Structural Risk Assessments

Our Structural Risk Assessments (SRA) provide clear, proportionate insight into the condition and performance of a building’s structure, supporting dutyholders in meeting the requirements of the Building Safety Regime.

Each assessment is tailored to existing building and aligned with regulatory expectations for higher-risk residential buildings.

Our Approach

A Structural Risk Assessment (SRA) provides a visual, non-intrusive evaluation of the observable condition, stability and robustness of a building’s primary structural elements. In doing so, it helps the Principal Accountable Person (PAP) understand, assess and manage structural risks within the Building Safety Case. Furthermore, the assessment aligns with the expectations of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and supports the evidence required to demonstrate that structural risks are being appropriately controlled.

Importantly, the assessment does not include intrusive investigations, opening-up works, removal of finishes or material testing. Instead, the engineer undertakes a detailed visual inspection of all areas that are safely accessible at the time of the survey and, where available, reviews relevant structural drawings, calculations and construction records.

The assessment focuses on the visible performance of the structure. Consequently, it identifies credible structural hazards, evaluates signs of deterioration or movement, and considers whether the building’s primary load-bearing elements continue to perform their intended structural function.

Where appropriate, the assessment also highlights areas that may warrant further investigation, monitoring or remedial action.

What the Assessment Covers

Foundations and Substructure
Firstly, the assessment considers the foundations and substructure of the building, identifying any visible evidence of settlement, movement or subsidence, as well as indications of structural instability reflected in the building’s behaviour.

Load-Bearing and Stability-Providing Elements
In addition, all primary structural elements are reviewed, including reinforced concrete, steelwork, masonry and other load-bearing components. Particular attention is given to cracking, spalling, corrosion, deterioration and any defects that may affect structural performance.

Floors and Floor Slabs
Furthermore, the assessment examines floors and floor slabs to understand load paths and identify signs of deflection, cracking or structural stress.

Roof Structure
The roof structure is also assessed, including trusses, beams and supporting elements. Where relevant, evidence of water ingress, timber decay or other forms of deterioration is considered.

Beams, Columns and Structural Supports
Similarly, beams, columns and other critical structural supports are inspected for signs of overstress, corrosion, rot or loss of structural integrity.

Balconies, Cantilevers and Projections
Where present, balconies, cantilevered structures and external projections are reviewed to assess their structural soundness, connection details and any visible signs of deterioration.

External Envelope (Structural Relevance Only)
In addition, the assessment considers the building envelope where it may influence structural performance, including movement cracking, distortion or displacement of external elements.

Impact of External Factors
The assessment also evaluates external influences that may affect structural stability, such as drainage arrangements, ground conditions, adjacent structures and retaining walls.

Signs of Structural Movement
Particular attention is paid to indicators of structural movement, including crack patterns, misaligned windows or doors, uneven floors and other signs of deformation.

Damp, Moisture and Water Ingress (Structural Impact Only)
Furthermore, moisture-related issues are considered where they may affect structural elements, accelerate corrosion or reduce the durability of reinforcement and load-bearing components.

Desktop Review of Available Information
Finally, a desktop review is undertaken using available structural drawings, calculations, construction records and relevant documentation. This helps determine whether the structural form, load paths and design intent are sufficiently understood to support the assessment.

Purpose of the Assessment

A Structural Risk Assessment (SRA) is intended to support duty holders in understanding, managing and demonstrating the structural safety of their building. In particular, the assessment aims to:

Support compliance with the Building Safety Act by providing a structured evaluation of the building’s primary structural elements and associated risks.
Demonstrate that structural hazards have been identified, understood and appropriately managed, helping duty holders evidence a proactive approach to building safety.
Provide evidence-based justification of structural integrity as part of the Building Safety Case, supporting the information submitted to the Building Safety Regulator.
Respond to, or help pre-empt, queries from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) during the Building Assessment Certificate (BAC) process, thereby reducing uncertainty and supporting a smoother regulatory review.
Establish a clear record of structural condition and risk, enabling informed decision-making regarding monitoring, maintenance and, where necessary, further investigation.

Furthermore, every Structural Risk Assessment is led, undertaken or formally assured by a UK Chartered Structural Engineer with relevant experience of Higher-Risk Buildings, ensuring that the assessment is both technically robust and aligned with current regulatory expectations.

Reports may include risk-based recommendations.

The report may highlight necessity for more detailed (intrusive) investigations and remedial works where further assurance is required.

Unsure whether your existing reports are sufficient for BAC?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who requires a Structural Risk Assessment?

An SRA is required from the Principal Accountable Person (PAP)

For most blocks of flats: This is typically the Freeholder.
For resident-led buildings: It could be a Resident Management Company (RMC) or a Right to Manage (RTM) company.
For social housing: It is usually the Local Authority or the Housing Association.

What is the difference between a Structural Risk Assessment and a Structural Survey / Condition Survey?

A Structural or Condition Survey identifies defects such as cracks, dampness, subsidence, and peeling paint.

It helps determine necessary maintenance, estimate costs, and set priorities. It helps with asset management. This survey does not evaluate building safety against collapse or damage to the main structure; it simply reports the building’s condition and recommends maintenance to preserve it and prevent further damage.

A Structural Risk Assessment examines the main load-bearing structural system.

An SRA verifies the primary load path and stability system and assesses structural failure risks thoroughly to ensure the evaluation is suitable and adequate. The assessment identifies potential hazards that could cause structural failure or collapse of the entire building and explains the strategies used to manage those risks.

This process follows the Institution of Structural Engineers’ guidance, which is organised into four steps:

Step 1 – Desktop Study (Collation of all available drawing, specifications, calculations)
Step 2 – Desktop Study (Review of the available existing documents)
Step 3 – Visual Assessment (non-intrusive visual inspection)
Step 4 – Structural Risk Assessment

Current government and BSR guidance are clear that assessments of structural failure risk for higher-risk buildings should be led, undertaken, or formally assured by a competent Chartered Structural Engineer with appropriate experience and not by the Building Chartered Engineer.

Put simply: Condition Survey is asset-focused and non-regulatory. An SRA is risk-based and regulatory.

What is involved in a Structural Risk Assessment from a methodology perspective?

As described above – the SRA is a non-intrusive visual inspection combined with the assessment of the available archive of record drawings, specifications, and calculation reports. It is divided onto 4 main steps:

Step 1 – Desktop Study (collation of all available drawing, specifications, calculations)
Step 2 – Desktop Study (review of the available existing documents)
Step 3 – Visual Assessment (non-intrusive visual inspection)
Step 4 – Structural Risk Assessment

What is KB Structures experience with HRBs?

KB Structures’ experience spans over 20 years of structural engineering practice, covering:

Conceptual and detailed structural design of reinforced concrete, steel, timber, and masonry buildings.
Assessment, optimisation, and verification of structural elements using hand calculations, FEM analysis, and recognised engineering software.
Involvement in both new-build and refurbishment projects, including multi-storey residential developments relevant to higher-risk building requirements.
Inspection and appraisal of structural conditions, including cracks, settlement, deterioration, construction quality, and structural robustness.
Coordination of design teams, including engineers, CAD technicians, and BIM workflows.
Understanding of regulatory frameworks, including British Standards, Eurocodes, historic standards, and Building Regulations.
Experience with structural safety considerations, such as disproportionate collapse, load path continuity, and structural resilience.

Our experience demonstrates the required competence to identify hazards associated with structural failure, interpret complex structural behaviour, and evaluate risk within occupied residential buildings.

Our Clients

We support Property Managers, Property Owners, Compliance and Engineering Firms