How do engineeers test a building to make sure it’s structurally sound many years after its built?
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I’m not a civil engineer but i work in a field that somehow related to construction. So, the is just my observation & understanding:-
Every parts of the structure (beam, column etc.) are designed to use specific grades of concreate and specific size and number of steel bar. They will be be simulated using professional structure software like STAAD.Pro.
N20 grade are supposed to withstand 20MPA of compressive force per milimeter square (sqmm) and N45 supposed to withstand 45MPA of force per sqmm. The grade requirement are depend on design by structural engineer.
During the construction, each batch of concreate delivery from concreate factory will sampled and tested using Concreate Slump Test to ensure the consistency of the concreate mix. If the slump test failed it will be rejected and will be sent back to factory. The steel bar also will be tested by pulling it apart until break.
Before the concrete was poured, they will take a sample and make few 150×150×150mm cube from the sample. Normally, each of the cubes sample will be tested on 7th day, 14th day & 28th day. The cube are expected to achieve at least 65% strength of 7th day, 90% on 14th day. The cube also expected to achieve 99% of the strength on 28th day. If the cube passed the test on 28th day, the structure of the particular parts of structure will be deemed as safe.
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