Condition assessment is an investigative process that is primarily used in lifecycle management. Some may know that it is often used side by side with SPM, or Structural Performance Monitoring, however this article will discuss condition assessment specifically.

Condition assessment is a kind of visual inspection that takes into consideration age, design, manufacturing methods, and the utilized materials. On specific occasions, laboratories may employ Non-destructive Evaluation technology, which can include imaging, impact echo, and Ground Penetrating Radar to provide a more accurate assessment of the material. Depending on testing requirements, condition assessment can also be used for evaluating a load capacity and is done using dynamic testing in order to evaluate modal flexibilities.

Facility Condition Assessment

Facility condition assessment is important since it provides a concrete report regarding a current state of the building and other physical assets of the facility. This is utilized to understand whether the facilities are meeting the requirements of the organization. The data obtained via condition assessment helps the organization to do the following things:

• Making plans for the future expenditures
• Developing preventive strategies and a maintenance program
• Understanding necessity of the physical assets and equipment

Facility Condition Assessment is a risk analysis guideline for the assets and physical resources. IT guides the user to evaluate the current condition of the facilities and determine whether they require to be repaired or not. This also helps to identify faults and issues in any products, features or materials providing a well-rounded picture of the existing physical assets being analysed. Based on a comprehensive facility condition assessment report, the executives can take efficient decisions and develop a strategic framework for developing plans for future improvements. Similarly, materials condition assessment provides a necessary understanding of the condition of the product/material which can be used for troubleshooting of the manufacturing process or alteration of the used materials due to its response to external factors.

Building Condition Assessment

Building condition assessment report will be able to provide the outlook on the infrastructural mechanics of the building cooling and heating, superstructure, structural foundation, envelope performance of the building as a whole. It also includes the exterior elements of the property such as lighting, servicing infrastructure, roadway condition, drainage, and site grading. In order to make a property maintenance plan, building condition assessment becomes a crucial part of understanding the needs and objectives, as well as listing them on the scale of necessity. This process would start with reviewing the site where the engineers then would collect measurements, pictures of buildings, and collect any necessary information from the owners or building corporations.

There is a variety of factors that need to be evaluated during condition assessment of a building. These include, but are not limited to

• Taking a note of and evaluating site components such as drainage, curbs, walkways, lighting, parking lots, etc.
• Institution evaluations such as retirement homes, hospitals, schools, etc.
• Analysis of mechanical systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, parking garages, interior systems, exterior enclosure, roofing system, foundation, and structural systems.
• Using non-evasive technologies such as thermal imaging to make a report of fire safety of the building.

Where Should Doing Condition Assessment

Along with cladding testing, condition assessment plays a crucial part in preserving public safety. It is a necessary process that ensures smooth running, maintenance and prevention of deteriorative processes in a building structure. Given the multitude of factors and complex nature of evaluation, ExcelPlas has spent over twenty-five years in the industry providing its experience and extensive laboratory capabilities to clients from all over the Australian Industry. ExcelPlas laboratories has extensive experience in condition assessment, identification, flammability and failure testing of cladding materials in order to ensure public safety, and compliance of their clients with Australian Industry standards.