Assessing the Risk of Disproportionate Collapse
Our LPS assessments provide specialist evaluation of high-rise residential buildings constructed using large panel systems (LPS) to identify potential risks of progressive or disproportionate collapse. For councils, housing associations, and social landlords, these assessments are essential to support Building Safety Case compliance, structural risk management, and long-term asset protection.
Large panel system buildings, particularly those constructed in the 1960s–1980s, can be vulnerable to structural failure if key panels or connections deteriorate. Our assessments help landlords understand the condition of their buildings, prioritise interventions, and ensure the safety of residents.
What Is an LPS Assessment?
An LPS (Large Panel System) assessment is a specialist structural review that evaluates a building’s design, construction, and condition to determine its susceptibility to disproportionate collapse.
Key elements of an LPS assessment include:
- Structural panel condition and connections
- Load-bearing walls and floor slabs
- Joints, fixings, and reinforcement details
- Signs of cracking, spalling, or panel movement
- Potential failure mechanisms under stress or deterioration
Assessments typically combine desktop review of original drawings and construction records with on-site inspections, and where needed, structural analysis to evaluate risk.
Why LPS Assessments Matter
High-rise buildings constructed from LPS require careful monitoring because deterioration or failure of a single panel can compromise overall stability. LPS assessments help landlords and property owners to:
- Identify panels or connections at risk of failure
- Assess the likelihood of progressive or disproportionate collapse
- Support Building Safety Case preparation and regulatory compliance
- Inform refurbishment, strengthening, or remediation programmes
- Reduce the risk of structural failure, tenant harm, and enforcement action
These assessments provide critical evidence to ensure Accountable Persons can meet their statutory duties under the Building Safety Act.
Our LPS Assessment Approach
We follow a structured, evidence-based approach:
- Desktop Review – examination of original construction drawings, design specifications, previous inspections, and maintenance records.
- On-Site Inspection – visual inspection of panels, joints, fixings, and structural elements, with non-destructive testing where required.
- Structural Analysis – engineering assessment to determine the potential for progressive failure or disproportionate collapse.
- Risk Prioritisation – classification of vulnerable elements according to severity and urgency of remediation.
- Reporting – detailed, defensible reports including findings, photographs, diagrams, and recommendations for repair, monitoring, or further investigation.
This ensures assessments are robust, auditable, and compliant with building safety guidance.
Deliverables and Reporting
Clients receive a comprehensive report detailing:
- Current condition of LPS panels and connections
- Risk assessment for disproportionate collapse
- Prioritised recommendations for remedial action or monitoring
- Evidence suitable for Building Safety Case submissions, regulatory reporting, and asset management
- Clear diagrams and photographic evidence for decision-making
Reports are written in plain English for technical teams, boards, and regulators, ensuring actionable insights are easy to understand and implement.
Why Choose Us?
We have extensive experience conducting LPS assessments for high-rise residential buildings. Our team combines structural engineering expertise, practical insight, and regulatory knowledge, helping landlords and housing providers:
- Safely manage structural risk
- Support compliance with the Building Safety Act
- Protect residents and assets
- Make informed decisions about remediation and investment