Burland scale
The Burland Scale is used to describe or measure the damage (or risk of damage) to properties as a result of changes such as subsidence. It may be used for example to assess the risk of damage as part of a basement impact assessment.
It categorises the damage to properties as:
- Visual appearance or aesthetics.
- Serviceability and function.
- Stability.
Where:
- Categories 0, 1, and 2 refer to (i) aesthetic damage.
- Category 3 and 4 relate to (ii) serviceability and function.
- Category 5 relates to (iii) stability.
Category of damage | Description of typical damage | Approximate crack width (mm) | Limiting tensile strain εlim (%) |
0 Negligible | Hairline cracks of less than about 0.1 mm are classed as negligible | <0.1 | 0.0-0.05 |
1 Very slight | Fine cracks that can easily be treated during normal decoration. Perhaps isolated slight fracture in building. Cracks in external brickwork visible on inspection | <1 | 0.05-0.075 |
2 Slight | Cracks easily filled. Redecoration probably required. Several slight fractures showing inside of building. Cracks are visible externally and some repointing may be required externally to ensure weathertightness. Doors and windows may stick slightly. | <5 | 0.075-0.15 |
3 Moderate | The cracks require some opening up and can be patched by a mason. Recurrent cracks can be masked by suitable lining. Repointing of external brickwork and possibly a small amount of brickwork to be replaced. Doors and windows sticking. Service pipes may fracture. Weathertightness often impaired. | 5-15 or a number of cracks > 3 | 0.15-0.3 |
4 Severe | Extensive repair work involving breaking-out and replacing sections of walls, especially over doors and windows. Windows and frames distorted, floor sloping noticeably. Walls leaning or bulging noticeably, some loss of bearing in beams. Service pipes disrupted. | 15-25 but also depends on number of cracks | >0.3 |
5 Very severe | This requires a major repair involving partial or complete rebuilding. Beams lose bearings, walls lean badly and require shoring. Windows broken with distortion, Danger of instability. | Usually > 25 but depends on number of cracks |
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki:
Featured articles and news
Top 50 firms awarded 52bn of projects in the last year
New engineering data shows.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
UK Construction Week, London is here !
Debuting major international pavilions and much more.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.