Understanding Structural Reports: A Guide for Property Owners and Developers in South Australia

A structural report provides an engineering assessment of a building’s structural elements to help identify observed issues, understand potential risks, and inform future decisions. Prepared by a qualified structural engineer, these reports support property owners, purchasers, and developers by providing clear, technical insight into how a structure is performing and whether further investigation or works may be required.

What is a Structural Report?

A structural report is a formal document prepared by a qualified structural engineer following inspection and assessment of a building or structure. Its purpose is to evaluate the condition and performance of key load-bearing elements, including foundations, footings, slabs, walls, beams, columns, and roof structures.

Unlike a general building inspection, a structural report focuses specifically on structural behaviour and engineering considerations that influence stability and long-term performance. Structural reports are commonly commissioned for investigation of observed damage, pre-purchase due diligence, or to inform proposed renovations or alterations.

When Are Structural Reports Needed?

Structural reports are commonly commissioned in the following situations:

Assessment of damage or defects
Following events such as storms, flooding, ground movement, or where visible issues like cracking, sagging floors, or leaning structures are observed, a structural report assists in identifying potential causes and distinguishing between cosmetic and structural concerns. In Adelaide, this may include assessment of masonry cracking with reference to standards such as AS 3700.

Pre-purchase and property transactions
Structural reports are often obtained before purchasing a property, particularly older buildings or those showing signs of distress such as cracking or movement. They help identify existing issues and inform decisions around risk, scope of works, or further investigation.

Renovations and extensions
Structural reports are typically required where proposed works alter load-bearing elements, add storeys, or increase loads on the existing structure. These assessments help determine whether the existing building can support the changes and inform design in accordance with the National Construction Code and relevant Australian Standards, including AS 2870 for residential footing systems.

Compliance and regulatory processes
Councils and private certifiers in South Australia may request structural reports as part of development or building approval processes, particularly for complex works. Structural assessments may also be required in commercial or industrial settings to address workplace safety considerations.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Local councils in South Australia, under the SA Planning and Design Code, may request structural reports as part of the development application process, particularly for complex or sensitive projects. These reports assure authorities that the proposed works are structurally sound and meet safety requirements. Furthermore, Safe Work SA may require structural assessments for workplace safety, especially in industrial or commercial settings where structural integrity directly impacts worker well-being.

Key Components of a Comprehensive Structural Report

A professional structural report from OB Engineering typically includes the following critical elements:

Executive Summary

A concise overview of the inspection findings, key observations, and main conclusions, enabling stakeholders to quickly grasp the report’s essence without delving into technical specifics immediately.

Scope of Works and Methodology

Details the extent of the inspection, the areas examined, any limitations (e.g., concealed elements), and the methodologies employed (e.g., visual inspection, non-destructive testing if commissioned).

Site Description and History

Information about the property’s location, age, construction type, and any known history of previous alterations or structural issues. Understanding the local geology and historical weather patterns, common in Adelaide, can be crucial context.

Detailed Observations and Analysis

This is the core of the report, presenting specific observations with supporting photographs, diagrams, and measurements. The engineer will describe the condition of various structural elements, such as:

• Foundations and Footings: Assessing for settlement, heave, cracking, or deterioration, often referencing AS 2870 as the benchmark for residential foundations.
• Slabs: Checking for cracking, deflection, or excessive movement.
• Walls: Identifying cracking patterns, bowing, bulging, or leaning, particularly in masonry (AS 3700) or concrete walls (AS 3600).
• Beams and Columns: Examining for deflection, damage, corrosion (steel, AS 4100), or spalling (concrete, AS 3600).
• Roof Structure: Assessing the integrity of trusses, rafters, and supporting elements, considering design actions from AS 1170 (Structural Design Actions), particularly for wind loads in coastal Adelaide.
• Retaining Walls: Evaluating stability, cracking, and drainage in line with AS 4678 (Earth-Retaining Structures), relevant for properties on sloping blocks.

Diagnosis and Root Cause Analysis

Based on the observations, the engineer will provide their expert opinion on the likely causes of any identified defects, such as ground movement, poor construction, water ingress, or material fatigue.

Recommendations for Remedial Actions

This section outlines specific, actionable recommendations for repair or strengthening, including proposed methods, materials, and potentially phased approaches. This might involve underpinning, crack repair, structural strengthening, or drainage improvements. It is crucial to note that while the report identifies solutions, the detailed design of these solutions would typically form a separate scope of work.

Compliance and Standards

The report will reference relevant Australian Standards (AS) codes and the NCC that apply to the assessment and recommended interventions, ensuring that all advice aligns with current best practices and regulatory requirements.

The Value of Professional Structural Engineering

Engaging a qualified and experienced structural engineer, like those at OB Engineering in Adelaide, ensures an impartial, expert assessment of your property. Our reports provide clarity and confidence, whether you are buying, selling, renovating, or simply concerned about your building’s condition. While this information is general in nature, specific projects always require a tailored assessment by a qualified structural engineer. Relying solely on general building inspections without specialist structural input can lead to missed critical issues, resulting in significant financial burdens and safety risks down the line.

Conclusion

Structural reports are indispensable documents for anyone involved with property in South Australia. They empower owners, buyers, and developers with critical knowledge, enabling informed decisions that safeguard both investment and safety. By providing a clear, technical assessment based on established Australian Standards and engineering principles, these reports contribute significantly to the longevity and resilience of our built environment. For any specific concerns regarding your property, we strongly recommend engaging a qualified structural engineer for a tailored assessment.