Structural Repairs: COLLAPSING STRUCTURES
Office: 828.484.9713 -- Cell: 828.712.6416
The causes of building collapse can be classified under these 6 (six) general headings to facilitate analysis. These headings are:
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Bad Design
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Faulty Construction
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Foundation Failure
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Extraordinary Loads
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Unexpected Failure Modes
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Combination of Causes
Buildings, like all structures, are designed to support certain loads without deforming excessively. The loads are the weights of people and objects within its confines, furthermore, it most also support the weight of rain and snow and the pressure of wind--called live loads--and the dead load of the building itself-that's could a load to carry.
Think for a bit about driving your car, when a strong wind hits the car you can feel its force. Now image a building of a few floors, strength generally accompanies sufficient rigidity; thus, a building of a correct design, good construction and sturdy foundation usually services the building with a sturdy foundation and rigid walls. Buildings are an amazing architectural feat, residential homes, commercial buildings and industrial complexes carry the immense burden of facing everyday environmental conditions. the structure maintains on a daily basis, its immense. HOWEVER, things do fail.........................
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Bad design does not mean only errors of computation, but a failure to take into account the loads the structure will be called upon to carry, erroneous theories, reliance on inaccurate data, ignorance of the effects of repeated or impulsive stresses, and improper choice of materials or misunderstanding of their properties.
If you don't understand how to "Fix the Problem" then hire an expert; SGT Structural Repair has over 45 years of real world experiences, call Bill Sargent today to review your situation (828) 484-9713.
For years the brick was absorbing moisture, the effects of the weather has taken its toll upon this home freezing rain and snow, fluctuation in the cycles of the season with its heating and thawing out caused the brick walls of the home to settle downward, causing the patio deck to sink, which raised the deck at the home, creating a "Sea - Saw" affect.
When the concrete deck was poured, it was poured as part of the homes foundation, this design did not take into effect the soil condition, and the rates of similar homes settling in the area. The downward settlement was which was being raised up and damaging the home structure.
The first thing we did was to cut the deck from the home, relieving the load. Water had been draining onto the front walls of the home causing the structure wood to rot out, under the home we created a structural wall system, that consisted of a poured footing to place the columns and beams which will support the load of the home and be compatible with its environment. This new structural wall system created by SGT Structural Repairs enabled the leveling of the homes flooring additional repairs included the replacement of the home's structure wood that was damaged by rot.
Now you can see for yourself the completed repair of the collapsed porch, the family will have many years of enjoyment in their rejuvenated home.
For years the brick was absorbing moisture, the effects of the weather has taken its toll upon this home freezing rain and snow, fluctuation in the cycles of the season with its heating and thawing out caused the brick walls of the home to settle downward, causing the patio deck to sink, which raised the deck at the home, creating a "Sea - Saw" affect.
When you examine the photo note that the stair columns are leaning, the upper and lower retaining walls are falling apart. I could move the structure of the wall with my hands.
The homeowner did their best to resolve the situation. However, the proper steps to repair this condition was overlooked and the years of patching the brick joints has weakened the entrance steps.
The bricks were absorbing moisture and the mortar was failing. The physical condition of the brick reflected years of usage without maintenance.
The entire brick was crumbly, and when we removed the brick we were surprised to find a hollow cavity. Water had removed the soil, weakening the entire patio flooring and the retaining walls.
Hello, that's me (Bill Sargent) (Master Craftsman) I'm under the patio flooring installing support beams and reinforcing the retaining walls!
A trench was dug out and refilled with a REBAR skeleton this was needed due to the hydrostatic pressures' and other environmental conditions.
Concrete was poured over the rebar, insuring a solid foundation for the retaining walls. Now it ready for the cinder block.
The cinder block substructure is in place for the stairs and the retaining walls..
A drain system is installed to prevent this problem from reoccuring.
The project is completed. Concrete stained, brick edging, and floor drains between the brick piers at the walls
