Author(s): Lukas Hartmann, Sofia Conti and Miguel Álvarez-Ramos

Abstract: Early-stage defects in reinforced concrete buildings often originate during construction or early service life and can progress unnoticed until they compromise durability, safety, and serviceability. Visual structural survey methods remain the most accessible and cost-effective approach for detecting such defects before advanced testing becomes necessary. This paper presents a practical synthesis of visual survey techniques for identifying early-stage defects in reinforced concrete buildings, focusing on crack patterns, surface distress, corrosion indicators, construction deficiencies, and environmental damage. The research outlines a structured survey workflow encompassing pre-inspection planning, systematic visual observation, defect classification, photographic documentation, and condition rating. Emphasis is placed on correlating visible symptoms with underlying mechanisms such as shrinkage, thermal movement, reinforcement corrosion, carbonation, chloride ingress, and inadequate workmanship. The role of standardized checklists, defect mapping, and severity grading in improving consistency and repeatability of visual assessments is discussed. Common limitations of purely visual methods, including subjectivity and restricted access, are addressed alongside mitigation strategies such as inspector training and integration with simple non-destructive tools. The paper also highlights how early detection through visual surveys supports preventive maintenance planning, reduces lifecycle costs, and enhances structural resilience. By consolidating established practices and linking observed defects to probable causes, this work provides a clear framework for engineers, inspectors, and asset managers to conduct effective visual structural surveys. The proposed approach aims to strengthen decision-making at the preliminary assessment stage and to ensure timely intervention before minor defects escalate into major structural problems. It further emphasizes clear reporting formats, ethical inspection practice, and communication of uncertainty, enabling stakeholders to prioritize actions, allocate resources rationally, and plan targeted investigations that align visual findings with codes, standards, and long-term asset management objectives across diverse building ages, exposure conditions, and occupancy demands in urban and semi-urban reinforced concrete infrastructure portfolios for public and private owners.

DOI: 10.22271/2707840X.2026.v7.i1a.57

Pages: 28-31 | Views: 2 | Downloads: 1

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