Service
Structural Assessment Services
Every successful, cost-effective CFRP strengthening project begins with a thorough structural assessment. Our licensed engineers evaluate your structure's current condition, identify the root cause of deficiencies, and design the optimal carbon fiber strengthening solution—giving you a clear, data-driven path from diagnosis to a fully restored, high-performance structure.
The Foundation of a Successful Repair
A structural assessment is the most critical investment in any strengthening project. It provides the essential engineering data required to design an effective and efficient CFRP solution, establish accurate project costs, and develop realistic construction timelines. Attempting to design a structural repair without a proper assessment is akin to a doctor prescribing medication without a diagnosis. It inevitably leads to designs based on assumptions rather than data, resulting in significant risks such as over-engineering (unnecessary costs), under-engineering (safety hazards), or completely missing hidden deficiencies that could lead to future failures.
CFRP Repair's structural assessments are conducted exclusively by licensed professional engineers who possess deep, specialized expertise in both structural analysis and the practical application of CFRP systems. This dual expertise is our key differentiator. Your assessment team understands not just what is wrong with the structure, but precisely how carbon fiber reinforcement can be engineered to address each specific deficiency. This integrated approach ensures a seamless, efficient, and technically sound transition from assessment to design to installation, eliminating the communication gaps that often occur when separate firms handle assessment and repair.
Our methodologies are grounded in established, peer-reviewed industry standards. We rigorously adhere to the guidelines set forth by the American Concrete Institute (ACI), including ACI 364.1R (Guide for Evaluation of Concrete Structures Before Rehabilitation) and ASCE/SEI 11 (Guideline for Structural Condition Assessment of Existing Buildings). All subsequent CFRP designs are performed in strict accordance with ACI 440.2R-17 (Guide for the Design and Construction of Externally Bonded FRP Systems), ensuring compliance, safety, and long-term performance.
Our 5-Phase Assessment Process
We follow a systematic, five-phase assessment process that guarantees a comprehensive evaluation, data-driven analysis, and actionable, budget-conscious recommendations. This structured approach ensures no detail is overlooked.
Phase 1: Discovery & Visual Inspection
Our process begins with a thorough review of all available documentation, including original structural drawings, previous repair records, and maintenance history. This is followed by a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible structural elements. Our engineers, trained to spot subtle indicators of distress, meticulously document cracks, spalling, corrosion staining, deflection, water infiltration, and other signs of deterioration. We utilize high-resolution digital photography, drone imaging for hard-to-reach areas, and detailed crack mapping to create a permanent, measurable record of the structure's current condition.
Phase 2: Non-Destructive & Material Testing
To quantify the material properties and identify hidden issues, we employ a suite of non-destructive testing (NDT) and minimally destructive techniques. This may include Schmidt hammer rebound tests (ASTM C805) for concrete compressive strength uniformity, ultrasonic pulse velocity (ASTM C597) to detect voids or honeycombing, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to locate rebar and conduits, and half-cell potential testing (ASTM C876) to assess corrosion activity. Where necessary, we take small core samples for laboratory analysis to determine precise compressive strength, chloride content, and carbonation depth.
Phase 3: Load Evaluation & Structural Analysis
With the field data collected, our licensed professional engineers perform a rigorous structural analysis. We create detailed computer models (often using Finite Element Analysis) of the structure to simulate its behavior under various load conditions. This analysis considers all applicable loads—dead loads (the structure's own weight), live loads (occupancy, equipment), and environmental loads (wind, snow, seismic)—as defined by current building codes (ASCE 7). The analysis compares the structure's existing capacity against the required capacity to precisely quantify the strength deficit for each structural element.
Phase 4: CFRP Strengthening Design & Specification
This is where diagnosis turns into a solution. Based on the analysis, our engineering team develops a detailed, constructible CFRP strengthening design. Governed by the principles of ACI 440.2R-17, the design specifies the appropriate CFRP material (e.g., unidirectional fabric, pre-cured laminates, carbon fiber anchors), fiber orientation, number of plies, and specific installation locations. The design package includes detailed drawings, technical specifications, and quality control requirements to ensure the repair is executed flawlessly.
