Structural Adequacy is the ability of a building or structure (including its material and components) to maintain its stability and load bearing capacity in accordance with all European and International Loading Codes and Standards.
It’s usually required in order to identify any possible damages or fatigue evidences of existing structures prior to a possible rehabilitation or a new development, or after a seismic or fire incident.
This procedure is carried out by structural engineers who examine through a structural adequacy inspection, whether an existing structure can withstand all applied forces, taking also into consideration the superimposed loads that are exerted by a newly proposed development.
The decision regarding the planning of a properly scheduled testing program depends on the conditions met, but in any case the scope is to examine the durability of the structural materials of the structure and whether they have deteriorated over the years. At the same time, an assessment of the durability that these materials can demonstrate in the coming years should be carried out.