What should we send first?
- Site name, location and responsible contact.
- A plan marking the affected area and approximate dimensions.
- Dated photographs and a plain description of the observed problem.
- When it began, whether it is changing and what loads or events affect it.
- Drawings, levels, foundation details and ground information that are available.
- Repair, drainage, leakage, excavation and loading history.
- Operating, access, safety, hygiene and shutdown constraints.
- The outcome required from the assessment.
What if records are incomplete?
State what is missing rather than estimating it as fact. The preliminary review can identify which gaps materially affect the decision and propose proportionate investigation.
Which photographs are useful?
Provide an overall location view, intermediate context and close detail with a scale. Include adjacent joints, drains, columns, walls, equipment or services that help establish position.
Do we need survey data?
Existing levels, monitoring or deformation data are valuable when their reference system and dates are known. If level recovery or continuing movement matters, a controlled baseline may be required before treatment.
What should not be sent casually?
Avoid personal data, confidential production information, security-sensitive plans or client-identifying material unless an approved secure exchange and disclosure scope are in place.
What happens after the first review?
The next step may be a focused site visit, records review, monitoring plan, non-destructive survey, targeted confirmation or a request for specialist structural or geotechnical input. A treatment proposal should follow sufficient diagnosis—not replace it.