with fire safety regulations. We provide detailed reports outlining the findings and recommend corrective actions if any deficiencies are found.

Pre-sale Surveys

Investigo offers comprehensive Pre-sale Surveys designed to assess the structural condition and material composition of buildings before sale or purchase. These surveys are crucial for identifying potential issues that may affect the value or safety of the property.

Our High Alumina Cement (HAC) testing checks for the presence of this material, which can degrade over time, compromising the structural integrity of concrete. We also assess cement content, and test for chlorides and sulphates, which can contribute to corrosion and deterioration of reinforcement.

Additionally, we perform a visual inspection to confirm the condition of the reinforcement, ensuring there are no visible signs of damage, corrosion, or weakness. We also use Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and covermeter scans to accurately locate and assess the depth of reinforcement within the concrete, ensuring that structural elements meet required standards.

Our detailed findings help clients make informed decisions about the property, highlighting any issues that may require attention before completing a sale. We provide comprehensive reports with recommendations for repairs or further investigations if needed.

For a thorough pre-sale survey of your property, contact Investigo to schedule a consultation.

Condition Testing

Investigo offers a wide range of condition testing services to assess the health and durability of concrete and masonry structures. Our team utilizes various testing methods to provide accurate insights into the condition of your infrastructure.

• Half-Cell Potential Testing: Used to assess the likelihood of corrosion in reinforced concrete by measuring the electrical potential difference within the structure.
• Resistivity Testing: This test evaluates the electrical resistivity of concrete, helping to assess the risk of reinforcement corrosion.
• Grout and Concrete Lab Testing: We conduct comprehensive lab tests on grout and concrete samples to measure chlorides, cement content, sulphates, and alkalis, all of which can impact material durability.
• Carbonation Testing of Concrete: This test measures the depth of carbonation in concrete, which is essential for understanding the rate of deterioration and potential corrosion risks.
• Concrete Core Lab Testing: Our laboratory analysis includes testing concrete cores for compressive strength, petrographic analysis, ISAT (Initial Surface Absorption Test), and other tests to evaluate concrete quality and performance.
• Masonry Cores Lab Testing: We perform compressive strength testing and analysis of masonry cores to determine structural integrity.
• Schmidt Hammer Testing: This non-destructive test measures the surface hardness of concrete, offering an indication of its compressive strength.
• Covermeter: We use covermeters to locate reinforcement bars within concrete and measure the depth of cover to ensure proper protection against corrosion.

Investigo provides detailed reports on all test results, helping clients understand the condition of their structures and make informed decisions on maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.

Crack Monitoring

At Investigo, we provide comprehensive Crack Monitoring services to assess and track structural issues, ensuring the safety and stability of your property. Our expert engineers employ a range of techniques to monitor cracks and movement, identifying potential risks early.

• Crack Surveys: We conduct detailed visual inspections to locate cracks and measure their width, providing a clear understanding of their severity and potential impact.
• Crack Depth Measurement: Using both non-destructive testing (NDT) and intrusive methods, we accurately measure the depth of cracks, helping assess the extent of damage and guide appropriate remedial actions.
• Movement Monitoring: We install devices such as "Tell Tales" and "Demec Studs" to monitor any shifts or displacement in structures over time. This allows us to track movement and detect any developing issues that may compromise structural integrity.
• Cause Identification: Understanding the root cause of cracks and movement is essential for effective repairs. We investigate various factors, including settlement, vegetation growth, shrinkage, and overloading, to pinpoint the source of the issue and recommend the best course of action.

Our crack monitoring services provide valuable insights into the condition of your structure and help inform necessary repairs or interventions.

Load Testing

At Investigo, we offer comprehensive Load Testing of Structures to assess the strength, stability, and performance of existing buildings and infrastructure. Load testing is crucial for verifying that a structure can safely carry the loads it was designed for, ensuring long-term safety and compliance with relevant standards.

Our team of experienced engineers conducts controlled load tests to simulate real-world conditions and measure how structures respond to different forces. This process helps identify any weaknesses or potential issues before they become critical, enabling proactive maintenance or upgrades.

We carry out static load tests where weights are applied gradually to evaluate how a structure behaves under varying load conditions. Our detailed testing provides essential data on load-bearing capacity, movement, and performance, helping clients make informed decisions about structural safety. After each test, we provide thorough reports with analysis, findings, and recommendations for further action if needed.

Load testing is a key service we offer to ensure the continued integrity and safety of your building or infrastructure. Contact Investigo for more information or to schedule a consultation.