Inspection and Diagnosis of Reinforced Concrete Residential Buildings: Technical Assessment of Low- and Middle-Income Housing in Luanda and Icolo e Bengo

Abstract

Inspection and diagnosis of buildings are essential steps for assessing structural safety and performance, particularly in urban contexts where colonial constructions coexist with recent buildings exhibiting premature defects. This paper investigates the conservation condition of eight low- and middle-income residential buildings located in Luanda and Icolo e Bengo, Angola, using visual inspection, non-destructive tests (rebound hammer, percussion, carbonation depth), and the Building Conservation Assessment Method (MAEC). Results reveal the presence of structural cracking, widespread reinforcement corrosion, concrete detachment, moisture ingress, rising damp, and façade deterioration. Colonial buildings exhibited severe degradation (ID > 4), while more recent structures showed premature anomalies associated with poor workmanship and lack of maintenance. Findings indicate that structural deterioration results from construction deficiencies, material ageing, aggressive environmental exposure, and the absence of systematic maintenance management. The study recommends the implementation of mandatory periodic inspections and conservation policies for the Angolan residential building stock.