Why I Like My Job: Strip Mall Wall Collapse

[RGD.]

Originally Posted by kayak_rat

They filled the area behind the concrete block with no reinforcement??????

How old was this building? That was horribly ignorant.

Current owner bought the building in 96. No one is actually sure on the buildings completion date. Inspection sticker on the service panel is either 1983 or 85 - but that also could have been just for this suite.

Yeah - no reinforcement - lack of shear design on the front wall connection - it's a butt joint with brick ties embedded in the concrete - LOL.

Our structural engineer was on-site today to approve my shoring plan and inspect - he did a cursory walk around of the entire building - and guess what? The opposite corner (left side of building) is showing signs of stress/cracking/bowing also. Owner wants that whole wall braced/shored as soon as we are done with this shoring to prevent a collapse. I looked at it this after noon - we can save that wall.

I thought you'd enjoy these pictures Zack.


Ron