Supreme Court of Nepal Post-Fire Damage Assessment, NDT/SDT Testing and Retrofit Design Project 

Assessment of post-fire structural condition, residual capacity and safe repair/retrofit options.

Following the fire incident at the Supreme Court of Nepal, an urgent technical assessment was required to determine the extent of structural damage and the building’s safety for continued use. Fire exposure can reduce the strength and durability of structural components even when visible damage appears limited.

The project combined detailed damage assessment, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Semi-Destructive Testing (SDT), structural analysis and retrofit design. The work was undertaken to support informed decisions on repair, strengthening or rehabilitation while protecting occupants and the public.

Objectives

• Comprehensive damage assessment: Identify and document structural damage caused by the fire.

• Material condition: Determine actual strength and condition using NDT and SDT.

• Safety evaluation: Assess structural and non-structural components.

• Retrofit design: Restore structural safety and serviceability.

• Standard-based solutions: Develop repair and retrofit measures in line with national and international standards.

• Risk reduction: Support safe rehabilitation and minimize risk to occupants and the public.

Key Activities

• Visual inspection and mapping: Detailed inspection of the building, documentation of observed damage and preparation of damage maps.

• Non-Destructive Testing: Rebound Hammer and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) tests, together with other field observations as appropriate.

• Semi-Destructive Testing: In-situ material-strength testing at selected locations where additional evidence was required

• Structural analysis: Evaluation of residual strength and load-carrying capacity of structural elements.

• Damage classification: Categorization as Minor Damage, Major Damage or Demolition Required, where applicable.

• Repair and retrofit recommendations: Development of technically appropriate strengthening, repair and rehabilitation measures.

• Final technical report: Preparation and submission of the integrated assessment and design report to the client.