Remedial engineering focuses on existing buildings: diagnosing why they are deteriorating and designing repairs that restore their strength, durability and weatherproofing. It is the planning half of remedial work. The builder delivers the repair; the engineer makes sure it is the right repair.
What remedial engineers do
Investigation
The engineer inspects the building and the defects, reviews any drawings and past repairs, and identifies what is causing the damage: water ingress, corrosion, movement, poor original construction or a combination.
Testing
For concrete, common tests include measuring cover to the reinforcement, carbonation depth, chloride content and the extent of delamination, often by tapping surfaces to find hollow areas. For structures, the engineer may check loads, deflection and the condition of steel and connections.
Reports and specifications
The findings become a report with recommended repairs, then a specification and drawings that builders can price: the repair methods, materials, quantities, and the order of work.
Inspections and certification
During construction the engineer inspects critical stages, such as exposed reinforcement before it is repaired or waterproofing before it is covered, and certifies the completed work.
Regulation for apartment buildings
For Class 2 apartment buildings in NSW, the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 requires designs for regulated building work to be prepared and declared by registered design practitioners, and the work to be carried out by registered building practitioners.
Common remedial engineering problems in Sydney
- Concrete cancer in balconies, slab edges and carparks, especially in coastal suburbs.
- Leaking balconies, podiums and roofs damaging the structure below.
- Corroded steel beams and lintels in older buildings.
- Cracking from footing movement on reactive clay.
- Facade and brickwork deterioration.
How engineers and builders work together
The best outcomes come when the engineer and builder work as a team: the engineer specifies and inspects, the builder raises issues found on site early, and every hold point is documented. On our Great Northern Hotel project, every structural step started with propping and a defined sequence of work.
Need an engineer and a builder?
METCON delivers remedial works to engineers' specifications and coordinates engineers for owners who need one. See engineering coordination.
Frequently asked questions
What does a remedial engineer do?
A remedial engineer investigates building defects, tests materials, identifies the cause, specifies the repair and inspects and certifies the work.
How much does a remedial engineering report cost?
It depends on the size of the building, the defects and the testing needed. Ask engineers for a fee proposal that lists inspections, testing and deliverables.
Can a remedial builder recommend an engineer?
Yes. Experienced remedial builders work with engineers regularly and can help you engage one suited to the defect.
