Review of Structural Condition Assessment, Edited by Robert Ratay: Wiley, Hoboken, NJ, 2005. ISBN: 0-471-64719-5. Price: $150. 712 pages.

An increasing proportion of construction involves maintenance, renovation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of already-built facilities, rather than new construction. In this volume, Robert Ratay has assembled contributions from 32 individuals, all recognized experts in the practice of condition assessment of existing constructed facilities. Many are members of the ASCE Technical Council on Forensic Engineering; some are regular contributors to this Journal.

While the tools and techniques presented here are used routinely in forensic investigations, this book is not limited to the practice of forensic investigation, but rather deals with the broader range of condition assessment involving issues of strength, serviceability, restoration, adaptive reuse, code compliance, and vulnerability of existing facilities.

Valuable references exist to support condition assessment, such as the ASCE’s Guideline for Structural Condition Assessment of Existing Buildings and numerous documents published by ASTM, ACI, and other professional organizations. What sets this volume apart is the inclusion of many case studies from actual practice. An ambitious variety of subjects and facility types are represented in these case studies, including buildings, monuments, facades, parking structures, stadiums, bridges, towers, foundations, and retaining walls. Vulnerability assessment for exposure to intentional damage is also included.

Structural material testing techniques are detailed, including procedures for testing concrete, steel, masonry, timber, and structural fabric components and assemblies. Both invasive and nondestructive evaluation techniques are presented, along with discussion of their advantages and limitations. These procedures are illustrated with good quality photographs and line drawings.

Structural Condition Assessment could be used as an academic text. Architects and design engineers will also find the book useful. Problem details are reviewed, and their influence on premature material deterioration and loss of serviceability is outlined. Design professionals who take these considerations into account could improve the durability and longevity of new facilities. However, the most appropriate audience is clearly the community of practicing consulting engineers, most particularly those who are directly involved in the practice of condition assessment. The business of consulting practice in this area of expertise is the focus of the book. Guidelines related to liability, standards of practice, proper documentation, and preparation of useful reports are some of the topics practicing consulting engineers will find helpful.

Structural Condition Assessment is a unique and valuable contribution to the engineering literature. It serves as a practical reference for undertaking the evaluations required for successful renovation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of existing facilities.