ΕΤΕΚ Forms for the Visual Inspection of Buildings
ΕΤΕΚ Forms for the Visual Inspection of Buildings
The Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus (ETEK) has prepared and published a methodology and forms for the visual inspection of buildings with the scope of providing a standardized methodology for the carrying out of visual checks on buildings and the encouragement of the regular inspection of buildings, as a measure for ensuring the safety of buildings users and public safety. ETEK has also prepared and published methodology and form for the rapid visual screening of buildings for potential seismic hazard. The aforementioned forms have been prepared by ETEK Scientific Committee for the Regular Inspection of Structures, while R.A.V.I.F. form has been prepared by an ad hoc Working Group appointed by ETEK.
It is stressed that the carrying out of inspections and visual checks on the load- bearing structure of a building with the use of ETEK Visual Inspection of Buildings Forms is not equivalent to carrying out a structural assessment of the building’s load-bearing capacity and/or structural/seismic capacity, which, if required, should be carried out in accordance to the requirements of Eurocode 8, Part 3 (CYS EN 1998-3:2005).
It is also clarified that the carrying out of visual checks on buildings with the use of ETEK Visual Inspection of Buildings Forms is not considered, nor it is intended to substitute other regulatory documents and the carrying out of checks on structures/ installations/ infrastructure required by the legislation and or regulations in force
In particular, ETEK has prepared and published the following forms for the Visual Inspection of buildings:
Buildings General Visual Inspection Form (B.G.V.I.F.)
The Buildings General Visual Inspection Form (B.G.V.I.F.) provides guidelines for the carrying out of visual checks on a building’s structural and non-structural elements, including electromechanical installations and has been prepared with the aim of ensuring minimum basic health and safety requirements for buildings’ users and the public. Specifically, B.G.V.I.F. includes guidelines for the visual inspection of the following elements/installations of a building:
- Architectural and other non-load-bearing elements
- Load bearing/structural elements
- Electrical Installation
- Mechanical Installation
It is clarified that the carrying out of visual checks on buildings with the use of Buildings General Visual Inspection Form is not considered, nor is intended to substitute other regulatory documents and the carrying out of checks on structures/ installations/ infrastructure required by the legislation and or regulations in force
Visual Inspection Form
The Visual Inspection Form (V.I.F.) includes guidelines for the carrying of visual checks on the load bearing/ structural elements and non-load bearing elements of a building with the aim of identifying and addressing visually apparent damages/problems related to the building’s structure which may pose a safety hazard to its’ users and the general public.
Methodology for the Regular Inspection of Buildings
ETEK has also published the “Methodology for the regular inspection of buildings” in which guildelines are provided for the visual inspection of buildings with the scope of identifying and addressing visually apparent damages/problems in buildings with the scope of ensureing the safe use of buildings and the safety of the general public. t is noted that the Buildings General Visual Inspection Form (B.G.V.I.F.) and the Visual Inspection Form (V.I.F.) form part of the “Methodology for the regular inspection of buildings”. The Methodology for the regular inspection of buildings, also provides guidelines regarding the frequency of inspection of buildings, according to their category (use) and the structural code which was implemented for their design (for the case of Cyprus).
Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazard (R.V.S.B.) Form
The Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazard (R.V.S.B.) Form includes guidelines for the rapid visual screening of buildings for potential seismic hazard and for the categorization of buildings into priority categories for further checks.
Methodology for the Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazard
ETEK has also prepared and published the “Methodology for the rapid visual screening of buildings for potential seismic hazard” which provides guidelines for the assessment of buildings for potential seismic hazard (rapid visual screening of buildings for potential seismic hazard (1st assessment level), preliminary assessment of seismic vulnerability of buildings (2nd assessment level) and assessment and retrofitting of buildings in accordance to Eurocode 8, part 3 (3rd assessment level) . The Visual Inspection Form (V.I.F.) and the Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazard (R.V.S.B.) Form, form part of the first assessment level, according to the methodology, i.e. that of rapid visual screening of buildings for potential seismic hazard.
Rapid Assessment and Visual Inspection Form for the Load-bearing Structure of Existing Buildings (R.A.V.I.F.)
ETEK has also prepared and published the Rapid Assessment and Visual Inspection Form for the Load-bearing Structure of Existing Buildings (R.A.V.I.F.), which can be utilized by Engineers for the preparation of a report regarding the assessment of a building’s structure for cases that fall into the requirement of clause 4.-(2)(β) of the Regulation of Buildings Energy Efficiency Law and the relevant requirement of the “Upgrade-Save for Houses” Grant Scheme and concern buildings with up to two storeys (including any “pilotis” floor). Clause 4.-(2)(β) of the Regulation of Buildings Energy Efficiency Law (of Cyprus) is quoted in full below, translated in English.
”(b) For the purposes of addressing issues related to intense seismic activity prior to a major scale renovation, the owner of a building or building unit whose building permit was issued before 1994 shall appoint a licensed designer (Engineer) who shall prepare a structural assessment report, in accordance with the Eurocodes in force, on the state of the load-bearing structure of the building and its estimated life cycle, accompanied by any recommendations regarding the building’s structural upgrading.”
It is stressed that R.A.V.I.F. form is not applicable to buildings with more than two storeys (including the “pilotis”) as well as for public use buildings, irrespective of their number of stories. In such cases, the relevant provisions of Eurocode, Part 3 and the of the corresponding National Annex should be implemented.