Damage research

The consequences of damage due to a structural fault or structural ageing are often serious. Apart from economic damage, there may also be human victims. TNO provides information by carrying out an independent technical investigation into the causes of the structural damage.

Identifying causes

The causes of damage to a structure can be established in various ways:

• by inspecting the site
• by conducting interviews
• by assessing the design calculations and other documents
• by making additional calculations
• by assessing possible scenarios against current regulations

Background information on regulations is essential in order to determine whether calculations are applicable and accurate. TNO has this knowledge because it contributes to the formulation of national and international regulations, and is therefore a reliable partner in the provision of specialist knowledge in technical investigations.

Examples of projects

TNO has been involved in many damage investigations in recent years, including ASR damage in bridges and viaducts, the locks at Eefde and Kampen, the B Tower in Rotterdam. We also use our expertise to analyse damage in other types of buildings.