This presentation explores the question - "What is the appropriate level of investigation when conducting a structural building condition review?" The protocol for a condition review of a structure is frequently limited to a set of observations to determine if there is any visually apparent evidence of distress, damage, or deterioration. Yet some structures have hidden defects, either in design or construction, that represent capacity limitations that analysis would show are actually highly overstressed under service loads. Such hidden structural limitations have led to sudden collapses. When should further analysis be considered when conducting a condition review? The author proposes a decision matrix which takes into account more than visually apparent signs of structural deficiency in an existing building, in order to more reliably develop an opinion of future performance.

• Course will award 1.25 hour of continuing education
• This course is Diamond Review approved in 49 states. New York does not accept hours from recordings.