A load-bearing element that has been cut, drilled or loaded must be understood before any decision is made. We inspect it on site with the firm's own instruments, take measurements and give you a written report with repair recommendations.
It locates reinforcing bars, pipes and voids in concrete and masonry, with an estimate of their depth and of the concrete cover. It does not measure bar diameter, which can only be measured on an exposed bar.
What it does for youYou know where the bars run before drilling or cutting, and can choose the right spot for an opening-up inspection.
The rebound number on the concrete surface (UNI EN 12504-2), used to assess its uniformity and to mark out the weakest areas. On its own it does not give a strength value that can be used in structural calculations.
What it does for youYou can compare different areas of the same structure and decide whether and where to take core samples for laboratory testing.
It records millions of points on visible surfaces: spans, out-of-plumb, the deflected shape of floor soffits and thicknesses where both faces can be reached. It cannot see inside elements.
What it does for youA reliable, measurable survey to reason and design on, with fewer return visits to site for a missing dimension.
Member cross-sections, diameter and spacing of exposed bars and links, and concrete cover where the reinforcement is exposed, always recorded with photos and a scale reference.
What it does for youHard data where instruments only give estimates, to be reported in the findings and in any calculations.
When estimates are not enough, a contractor makes small opening-up inspections (saggi) to expose bars and materials; core samples are taken and tested by an authorised laboratory, following our instructions.
What it does for youCertified strengths and construction details, which set the knowledge level required by the standards for a structural assessment or a strengthening design.
During work on a flat, a reinforced concrete column turns up that was cut years ago to run a pipe or to fit a piece of furniture. The steel is exposed and nobody knows how much capacity the column has lost.
On siteTogether with the contractor we assess whether temporary propping is needed, locate the reinforcement with the wall-scanning radar, measure the section and the exposed bars and links, check the concrete with the rebound hammer and record everything with photos and measurements.
What you receiveA written report on the condition of the column, with the measurements and repair recommendations; the design, if the work requires it.
There is a recess, a chase for services or a hole in a wall or column. You want to know whether it can be left as it is, whether it must be filled, or whether it has reduced the load-bearing capacity.
On siteWe check whether the element is load-bearing, search for reinforcement and voids around the recess with the wall-scanning radar, measure its size and depth, look for any nearby cracking and record every point with photos and measurements.
What you receiveA written report stating whether the recess has weakened the element and how to repair it, with the measurements and photos from the inspection.
You want to build a mezzanine, or already have a platform resting on existing walls and floors, and need to know whether the structure can carry the new load and where it can be fixed.
On siteWe survey geometry and spans, with the laser scanner if needed, identify the load-bearing walls and the span direction of the floors, search for reinforcement at the planned bearing points and check the condition of the structure.
What you receiveA written report on the condition of the structure, the possible bearing points and the checks required; the mezzanine design and the structural filing, when needed.
You want to form a doorway or widen an opening in a wall that looks load-bearing, to join two rooms or change the layout of the flat, and the contractor wants an engineer before starting.
On siteWe check whether the wall is load-bearing and what it supports, survey its thickness and material, check the adjacent floors and walls, and assess where the opening is feasible and with what strengthening.
What you receiveA written report on the feasibility of the opening and the type of work; then, if you go ahead, the design and the permit application.
Cracks have appeared in walls, ceilings or floors, perhaps after work in the flat or in the building. You want to know whether they are only in the plaster or whether the structure is moving.
On siteWe record the crack pattern with photos, a sketch and measurements of width and direction, check whether the cracks affect structural elements and gather information on recent work, when the cracks appeared and the age of the building.
What you receiveA written report with the most likely cause of the cracks and the next steps: repair, monitoring to find out whether they are still active, or further investigation, in order of priority.
From the blog (in Italian): Il tramezzo che non è portante ma porta →
You send us any floor plans, building permits and notices, and photos you have. In the free initial consultation we work out the problem and tell you what is worth checking on site.
We see the element in person, measure it with the firm's instruments and record it with photos. If opening-up is needed, we agree it with your contractor.
You receive a clear report on what we saw and measured, what it means for the structure and what should be done.
When the work requires it, we prepare the design and the building and structural permit applications (pratica edilizia e strutturale), and oversee the work as construction supervision (Direzione Lavori).
You receive a signed written report, with the photos and measurements from the inspection. It explains how the element is built, what has changed from its original condition, and whether its safety may have been reduced or a structural calculation is needed. Every figure is marked as measured or estimated. If there is a hazard, we tell you straight away, during the inspection. Where needed, you will find repair recommendations and the further checks required, such as opening-up, core samples or monitoring. If the work requires it, we prepare the strengthening design, the permit application and construction supervision (services). The work is carried out by the contractor of the client's choice.
A professional qualified for structural design, such as a structural engineer. They need to understand how the column was built, what has been removed and how much load it carries, and then specify how to repair it. If the repair affects the structure, it must be designed, with the relevant permit application, and supervised on site: filling the cut with some mortar is not enough.
Almost always. A mezzanine adds load and often rests on existing walls or floors, which must be checked. It must be designed before it is built and, as a rule, the structural design is filed with the Municipality (Comune) under the regional seismic regulations; for small, very light mezzanines, a calculation and a certification (asseverazione) attached to the building permit or notice are enough. An existing mezzanine is worth checking, especially before a sale.
No. It shows the position of bars, pipes and voids and an approximate depth, within a limited depth from the surface; the reading is affected by the material and by moisture. It does not measure bar diameter and can confuse elements that are close together. That is why readings are confirmed with direct measurements or a small opening-up at the points that matter.
No. It measures surface hardness and is useful for comparing different areas and choosing where to investigate; carbonation of the surface tends to raise its readings. A strength value for structural calculations requires core samples taken and tested by an authorised laboratory; rebound readings can supplement them only if calibrated against those results. In the report the two measurements are kept separate, each with its limits.
Yes. We assess, design and, if you ask, supervise the work; the work is carried out by the contractor of the client's choice. If the contractor is already on site, the inspection is arranged with them for any propping or opening-up, so the checks are done without stopping the site longer than necessary.
It depends on what needs checking, the instruments to be used and the type of report required. After the free initial consultation you receive a written quote with the services included, the instruments planned and the timing, before any site inspection. Any laboratory tests are quoted separately.
Inspections, reports and designs are signed by Ing. Giovanni La Penna, a civil engineer who graduated from the Politecnico di Milano and is registered with the Milan Order of Engineers, no. 31030. He handles every assignment personally, from the initial consultation to the building site.
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