Review of Structural Condition Assessment by Robert T. Ratay: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2005; ISBN: 0-471-64719-5; 712 pp.
Based on: Structural Condition Assessment, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 0-471-64719-5
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 12, Issue 4
Structural Condition Assessment is a compilation of knowledge from 32 of the leading experts in the fields of structural engineering, materials, business practices, law, and building technology who served as contributing authors. The result is a comprehensive reference on structural engineering assessment for buildings and civil engineering structures. Edited by Robert T. Ratay, a well-known consulting structural engineer and educator, the book reflects the extensive practical experience of the individuals who participated in the writing.
The material in the book is well focused and centered primarily on nonresidential construction including buildings, stadiums, parking garages, bridges, transmission towers, and other civil engineering structures. Much of the overall focus in the book is on serviceability issues and the assessment of performance items ranging from deterioration to material performance to the evaluation of the execution of the original design. In Ratay’s own words, the book is intended to “. . . instruct the novice and guide the experienced engineer . . .” and it is written in such a manner that it will meet that goal.
Consisting of over 700 pages, the book is organized into four major parts, making up a total of 21 separate chapters.
Part I—“Degradation, Safety, and Reliability of Structures.”
Consisting of two chapters, this section of the book focuses on the conditions and events that cause different types of structures to deteriorate and includes a discussion of aesthetic issues, serviceability, and safety. Also included is an introduction into the theoretical aspects of reliability of structural condition assessment.
Part II—“Business, Codes, and Legal Aspects of Condition Assessment.”
The three chapters in this section provide background and detailed information on managing the business component of structural engineering assessments. An overview of current and former codes and standards, industry business practices, contracts, business agreements, risks, and the legal aspects of engineering assessments are covered here.
Part III—“Survey and Assessment of Structural Conditions.”
This section provides detailed information on the various types and levels of structural condition assessments, with an emphasis on those factors that contribute to degradation and structural concern. This set of chapters targets specific information relative to nine different types of structures such as buildings, monuments, bridges, stadiums, and transmission towers. The two chapters on historic buildings and monuments and building facades add breadth to the book by addressing some of the structural aspects of architectural elements. The final chapter in this section addresses the assessment of structural vulnerability to terrorist action.
Part IV—“Evaluating and Testing of Structural Materials and Assemblies.”
Five chapters in this section concentrate on the inspection, testing, and engineering evaluation of specific building materials: concrete, steel, masonry, timber, and fabric. The sixth chapter contains guidelines and practical advice on field load testing and interpretation of results for evaluating in-place structures.
Dr. Ratay has done an excellent job of assembling a knowledgeable team of contributing authors and coordinating the content in this book. Structural Condition Assessment is recommended not only for those engineers practicing in the structural assessment area but also for any structural engineers interested in improving their own designs, by learning from the case histories and design information provided in this book.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 12 • Issue 4 • December 2006
Pages: 207
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Published online: Dec 1, 2006
Published in print: Dec 2006
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