Structural integrity is the backbone of building, ensuring safety, durability, and functionality. Regular maintenance and periodic inspections help prevent structural failures, mitigate risks, and enhance building longevity. In Singapore’s fast-evolving urban landscape, where high-rise buildings and infrastructure age under tropical conditions, regular structural evaluations are more than just a regulatory requirement; they are vital to prevent structural failures, minimize repair costs, and mitigate legal risks.

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Singapore mandates a Periodic Structural Inspection (PSI) every five years for buildings above a certain age to ensure they remain structurally sound.

 

At AEC Technical Advisory, we specialize in Eurocode-compliant structural inspections with the Singapore Annex, ensuring buildings remain safe, functional, and compliant with BCA (Building and Construction Authority) and SCDF (Singapore Civil Defence Force) regulations.

This comprehensive guide covers:
✔ Why 5-year structural inspections are mandatory
✔ Key risks of neglecting inspections
✔ Inspection methodologies we use
✔ How we help building owners stay compliant
✔ Real-world case studies from Singapore

Why is a 5-Year Structural Inspection Mandatory in Singapore?

1. Ensuring Structural Safety and Stability

Singapore enforces Periodic Structural Inspections (PSI) for:

• Buildings older than 20 years (every 5 years)
• High-risk structures (e.g., those near MRT tunnels, coastal areas)
• Post-renovation assessments

Non-compliance penalties:

• Fines up to SGD 200,000
• SCDF enforcement orders (restriction of use)
• Voided insurance claims in case of incidents

2. Singapore’s Harsh Tropical Climate Accelerates Deterioration

Buildings face:
✔ Concrete cancer (carbonation & chloride-induced corrosion)
✔ Steel reinforcement corrosion due to high humidity
✔ Foundation settlement issues from soil movement
✔ Fatigue cracks from thermal expansion & monsoon winds

3. Prevent Costly Emergencies & Liability Risks

• 2019 Nicoll Highway Incident: A retaining wall collapse due to poor maintenance led to SGD 100M+ in damages.
• 2022 HDB Spalling Concrete Case: A falling concrete chunk injured pedestrians, resulting in lawsuits.

Proactive inspections prevent:
✖ Sudden structural failures
✖ Evacuation & business disruption
✖ Legal liabilities from injuries

Common Structural Issues Detected During Inspections

Periodic Structural Inspections often reveal a range of defects that, if left unaddressed, could compromise building integrity. Common issues include:

• Concrete Spalling (Delamination & Cracking) – Caused by corrosion of steel reinforcement and poor concrete quality.
• Rebar Corrosion – Due to water ingress, which leads to expansion and cracking of surrounding concrete,
• Settlement and Foundation Issues – Uneven soil compaction leads to cracks in structural elements.
• Steel Fatigue and Weld Failures – These are found in steel structures and require strengthening or retrofitting.
• Deteriorated Load-Bearing Walls – Often observed due to moisture exposure and poor maintenance.
• Unapproved Alterations & Overloading – Structural modifications or excessive loads affecting stability.

What Does a 5-Year Structural Inspection Include?

AEC Technical Advisory follows Eurocode EN 1990 (Basis of Structural Design) with Singapore Annex modifications for localized conditions.

1. Visual & Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Methods

Method	Purpose
Schmidt Hammer Test	Checks concrete compressive strength
Rebar Scanner	Detects corrosion in steel reinforcement
Ultrasonic Pulse Testing	Identifies internal cracks & voids
Infrared Thermography	Finds hidden water ingress & delamination

2. Load-Bearing Capacity Assessment

• Static & dynamic load analysis (Eurocode EN 1991)
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for critical structural elements

3. Foundation & Substructure Checks

• Settlement monitoring (inclinometers, crack gauges)
• Soil stability tests (for coastal & reclaimed land buildings)

4. Report & Compliance Submission

• BCA-approved inspection report
• SCDF fire safety compliance check
• Remediation plan with cost estimates

Case Study: Saving a 30-Year-Old Commercial Tower

Problem:

• Undetected concrete spalling at the parking structure
• Corroded rebars reduce load capacity by 40%

Solution:

1. Priority repairs for critical zones
2. Cathodic protection system for long-term corrosion control
3. Phased restoration to minimize downtime

Result:
✔ SGD 1.2M saved vs. complete demolition
✔ BCA compliance achieved without penalties

Rebound Hammer (Schmidt Hammer) Test

Durability and De-bond Evaluation of High-Rise Concrete Buildings Using Infrared Thermography

Schematic diagrams of infrared thermography camera

 

Corroded rebar causes cracks, eventually leading to spalling of the concrete.

Structural inspection with drone

Structural monitoring using modern tools/sensors

 

Buildings before and after revamping / renovation

 

Why Choose AEC Technical Advisory for Your 5-Year Inspection?

✔ Eurocode Experts – Localized for Singapore’s climate
✔ Advanced NDT Equipment – Accurate, non-invasive assessments
✔ BCA/SCDF-Compliant Reports – Hassle-free submissions
✔ Preventive Maintenance Plans – Extend building lifespan

Conclusion: Don’t Wait for a Disaster

A 5-year structural inspection is a small investment that prevents:
✓ Catastrophic failures
✓ Regulatory penalties
✓ Sky-high emergency repair bills

Contact AEC Technical Advisory today for a compliant, thorough inspection that keeps your building safe.