An insight into our daily work and the meticulous processes we employ to ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of our client’s structures; co-authored by Daniel Booshand, Construction Engineering Manager (QLD/NT), and Isaak Baker, Associate at Robert Bird Group.

Maintaining structural integrity of a building or structure is a fundamental requirement to ensure the ongoing safety of occupants and the preservation of structure function throughout, and increasingly beyond, the structure’s design life. As steel structures age, cross-sectional area loss due to the effects of corrosion can occur rapidly, particularly when the protective coating system is damaged or reaches end of life and the steel is exposed to harsh environmental conditions. The loss in cross-sectional area results in a reduction in the load-bearing capacity of the steel, introducing risks such as unsafe working conditions and potential losses in productivity.

Implementing an effective asset integrity management system is key to managing the risks associated with deteriorating protective coating systems and corroding steelwork. A comprehensive asset integrity process for prolonging a structure’s life involves developing and executing an Asset Integrity Management Plan (AIMP) to mitigate business risks. This process encompasses observations, testing, risk assessments, monitoring, and necessary repairs.

Key steps in this process include:

1. Defect Identification: Performing regular integrity audits to identify and document defects.
2. Risk Management: Understanding and managing the business’s risk profile before categorising defects using risk prioritisation tools or matrices. This entails comprehending various risk categories, such as health and safety, financial, legal, reputation, environmental, and community risks, and effectively communicating these to stakeholders.
3. Maintenance and Repair: Monitoring, repairing, or replacing damaged elements as required, including the repair or reapplication of protective coating systems as required.

Failure to implement a systematic approach to plan, inspect, record, prioritise, and address defects may affect the ability to manage business risks and may result in future repairs being more costly. When developing an AIMP, consider the following:

• Accessibility: Ensure easy access for inspections, utilising walkways, drones, elevated working platforms, or scaffolding as needed.
• Digital Record-Keeping: Utilise electronic platforms for recording and reviewing defect data obtained during inspections.
• Frequency of Inspections: In environments prone to severe corrosion, consider more frequent inspections, such as annually or biannually.
• Risk Mitigation: Evaluate the most suitable approach to mitigate identified risks, determining whether repairs or replacements are necessary.

At RBG, our dedication to continuous improvement ensures the enduring safety and reliability of infrastructure. We welcome you to engage with us, share your insights, and explore opportunities for collaboration. To connect with our team, please visit our Contact Us page.