To enable structural engineers to successfully carry out an assessment of a structure they require accurate information on materials and construction details.  In many instances as-built drawings are non-existent or require confirmation. Empirical offer solutions to confirm all construction types to various structures including some of the following:

• Concrete Bridges (including Pre-Stressed, Post-Tensioned, Reinforced)

• Metallic Bridges

• Buildings (All construction type)

• Retaining Walls (Concrete and masonry)

• Marine Structures

• Tunnels

Empirical can provide experienced engineers to expose and confirm structural details with targeted intrusive investigations.  The following suite of intrusive investigations are some examples of what Empirical can offer to assist your project:

• Connection Details – Empirical can expose and record connection of elements such as a concrete encased steel beams to columns. The details are recorded by experienced investigation engineers using callipers and ultra-sonic thickness gauges. Connection details of structural elements can also include cladding, parapet and similar buried connections.

• Slab Details – Initial details of slab construction can be confirmed through non-destructive techniques; however, this will not provide sufficient detail for assessment. Through targeted localised exposures supporting NDT techniques, Empirical can confirm bar size/type, pre-cast floor beam details, hollow pot floor arrangements, filler joist type/dimensions, accurate slab thickness’, timber joist size/arrangement and post-tensioned floor arrangement. The investigation of slabs also includes the direction and length of spans, including bearing details.

• Wall Details – As with slab arrangements a GPR and/or Cover Meter Survey will be initially carried out to confirm details. Through concrete breakouts and coring techniques Empirical can confirm re-bar size/type, wall thickness’ (at various heights), foundation depth/type and cavity wall details including wall tie installation.

• Beam/Column Details – After initial GPR/Cover Meter surveys targeted localised breakouts are carried out to provide accurate structural details. Whether it be a reinforced concrete or encased I-Beams Empirical can expose elements to determine accurate details.

• Pre-stressed beam exposure – To accurately determine the geometry and strand locations of a pre-stressed beam, the beam end requires exposure. This often requires part removal of ballast wall or run-on slabs to enable full dimensions to be recorded.