Assessment of the technical condition of large-panel buildings, due to their on-going use and covering resulting from thermomodernization works, is problematic. Results from non-destructive tests (NDT) are subjected to high uncertainty. Destructive tests, which give results with the highest level of confidence, are practically not used. Local sampling for testing gives only a partial image of the condition of a prefabricated building. In this type of construction, joints connecting the precast elements are the most vulnerable to degradation. Access to them is technically difficult. Demolition of this type of building is extremely rare. However, it is a unique opportunity to perform a full spectrum of both NDT and destructive testing. This gives an opportunity for large-scale demolition sampling to identify hidden defects and compare the results obtained by different methods. The comparison of results allows for the scaling of NDT methods and reveals the presence of typical relationships. The paper presents visual, non-destructive, and destructive tests’ results of an over 40-year-old large-panel building scheduled for demolition. The design of this building is repetitive and similar to solutions found in thousands of other buildings. The usefulness of particular research methods for evaluating the technical condition of prefabricated buildings has been determined.

W artykule przedstawiono badania nieukończonych i czasowo nieużytkowanych budynków wielkopłytowych przeprowadzone w celu oceny ich stanu technicznego. Wykorzystanie specjalistycznej aparatury do badań nieniszczących umożliwia ograniczenie liczby badań niszczących. Właściwe opracowanie metody badań oraz określenie metod pozyskiwania miarodajnych wyników skutkuje wiarygodną oceną stanu technicznego budynków.

Structural condition diagnostics provides the basis for decision making regarding the possibility of continued safe operation, necessary reinforcement, repair work, and in extreme cases, dismantling of the structure. The most reliable results concerning the condition and strength of materials are provided by destructive testing. However, these tests are very time-consuming, costly, and difficult to perform on in-service facilities. In addition, they involve the need to obtain the consent of the occupants of the premises and subsequent renovations. This article focuses on presenting an opportunity to reduce the number of destructive tests necessary to reliably assess the condition of large-panel structures, which constitute a significant housing stock in Europe. Based on tests carried out on a real building, the risk factors associated with obtaining reliable results by non-destructive methods were determined. Areas where destructive testing is necessary were identified. In addition, reference was made to standard recommendations and guidelines from a reputable research institution. Practical guidelines were formulated regarding the diagnostics of large-panel structures, resulting in a reduction in the number of destructive tests required.

Reinforced concrete has been a widely used material for the construction of buildings for many decades. However, with the passage of time, the material characteristics and connection of structural elements gradually degrade. Development in measurement technology makes it possible to efficiently obtain data on the current state of the structure and material characteristics using non-destructive methods, with limited or no destructive testing. The paper presents the analysis of the condition of the reinforced concrete roof of a 100-year-old theatre building in terms of its further use after planned modernisation. The tests carried out in situ as well as the computational analysis of structure are described. Based on the test results, the current load-bearing capacity was assessed and the limit state conditions were checked. Limitations on the accuracy of the non-destructive test results in relation to the destructive test results were formulated. Options for the strengthening reinforced concrete beams with regard to structural and technological considerations were analysed.

Ocena stanu konstrukcji wielkopłytowych jest niezbędnado zapewnienia bezpiecznej eksploatacji oraz określeniawłaściwych sposobów prac remontowych i modernizacyjnych.Ze względu na dużą liczbę obiektów metodyka badawcza powinnadostarczać danych potrzebnych do podjęcia decyzji w sposóbszybki i jednocześnie wystarczająco dokładny. W artykule przedstawionopodsumowanie dotychczasowych analiz związanychz oceną przydatności różnych metod badawczych do badań budynkówwielkopłytowych. W oparciu o te badania sformułowanopraktyczne zalecenia, proponując konkretne metodyki badawcze.Dodatkowo przedstawiono przykłady analizy wpływutypowych wad na pracę konstrukcji i wzrost naprężeń występującychw elementach konstrukcyjnych