Shutting down a building...
Shutting down a building...
(OP)
Hi folks,
I did an investigation today on a building (chain restaurant) where the roof trusses are pulling completely away from the carrying truss, in one section of the building. A few connections have failed and it appears that others are following suit. The building is only about 6 years old and has had ongoing construction issues. I believe the building should be closed until the truss connections can be repaired.
I've got a call in to the state board, but in the meantime, I'd love some advice on who I need to notify, and how, and what my responsibilities are. Do I have the power to shut down a building? My client is a contractor hired by the restaurant chain to upgrade all their buildings. I'm in the US.
I'm in new territory here so any advice would be appreciated. I would ask my senior engineers but I'm a one-woman show...
cheers,
Linnea
I did an investigation today on a building (chain restaurant) where the roof trusses are pulling completely away from the carrying truss, in one section of the building. A few connections have failed and it appears that others are following suit. The building is only about 6 years old and has had ongoing construction issues. I believe the building should be closed until the truss connections can be repaired.
I've got a call in to the state board, but in the meantime, I'd love some advice on who I need to notify, and how, and what my responsibilities are. Do I have the power to shut down a building? My client is a contractor hired by the restaurant chain to upgrade all their buildings. I'm in the US.
I'm in new territory here so any advice would be appreciated. I would ask my senior engineers but I'm a one-woman show...
cheers,
Linnea





RE: Shutting down a building...
TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering
www.bluetechnik.com
RE: Shutting down a building...
2. Talk to your boss first and see what his reaction is. If he wants to delay or cover this up to maintain the client, I would keep this in mind a d search for a new employer.
3. If not, listen and learn.. The next step would be to notify the client and the local building official, like yesterday. Keep them in the loop and work to fix the problem, immediately. It is a life-safety issue.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Shutting down a building...
Mike, yes I have my PE (all that's needed in my area), and I run my own firm, so I don't have anyone here to ask. I'll give the board another call to find out what's required in this area.
RE: Shutting down a building...
RE: Shutting down a building...
The firefighters won't be able to make an engineering call, but they won't let go until somebody official does make the call.
Good on ya,
Goober Dave
RE: Shutting down a building...
How could you do anything so vicious? It was easy my dear, don't forget I spent two years as a building contractor. - Priscilla Presley & Ricardo Montalban
RE: Shutting down a building...
Dave, excellent idea!
RE, we talked about that, but it would have been a series of shores across the entire front length of the building, and part of the back. Not really feasible.
RE: Shutting down a building...
To protect your liability, send an email then follow-up letter to the Building Official recommending condemnation of the building and immediate shoring and repair.
Agree with hokie66.
RE: Shutting down a building...
Thanks for all the help and ideas!
RE: Shutting down a building...
Bottom line, you tell them what they need to hear, give your best assessment of the risks involved, and make sure that they have the best information available to make an informed decision.
RE: Shutting down a building...
RE: Shutting down a building...
There are ways of getting things done and look like you have it under control.