Assessments may include, but are not limited to:
Visual inspection. Some critical factors include: » Signs of rust. Corrosion of reinforcement can be a very serious issue. The cost of repair escalates when the cause is not addressed.
» Broad cracks in concrete. » » Cracks with white, yellow, or pale colored mineral deposits.
» The condition of wear surfaces on parking decks. » Cracking in a spider-web pattern around a column may indicate a punching shear problem.
Review of original construction documents. Use of Finite Element Analysis to evaluate a given story of a building.
(As needed) Use of non-destructive testing techniques to check placement of reinforcing bar and post-tensioning strands for slab performance. This is a parameter for punching shear (suspected failure mechanism of pool deck in Florida recently), making this a matter of genuine interest.
any extreme overloading.
Review of construction inspection records, if available. If the situation appears grave, temporary shoring can be installed quickly and economically, perhaps averting the worst consequences while allowing time for detailed forensic engineering to be accomplished.
The exact scope and process will vary from building to building and should be provided to the client during the proposal process.
Q: Does Washington state currently have any requirements for ongoing inspections and evaluations of multi-story structures such as the
Washington state does not clearly prescribe requirements for ongoing inspections and evaluations of multi-story structures. However, governing best practices have been best protect residents and their assets.
Q: Community association law within RCW 64.55* was enacted in 2005 to address among
*RCW 64.55 pertains to declarant sales (not individual unit sales from individual unit owners)
other things, measures to minimize the risk of into building enclosures. Do you believe similar provisions within the law may be prudent with respect to periodic infrastructure evaluations?
Getting the government involved in these issues can be controversial, but it is critical to life safety that some type of standard is developed and followed. Periodic inspection of should be required.
condition of a building. Unrealistic expectations/standards presenting serious risks and to address them in a wise, cost-effective fashion. Once again, it is critical to engage of experience.
Q:What are some of the risk factors for buildings in our region?
In Western Washington, where much of the population and industry are located, water and earthquakes are the primary risks. Washington buildings designed prior to
In Western Washington, water and earthquakes are the primary risks.
from salt air, or salt spray. Balconies, porches, and decks in all parts of the state that were not designed with due attention to the corrosive effects of chemicals now used in the pressure treatment of lumber will generally prove to be unsafe in the long run.
Proper planning for the future makes the relationship quite with the association, management and reserve specialist so all parties have the ability to make informed decisions.
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