Overview
A DEA answers a simple question: can this building safely carry what it is being asked to carry? Answering it properly means measuring the structure as it was actually built, testing the real strength of its concrete and steel, and analysing it against today's code. The report then sets out clear actions, from 'no action needed' to load limits or a strengthening scheme.
A Detailed Engineering Assessment establishes, on evidence, whether an existing building is structurally safe for its current or intended use. In Bangladesh, DEAs became widely required for garment and industrial buildings after the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse. Owners, buyers, lenders, and authorities now also use them whenever the safety of an existing building has to be shown rather than assumed.
When you need it
- A buyer, compliance programme, or authority requires a structural assessment of your factory or building.
- You are buying, leasing, or financing an existing building.
- The building has no reliable structural drawings, or the drawings do not match what was built.
- You plan to add floors or change how the building is used.
- You have noticed cracks, deflection, settlement, or other signs of distress.
What's included
- 01
Document review
Review of the available drawings, approvals, soil reports, and construction records.
- 02
As-built survey
Measuring the grid, member sizes, and floor heights, and checking the building against its drawings.
- 03
Material testing
Rebound hammer, ultrasonic pulse velocity, rebar scanning, and concrete core tests to establish real strengths.
- 04
Foundation review
Assessment of the foundations using soil data and, where needed, exploratory excavation.
- 05
Structural analysis
A model of the as-built structure, checked against BNBC 2020 loads for its current or intended use.
- 06
Recommendations
Clear actions: acceptable as is, load restrictions, monitoring, or strengthening, in order of priority.
How it works
- 01
Review and inspection
Documents are reviewed, and a visual inspection identifies the areas of concern.
- 02
Survey and testing
The structure is measured, and concrete and reinforcement are tested at planned locations.
- 03
Analysis
The as-built structure is analysed with the measured dimensions and tested material strengths.
- 04
Report and recommendations
The findings and recommended actions are reported and explained to the owner.
What you receive
- DEA report
- Findings, analysis results, and conclusions on structural safety, in the format the client's programme requires.
- As-built drawings
- Structural drawings that record the building as it actually stands.
- Test results summary
- Test locations, results, and how the results were used in the analysis.
- Retrofit recommendations
- An outline strengthening scheme for any members that do not meet the requirements.
Codes & inputs
- BNBC 2020The code against which the existing structure's capacity is checked.
- Programme requirementsThe assessment format and acceptance criteria required by the client's compliance programme or authority.
Questions about engineering assessment
What is a Detailed Engineering Assessment (DEA)?
A DEA is a structured, evidence-based check of an existing building's structural safety. It combines a review of documents, an as-built survey, material testing, and structural analysis against the current code, and ends with clear recommendations. In Bangladesh, it is commonly required for garment and industrial buildings by buyers and compliance programmes.
How long does a DEA take?
It depends on the size of the building, the drawings available, and the number of tests needed. Site survey and testing for a typical building take days rather than weeks, and laboratory testing and analysis follow. We confirm a timeline after reviewing the documents and visiting the building.
Will testing damage my building?
Non-destructive tests, such as the rebound hammer, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and rebar scanning, leave no damage. Core tests remove small cylinders of concrete from carefully chosen locations away from critical reinforcement, and the holes are repaired with non-shrink material. The number of cores is kept to the minimum needed for reliable results.