Phase 5: Comprehensive Reporting & Recommendations
The culmination of our assessment is a comprehensive report that provides a clear, actionable path forward. This professional engineering document includes all findings from the inspection and testing phases, the results of the structural analysis, the complete CFRP strengthening design, and detailed construction drawings. It also contains itemized cost estimates for the recommended repairs, realistic project timelines, and a prioritized repair sequence to help you make informed capital planning decisions.
Structures We Assess
Parking Garages
Addressing corrosion, slab cracking, and beam deterioration caused by water intrusion and de-icing salts.
Commercial Buildings
Evaluating office, retail, and mixed-use structures for change of use, load upgrades, and age-related wear.
Industrial Facilities
Assessing warehouses, manufacturing plants, and chemical facilities for equipment load changes and corrosion damage.
Bridges & Tunnels
Inspecting transportation infrastructure for load rating verification, seismic retrofitting, and extending service life.
High-Rise Buildings
Analyzing columns, shear walls, and floor systems in residential and commercial towers for strength and serviceability.
Historical Structures
Providing sensitive, minimally invasive assessments for preserving architecturally significant buildings.
When Is a Structural Assessment Critical?
Visible cracking, spalling, or concrete deterioration
Corrosion staining or exposed reinforcement (rebar)
Excessive deflection or sagging of beams and slabs
Building repurposing requiring increased floor loads
Seismic code compliance upgrades or retrofits
Post-fire, post-impact, or natural disaster evaluation
Due diligence for commercial property acquisition
Parking garage deterioration and lifecycle planning
Strengthening of historical or architecturally significant structures
Change of use requiring a new Certificate of Occupancy
Need for baseline condition documentation
Resolving structural engineering-related legal disputes
Assessment Costs & Timelines
Providing transparency in our process, here are typical ranges for structural assessments. Costs vary based on structure size, complexity, and the extent of testing required.
Cost Expectations
Level 1 (Visual Assessment & Report): $5,000 - $15,000. Suitable for due diligence or initial condition surveys of small to medium-sized structures.
Level 2 (Includes NDT & Basic Analysis): $15,000 - $40,000. Our most common assessment level for buildings with known issues requiring a CFRP design.
Level 3 (Complex Analysis & Extensive Testing): $40,000+. For large, complex structures, post-event assessments, or projects involving advanced analysis like FEA.
Timeline Expectations
Phase 1-2 (Field Work): 1-2 weeks. Mobilization and on-site inspection/testing are typically completed quickly to minimize disruption.
Phase 3-4 (Analysis & Design): 2-4 weeks. Engineering analysis and the development of the CFRP strengthening design is the most intensive phase.
Phase 5 (Final Report): 1 week. Compiling all data, drawings, and recommendations into the final deliverable report.
Note: These are estimates for planning purposes only. Contact us for a detailed proposal specific to your structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a structural assessment required before any CFRP project?
Absolutely. An assessment by a licensed professional engineer is not just a best practice; it's a requirement by building codes and industry standards like ACI 440.2R. It is professionally irresponsible and unsafe to design a structural repair without one. The assessment provides the data needed to engineer a safe, effective, and durable solution.
2. Can you work with our existing engineering firm?
Yes. We frequently collaborate with other engineering firms, architects, and property managers. We can act as the specialized structural assessment and CFRP design consultant, providing our report to the Engineer of Record, or we can serve as the prime consultant managing the entire process from assessment through construction.
3. How much disruption will the on-site assessment cause?
We strive to minimize disruption to your operations. Visual inspections are non-intrusive. Non-destructive testing is generally quiet and localized. For the rare cases where small concrete core samples are needed, we coordinate closely with facility staff to schedule this work during off-peak hours or in contained areas to ensure safety and limit operational impact.
4. What is the main deliverable I will receive?
You will receive a comprehensive Structural Assessment Report stamped by a Licensed Professional Engineer. This detailed document includes all inspection findings, testing results, structural analysis, final CFRP strengthening design drawings and specifications, a cost estimate, and a projected timeline. It is a complete package that gives you everything you need to move forward with the repair phase.
5. How does your assessment differ from a general home inspection?
A home inspection is a general, visual-only overview for residential properties. Our Structural Assessment is a rigorous engineering investigation for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure assets. It involves licensed engineers, quantitative analysis, advanced testing equipment, and results in a stamped engineering design, which is a level of detail and liability far beyond a standard property inspection.