Appraisal of existing structures (Third edition) (2010)

The third edition of Appraisal of existing structures updates the seminal work of its much-loved predecessors, started 30 years ago. This important book deserves a place on the bookshelf of every practising engineer, who will find colleagues eager to refresh their memories not only about the appraisal process but of the setting up and execution of agreements with their clients.

After the introduction, the reader is taken through the brief, legal implications and the report stages followed by a chapter on preparation and influencing factors. The Report then describes the appraisal process in detail, introduces testing and monitoring and reminds the reader of the use and properties of materials. The final chapter emphasises the importance of health and safety, in view of the sometimes hazardous conditions of entering and appraising existing structures, many of which have been neglected for years or suffered fire damage.

The first three of the eleven appendices offer access to sources of UK-based information on design, construction and history; and advice on acceptable risk levels for existing structures and on types of defect. A new appendix deals with damage due to extreme events. The two appendices on fire have been updated in the light of recent advances in fire engineering. The appendices on conventional and on specialist test techniques have been revised, together with their associated appendix on methods of monitoring structures. Safety factors are discussed in detail and the new topic of residual service life is introduced.
The Report concludes with a meticulously researched and extensive set
of references and bibliographies. Appraising is not for the faint-hearted nor for the inexperienced, and this Report will both increase the confidence of the experienced engineer and teach the beginner about the entire process.