Ultrasonic inspections test the integrity of a Building

An important part of the construction trade is the ability of a structure to stand up to the stresses and pressure that is put on both by the sheer weight of the design and the addition of wind and other elements that affect the building as it rises from the ground. Just how much pressure can be held or distributed by the structure can be measured by sophisticated equipment that examines how well the steel, concrete and other materials are holding up as the construction is taking place. An ultrasonic inspection of the materials allows the managers and architects to learn about the types of stresses that joists and I beams are under as well as providing information about the thickness of concrete and just how well it is holding up under the weight of the building above it.

Even when there are several inches of cement surrounding the metal rebar and supporting steel framework of a structure the testing that is done by way of an ultrasound can detect the signs of strain that are constantly pushing on the metal supports. Before a tragedy occurs there is a way for safety inspectors to examine the integrity of a building and prevent a collapse if they can relieve the pressure through additional support structures.

When Frank Lloyd Wright built his famous houses and used a cantilever system to extend the balconies out over the ground without any apparent support his work was called revolutionary, but after a few decades the enormous amount of pressure on the verandas proved to be too much and engineers were brought in to correct the design flaw that was sound when the house was built but deteriorated as the years passed. Without affecting the appearance and appeal of the lengthy balconies that stand straight out from the house the solution was provided to ease the pressure on the structure and keep it from collapsing.

Through the use of ultrasonic inspection buildings that are rising many stories into the air can be check and examined for their structural integrity both as they are being erected and after the construction is completed. With the help of engineers that can provide the solutions for building high rises and commercial projects architects are able to bring their creative aesthetic ideas to life. Tests for structural strain and stress are allowing bridges, hospitals and schools to be finished with safety as the top priority that is allowing builders to form and fabricate the construction project in alignment with what the architect who designed the edifice was looking for when they first conceived of the idea for building a structure that can stand the test of time and the stress of being a magnificent addition to the skyline.