Structural health assessment of aged residential buildings through non-destructive testing: Results from a large-scale case study

Abstract Structural health monitoring has become a critical aspect of engineering, particularly in assessing the integrity of civil infrastructures. Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) buildings, which have a specific design lifespan, require periodic structural evaluation to investigate the nature and extent of possible damages caused by prolonged exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques offer an effective method for detecting structural damage without compromising the integrity of building components. This study focuses on evaluating the structural health condition of aged RCC residential and commercial buildings in eastern India using a series of in-situ NDTs. The tests results were analyzed and interpreted to detect the extent of structural defects and damage development. Results indicated that most of the buildings exhibited severe degradation, demanding a complete dismantling of structural elements, while few data indicated potential for repair and rehabilitation of the relevant components. These findings hold practical relevance for construction engineers involved in the maintenance and preservation of aging structures.