RAS Engineering is a professional engineering company serving building managers and owners by providing advice, oversight restoration, and testing to ensure that all components of a build’s exterior and structure meet the standards necessary to provide quality durability and safe protection against the elements.
MILESTONE INSPECTION
PHASE 1
During phase 1 of the Milestone Inspection, the team must carefully examine the habitable and non-habitable structures of the building which includes the major structural components in order to create quality products that give a strong foundation for the building structure. If in case, no signs are shown of structural deterioration no need for phase 2 inspection.
An inspection of the structural integrity of buildings in Florida is performed by a licensed engineer, responsible to evaluate buildings safe condition of condominiums that are 25 to 30 years old. Furthermore, more than three-storeyed buildings are also inspected. Florida state legislature strictly follows the rules and sends engineers to the site for the inspection with the intent of the safety of the building, environment, and occupants staying in the building.
Differences between Architects and structural engineers:
Structural Engineers are construction experts who perform complementary duties in building design. Architects usually focus on the layout and design of a structure, while structural engineers ensure that an architect's design is safe for use. A Structural Engineer's report will tell you whether a property is safe, strong and stable. It will identify likely causes of cracks, movement or subsidence and whether these structural defects are serious or not, what to do about them and how much this might cost.
Structural Engineers specialise in the structure of buildings (foundations, walls and roofs). They provide services whereby they will inspect problems with existing buildings and also help with structural design and calculations for changes.
If it's a more severe crack and you're worried about potential structural damage, you should consult a professional structural engineer immediately. They'll monitor the cracks to see if any movement has stopped, or if the structure is still moving and requires further investigation
Phase 2 Structural
In-Depth Echo-Sound evaluation of structural elements.
SIRS
Structural Integrity Reserve Study conducted by a licensed PE as required by the State of Florida.
Structural Load Testing
On-Site Load Testing capabilities of structure and safeguards.
Forensic Engineering
Non-Destructive evaluation to obtain information about unforeseen conditions and performance.
General Considerations and Guidelines for Building Recertification Florida
Concept and Intent:
Licensed engineers to certify that the current building structure is safe to say for the residents who are staying in the building.
Experts are eligible to give their judgment on the building structure.
Licensed engineers must evaluate the interior, exterior and general condition of the building structure.
Write and mention in the report that the building requires urgent maintenance.
Methodologies Used in Building Recertification Florida:
Initially, the engineer visually inspects the building.
The inspection process is categorized into phases including phase one and phase two for determining the quality of a building.
Professionals like e experienced engineers can give their professional judgement in regards to non-destructive and/or destructive testing; if requires in any phase.
The technicians are allowed to perform load testing when required
A certified engineer can ask for engineering permit documents from the owner of the building.
During the inspection, experts have the freedom to ask for prior building recertification Florida reports.
Buildings covered During The Inspection Process
All commercial buildings and structures are covered under the inspection process excluding:
Duplexes or single-family residencies.
Small buildings that are constructed within 2,000 square feet or less and have y capacity of 10 occupants or less that is based on building code classification.
Elements or Check List For Structural Recertification Process Includes
Building blocks (observation).
Walls that are made of masonry (settlement and bending fractures).
Important structural elements including stone cast iron, brick or concrete vaults; timber, iron or steel beams.
Systematic floor, wall, and roof framing.
Roof covering (roof membrane condition).
Basic Elements Doors and Windows.
Key Points To Examine Electricity in the Inspection Process
The inspection team must examine the supplying electricity of the building.
Must evaluate the branch circuits and wiring system of the project site.
Must cross-check the fire alarm system, emergency lighting and exit signs.
Inspect the infrared thermography electrical systems functioning at 400 amps or more than that.