Brick and Mortar Columns
Brick and Mortar Columns
(OP)
I've got a project repairing impact damage to a commercial carport structure. The structure was constructed circa 1980 with non-reinforced brick and mortar columns and reinforced concrete lintel beams supporting a wooden truss and shingle roof. The carport was hit by a van damaging and displacing one of the concrete lintel beams and two of the four brick columns. I am recommending replacing all columns and beams with steel members but am running into an argument from the insurance adjuster. He insists the structure should be returned to its original condition. I, however, believe a 2400' concrete lintel beam simply resting atop a brick and mortar column is an unsafe condition and should be modified to ensure there will be no catastrophic failure if another vehicle impact should occur. I am not a structural engineer and don't know the IBC inside out. Can anyone tell me if there are any code sections which would support the replacement of these members with steel members? Also, what is your opinion? Is this an unsafe condition or not?





RE: Brick and Mortar Columns
Dik
RE: Brick and Mortar Columns
RE: Brick and Mortar Columns
RE: Brick and Mortar Columns
RE: Brick and Mortar Columns
RE: Brick and Mortar Columns
Based on the details which you attached, I think this is a perfect illustration of a structure built without any competent engineering input. The details are architectural in nature, and the architectural drawings were probably the only drawings. Unfortunately, there are a lot of structures around which are not tied together.
Unreinforced brick piers, in addition to being susceptible to impact damage/demolition, have little lateral capacity, and there is nothing other than dead weight to resist wind uplift on this roof.
Good luck with the insurance adjuster, but in fairness, the brick piers themselves are latent defects.