What happens if the engineer finds serious defects?
The engineer classifies defects by severity. Where defects of structural significance are suspected, the engineer may recommend a full structural investigation, the second stage, of a localised area or the whole building, which needs BCA's approval. It can include design checks, material tests and load tests, and ends with recommended safety precautions and remedial measures, which the owner must carry out within the period BCA specifies.
From the RRD Field Guide, checked against the sources cited in Periodic Structural Inspection (PSI) in Singapore: The Owner's Guide. General information, not advice for your project.
The fuller picture
BCA's Periodic Structural Inspection requires owners to have a civil or structural Professional Engineer inspect their building's structure when served a notice: every 5 years for non-residential buildings and every 10 years for residential ones, with the first notice possible after the 5th or 10th year from the first TOP or CSC. Owners appoint the engineer within 2 months and carry out recommended repairs.
More questions on this topic
- How often must my building undergo PSI?
- When is the first PSI after TOP?
- Can any engineer carry out the PSI?
- Does a recent PSI exempt my building from the façade inspection?
- Can the PSI be postponed because we are doing renovation or A&A works?
- Who is responsible for PSI in a condominium?
- Can the owner get past PSI reports?