International standard is visual !!
Following an earthquake, inspections of quake damage involve a two-phase process: a rapid assessment to identify safe and unsafe buildings, followed by a detailed inspection to determine the extent of damage and necessary repairs.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the inspections:
1. Rapid Assessment (Initial Phase):
Purpose:To quickly identify buildings that are obviously safe (no damage) or obviously unsafe (high risk of collapse).
Method:
Teams of structural engineers or trained inspectors conduct a visual assessment of buildings, looking for major structural damage, potential hazards, and signs of instability.
Outcomes:Buildings deemed safe are marked as such and may be re-occupied
Buildings deemed unsafe are marked as such and may be closed off to prevent further casualties. Buildings with uncertain safety status are marked for detailed inspection.
2. Detailed Assessment (Second Phase):
Purpose:
To determine the extent of damage and the necessary repairs or interventions.
Method:
Structural Assessment: Engineers conduct a thorough inspection of the building's structure, including walls, floors, roofs, and foundations.
Building Systems Assessment: Inspectors assess the condition of building systems such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
Damage Identification: Any damage, including cracks, structural issues, or compromised building systems, is identified and documented.
Recommendations: Engineers provide recommendations for repairs, strengthening, or demolition, as need
Outcomes:Buildings are assessed for their usability and safety.
Recommendations are made for repairs, strengthening, or demolition.
Appropriate postings (e.g., "SAFE," "LIMITED ENTRY," "UNSAFE") are placed on the building to inform the public.