Experiment 0: Defect Mapping and Condition Survey of GNDEC Campus Buildings
1. Aim
To map and document defects in different GNDEC campus buildings, followed by analysis to determine their possible causes and to suggest appropriate treatment and preventive strategies.
2. Objectives
- To conduct a comprehensive defect survey of GNDEC campus buildings.
- To identify and classify all types of visible defects (cracks, spalling, leakage, corrosion, settlement, dampness, etc.).
- To prepare a defect map / condition survey sheet of assigned buildings.
- To analyze possible causes of observed defects.
- To suggest suitable treatment and preventive measures.
- To relate findings with relevant IS codes and available case studies in literature.
3. Theoretical Background
Building defects may arise from material deterioration, poor construction practices, aging, environmental exposure, structural overloading, or inadequate maintenance. Defect mapping is an essential tool in structural health monitoring to assess serviceability and safety, prioritize maintenance, and plan rehabilitation.
Relevant IS codes include:
- IS 456:2000 (Plain and Reinforced Concrete)
- IS 15988:2013 (Seismic Evaluation and Strengthening of Existing RC Buildings)
- IS 13670:2003 (Inspection of Concrete Structures)
Students should also review case studies from literature related to building condition surveys and rehabilitation projects to gain deeper insights.
4. Procedure (Sample – for reference only)
- Select the assigned GNDEC campus building(s).
- Perform a systematic walk-through survey covering structural and non-structural components.
- Capture clear, properly labelled, numbered, and captioned photographs of observed defects.
- Record defect details: type, location, extent, severity, and possible associated conditions.
- Prepare a defect map / sketch plan marking the location of defects.
- Analyze the observed defects to identify recurring issues and probable causes.
- Suggest treatment and preventive measures for each major defect.
- Relate observations to provisions of IS codes and at least one case study from literature.
5. Observations & Data Recording (Sample Table – for reference only)
| Sr. No. |
Location (Building Element) |
Type of Defect |
Approx. Extent / Severity |
Possible Cause |
Suggested Remedy |
| 1 |
RCC Beam, Library Block |
Spalling + exposed rebars |
~1.5 m length, severe |
Corrosion of reinforcement, water ingress |
Patch repair, anti-corrosion coating |
| 2 |
Roof slab, Classroom Block |
Dampness + water leakage |
Moderate, spread ~3 m² |
Poor waterproofing, rainwater ingress |
Waterproofing treatment, drainage repair |
| 3 |
External wall, Hostel |
Plaster peeling |
~2 m² area |
Poor bonding, moisture penetration |
Replastering with bonding agent |
👉 Students must prepare a minimum of 10–12 entries with photographs properly captured, labelled, numbered, and captioned, along with defect maps/sketches included in their report.
6. Analysis (Sample – for reference only)
- Categorize defects as structural vs non-structural.
- Identify recurring issues in specific blocks or building elements.
- Correlate defects with environmental, material, or usage-related factors.
- Compare observations with IS code provisions.
- Support conclusions with at least one case study from literature.
7. Treatment Strategies (Sample – for reference only)
- Spalling & corrosion: Concrete patch repair, anti-corrosion treatment, jacketing.
- Dampness & leakage: Waterproofing, drainage improvement, plaster renewal.
- Settlement & cracks: Grouting, underpinning, strengthening.
- Preventive measures: Periodic maintenance, proper curing, quality materials, improved detailing.
8. Results (Sample – for reference only)
- Summary of number and types of defects mapped.
- Preparation of defect maps for assigned buildings.
- Probable causes identified and linked to structural/environmental factors.
- Suggested remedial and preventive strategies.
- Reference to IS codes and relevant case studies.
9. References / Suggested Reading
- IS 456:2000 – Code of Practice for Plain and Reinforced Concrete.
- IS 15988:2013 – Seismic Evaluation and Strengthening of Existing RC Buildings.
- IS 13670:2003 – Inspection of Concrete Structures.
- CPWD (2019). Handbook on Repair and Rehabilitation of RCC Buildings.
- Selected journal papers on condition surveys and defect mapping in buildings.
10. Viva Questions (Sample – for reference only – Do not include in report)
- What is the importance of defect mapping in building maintenance?
- How does spalling differ from cracking?
- Which IS codes are relevant to condition surveys of buildings?
- What preventive measures can reduce the occurrence of defects?
- Can you relate your observations with any real-world rehabilitation case study?