Service Overview
Structural Inspection, Evaluation, and Rehabilitation Planning
raSmith helps clients understand the condition, performance, and risk of existing structures, so they can make confident, cost-effective decisions about maintenance, repair, or replacement.
Our team provides structural inspection and evaluation services for municipalities, counties, departments of transportation (DOTs), developers, utilities, and facility owners. We assess structural conditions, identify deficiencies, and develop practical repair or rehabilitation strategies.
Our work spans a wide range of structure types, including:
- Bridges
- Culverts and drainage structures
- Retaining walls and earth retention systems
- Buildings and structural framing systems
- Light poles, sign structures, and mast arms
- Utility and electrical transmission structures
- Industrial and site structures
When issues are identified, we help move projects from findings to action with clear, constructible recommendations.
Note: Our services do not include residential home inspections or property inspections for real estate transaction reports.
Engineering-Led Structural Inspection Services
raSmith’s approach goes beyond basic visual inspection. Unlike inspection-only providers, raSmith integrates licensed engineering analysis into every evaluation.
We combine field observations with engineering evaluation to understand how existing conditions impact safety, performance, and long-term asset management.
Our services include:
- Structural inspection of transportation, building, utility, and site structures
- Structural evaluation and deficiency documentation
- Engineering reports with prioritized recommendations
- Lifecycle and asset management planning support
- Repair and rehabilitation recommendations
- Design and specifications for remedial work
- 3D scanning, modeling, and LiDAR documentation
- UAS (drone) inspections to improve documentation and access hard-to-reach structures, including vertical infrastructure such as towers and poles
Modern Tools That Support Better Decisions
raSmith incorporates advanced data collection technologies to improve access, safety, and documentation quality, especially for large, complex, or hard-to-reach structures.
Depending on the structure and site conditions, tools may include:
- LiDAR scanning and 3D modeling
- UAS (drone) inspections for improved access and documentation
These tools enhance documentation quality and support more informed engineering decisions, particularly for large, complex, or aging structures.
From Assessment to Action
Structural issues are rarely straightforward. raSmith focuses on helping clients move forward with practical, cost-conscious solutions.
We help clients:
- Understand what was found and why it matters
- Prioritize repairs based on risk and budget
- Evaluate repair, rehabilitation, or replacement options
- Develop design documents and specifications for implementation
Our goal is not just to identify issues but to provide a clear, confident path forward.
Who We Support
raSmith works with a range of public and private sector clients, including:
- Municipalities and public works departments
- Counties and DOTs
- Utility providers and infrastructure operators
- Developers and commercial property owners
- Facility and asset managers
Structural Inspection and Evaluation FAQs
What is a structural inspection?
A structural inspection is a professional assessment of a structure’s condition, stability, and safety. It identifies signs of distress, deterioration, or movement so potential issues can be addressed early.
When should a structural evaluation be completed?
Structural evaluations are recommended when there are visible issues, after structural damage, before renovations, or when changes in use or loading are being considered.
What is the difference between a structural inspection and evaluation?
An inspection documents observed conditions. An evaluation includes engineering analysis, interpretation, and recommendations.
Do I need a structural engineer for an inspection?
Yes. A structural engineer can assess root causes, evaluate performance, and provide code-compliant recommendations.
What types of structures does raSmith evaluate?
raSmith evaluates transportation, building, utility, and site structures, including bridges, culverts, retaining walls, buildings, towers, and related infrastructure. We bring particular expertise in vertical infrastructure, including utility poles, lighting structures, and electrical transmission systems.
Can raSmith help with repairs after the inspection?
Yes. We provide repair recommendations, rehabilitation planning, and engineering design support.
How do drones and LiDAR improve inspections?
They improve access, increase documentation accuracy, and provide detailed data, especially for tall, complex, or hard-to-reach structures.
Service Features
- Structural inspection and evaluation
- Engineering reports and recommendations
- Repair and rehabilitation design
- Lifecycle and asset management support
- 3D scanning, modeling, and LiDAR
- UAS (drone) inspections
- Inspection of bridges, buildings, and vertical infrastructure (including poles and transmission structures)
