Nondestructive Evaluation and Monitoring Methods for Facade Inspection and Conditions Assessment

Abstract

Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods are often used as a way of further complementing activities pertaining to facade inspection and condition assessment. Depending on a facade’s condition, type, age, and previous records of distresses, NDE methods may involve laboratory or field testing and detailed visual examinations and observations. In situations where a distress condition progresses with time, monitoring over an extended period of time may be necessary. Monitoring requires installation of measurement devices and gauges to compile an adequate amount of data that may be used to pinpoint the cause and extent of a distress condition in the facade. This paper presents an overview of NDE and monitoring methods in building facade inspection and condition assessment. Summary tables are provided to highlight the type of each method and its applications. These tables are by no means all-inclusive and mainly cover methods that are commonly used in everyday practices.