Structural Failure, Assessment & Health Monitoring of Buildings.

The program will begin with an overview of the course and a discussion on why understanding structural failure is crucial for engineers. Participants will be introduced to material deterioration across reinforced concrete, steel, masonry, and timber, along with the key factors that lead to distress in buildings, such as design shortcomings, poor construction practices, and environmental exposure. The day will then move into preliminary structural assessment techniques, focusing on how to identify early warning signs and apply non-destructive testing methods such as infrared thermography, ground-penetrating radar, rebound hammer, and ultrasonic pulse velocity. Through guided discussions and case studies, participants will learn how to interpret data from these methods and apply it to real-world conditions. The day will conclude with an introduction to structural health monitoring, exploring how continuous or periodic measurement can be used to ensure building safety and long-term performance. Case studies will illustrate how monitoring systems have helped prevent failures and inform retrofitting decisions.

The second day will take participants into the field for immersive, hands-on learning. At selected building sites, they will examine structural systems and load transfer mechanisms while identifying failure patterns through guided exercises. Damage mapping and structural sketching activities will train participants to document observed defects systematically. This will be followed by on-site demonstrations of non-destructive testing tools, where participants will gain direct exposure to applying techniques introduced on Day 1. They will quantify damage, practice data collection, and prepare sample assessment reports under guidance. The program will conclude with demonstrations of advanced structural health monitoring systems, showing how real-time data can support informed decision-making. A closing discussion will allow participants to reflect on lessons learned, linking theoretical knowledge with professional application. By the end of the program, participants will have developed a clear framework for diagnosing, assessing, and monitoring structural failures.