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
Shortlist for the 2025 Roofscape Design Awards
Talent and innovation showcase announcement from the trussed rafter industry.
OpenUSD possibilities: Look before you leap
Being ready for the OpenUSD solutions set to transform architecture and design.
Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2025
Highlighting the continuing threat to trades persons.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Now available in Arabic and Chinese aswell as English.
The context, schemes, standards, roles and relevance of the Building Safety Act.
Retrofit 25 – What's Stopping Us?
Exhibition Opens at The Building Centre.
Types of work to existing buildings
A simple circular economy wiki breakdown with further links.
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
The smart construction dashboard, as-built data and site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill
An outline of the bill with a mix of reactions on potential impacts from IHBC, CIEEM, CIC, ACE and EIC.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.