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
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.