ISO 13822:2010

Overview

ISO 13822:2010 - Bases for design of structures - Assessment of existing structures - is an international standard that establishes general requirements and procedures for assessing the safety, serviceability and remaining life of existing structures. Built on the principles of structural reliability and linked to ISO 2394, it applies to buildings, bridges, industrial structures and heritage assets of any material (concrete, steel, timber, masonry, etc.). The standard guides engineers through assessment triggers such as change of use, life‑extension, deterioration (corrosion, fatigue), increased actions (traffic, seismic), accidental damage and authority or insurer‑requested reliability checks.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Framework and objectives: Defines the assessment procedure from specification of objectives and scenarios to preliminary and detailed assessment stages.
• Data collection and investigation: Emphasizes inspection, document search, testing (including load testing), monitoring and measurement of material and structural properties.
• Structural analysis and modelling: Covers use of appropriate models, limit states, basic variables and treatment of model uncertainties and conversion factors.
• Deterioration and time‑dependent reliability: Introduces deterioration models and considerations for time‑dependent performance and remaining working life.
• Verification and target reliability: Requires verification against reliability targets and performance requirements; includes plausibility checks and guidance on target reliability levels.
• Assessment outcomes and interventions: Specifies reporting, recommendations for repair, rehabilitation, upgrading, inspection and maintenance plans, and decision/judgement criteria.
• Special considerations: Annex I provides additional guidance for heritage structures; other informative annexes cover testing, updating measurements, upgrading design and reporting formats.

Practical applications and users

ISO 13822:2010 is practical for:

• Structural and civil engineers performing condition assessments, life‑extension studies and rehabilitation design.
• Asset owners and facility managers planning maintenance, upgrading, reuse or change of use.
• Consultants, insurers and authorities requiring reliability checks or compliance demonstrations.
• Heritage conservation specialists applying additional Annex I considerations for historical structures.

Typical uses include: assessing bridge load capacity after traffic increase, verifying building safety after deterioration or partial damage, planning upgrades for extended service life, and preparing inspection/monitoring programs.

Related standards

• ISO 2394 - General principles on reliability for structures (foundation for ISO 13822).
• National design codes and material‑specific standards (ISO 13822 is intended as a basis for national codes and practice).

ISO 13822:2010 keywords: assessment of existing structures, structural reliability, deterioration, inspection, load testing, rehabilitation, upgrading, heritage structures, target reliability level.