Improving Working Conditions

in the RMG Sector

Common Standard

Guidelines for Structural

Safety Assessment of RMG

Buildings in Bangladesh

Professor Dr. Ahsanul Kabir

CE Dept., BUET, Dhaka

Safety Assessment Stages

Stage 1: Preliminary visual inspection(based on visual observation of distress and some rudimentary calculation)

Stage 2: Detail engineering investigation (based on field and laboratory testing

followed by analysis and design checking)

Stage 3: Design of Retrofit Scheme(based on stage 2 findings)

Visual Inspection (Stage-1)

ESTABLISH AIMS AND REQUIREMENTS

DOCUMENT SURVEY

SITE VISIT FOR VISUAL INSPECTION & INFORMATION

COLLECTION

STA

GE

1

PRELIMINARY CALCULATION OF CAPACITY

REPORTINGCheck if detail analysis

is reqd.? If yes stage 2 reqd.

Structural Assessment is a process to evaluate

the existing structure in terms of withstanding

the current loads to which it is subjected and

probable loads that it is going to experience in

future time :

Need for Common Guidelines

• Assessment of Existing Building is

different from design of a new building

• Assessment depends on Engineering

judgment of person/s and experience

Need for Common Guidelines (p/2)

• Compliance to Building code may not

be met, yet the building can serve the

present purpose with low risk

• Different groups may differ in their

opinions regarding safety

• A common guideline and a central

body is essential to remove the

differences

Corrosion in RC beam, RC column & RC Slab

Beam Column Ceiling

Assessment Records

• Methods for Design Adequacy

Assessment

• Safety of Foundations and Pile

Supported Structures

• Safety of RC Structures

• Loading, Load Combination and

Restricted Reduced Loading

Live Load and Lateral Loads, Load

Combinations, Prescribe Reduced Loads

• Assessment of Material Strength

Assessment Guidelines

• Durability and Maintenanceefflorescence and dampness; Water logging

• Additions and Alterations May be allowed if comply with BNBC.

• Equipment and FixturesAll non-structural elements suspended from, attached to, or resting

atop the structure shall be anchored and braced to resist earthquake

forces.

• Vulnerable/Critical MembersSlender Columns, flat plates and footings with inadequate thickness for

shear etc. are Vulnerable Critical Members

Distressed Members

Assessment Guidelines (p/2)

• Certification after Retrofitting

• Further Construction

• New Construction of RMG Factory

• Other Brand/Buyer Requirements *

• Structures with no Proper

Documentation

* To be allowed by the national committee

Assessment Guidelines (p/3)

Qualification of Engineering Team who canMake Assessment and Provide Certification

At least two qualified Engineers (one structural and

other geotechnical engineer). Minimum qualification

reqd. for applying for registration as a team:

• B. Sc Engg. (Civil or Civil and Structural or Civil and

Geotechnical) from a recognized university

• IEB Member/Fellow

• More than 10 years of Professional Experience

• Practicing as a Structural/Geotechnical Engineer or

worked in consulting company/ institution.

Registration renewable every 3 years

Assessment Guidelines (p/4)

Visual Assessment to suggest 2nd stage

Assessment Guidelines (p/5)

1. Is the structure properly designed by

professionals?Yes/No

If all these

answers are yes,

Preliminary

Assessment may

suffice. Detail

Engg Assessment

necessary, if

gross

inadequacies

exist; building

may remain

operational.

2. Is the structure free from any visible distress

(progressive cracking) in main load carrying

members?

Yes/No

3. Is the foundation adequate (in bearing and

settlement) considering the sub soil condition?Yes/No

4. Is the structure out of risk due to presence of

critical structural element (slender column, flat

plate, transfer girder, foundation weakness)?

Yes/No

5. Is the vertical and lateral load resisting system

(load path) apparently adequate?Yes/No

6. Is the structure free from cracks in column

and/or beam indicating foundation yielding?Yes/No

7. Was the building had minimum standard of civil

work supervision during construction?

Yes/No

/Uncertain

References:

1. Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC), 2006,

2. ACI 437R-03, Strength Evaluation of Existing

Buildings.

3. ASTM 2018, Standard Guide for Property

Condition Assessments:

4. ACI 201.1R-08 Guide for Conducting Visual

Inspection of Concrete in Service.

5. ACI 318-11, Building Code Requirements for

Structural Concrete.

Assessment Guidelines (p/6)

Improving Working Conditions in the

RMG Sector