Brick Structure Out of Plumb
Brick Structure Out of Plumb
(OP)
I inspected a Brick structure. Old building. (2) wythe thick walls (8" total), 3 storys in the front (32' tall), 2 storys in the rear (21' tall). Its a residential building, row home 16ft wide x 55ft deep, with no adjacent structures to the left or right. Plumb bob has the left side of roof 11" away from foundation, right side about 9" in the same direction. This is worst case at the middle of the building. Towards the front of the building and towards the back are only 5" out. It seems like they removed a rear wall for an addition in the past which is most likely why the shifting started. Foundations are in great shape with no signs of settlement. Its been this way for awhile, as the current finishes take into account the leaning (i.e. trim finishes widen to accommodate).
The repair? I'm thinking steel channels on the outside of the building with tension ties in the floor to prevent future separation (the floor joists are almost out of the pockets).
But globally, recommendations for pulling the structure back upright? And keeping it there? Steel Frame? This is a renovation job so interior is completely gutted so not worried about redoing finishes, just salvaging the structure.
Thoughts are always appreciated.
Thanks,
The repair? I'm thinking steel channels on the outside of the building with tension ties in the floor to prevent future separation (the floor joists are almost out of the pockets).
But globally, recommendations for pulling the structure back upright? And keeping it there? Steel Frame? This is a renovation job so interior is completely gutted so not worried about redoing finishes, just salvaging the structure.
Thoughts are always appreciated.
Thanks,






RE: Brick Structure Out of Plumb
Thaidavid
RE: Brick Structure Out of Plumb
RE: Brick Structure Out of Plumb
RE: Brick Structure Out of Plumb
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: Brick Structure Out of Plumb
RE: Brick Structure Out of Plumb
One more check you can make. See if the foundation is level; it may not have settled, but perhaps the building has always had a certain amount of lean that has gotten worse over time. If the foundation is not level, that would be a good reason to seriously consider demolition.
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RE: Brick Structure Out of Plumb
If there is a compelling reason to retain the building it can be done. It's not uncommon in my region to stabilize such buildings, usually because of historic or other reasons that make demo difficult. If you go this route you are really building a new structure and tying the existing stuff to it. You ideally want a stiff structure - steel framing with braced frames is best if it's an option. Steel can be fished through the existing structure relatively easily and the new structure built around the existing.
Two wythe walls don't work for out of plane loads and it's likely the mortar is shot as well. You'd probably want to retrofit anchors to a new wall backup.
It can be done - but demo should be considered and in either scenario bracing, shoring, and protection prior to any work.
RE: Brick Structure Out of Plumb
I am with JAE here. I would not try to correct the deflection. I would try to figure out WHY this abnormality occurred and see if a reasonable approach can be devised to prevent further deflection. If not, bring it down.
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: Brick Structure Out of Plumb
When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty but when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.
-R. Buckminster Fuller
RE: Brick Structure Out of Plumb
Here is some historical info on earthquake bolts:
http://www.ccpl.org/content.asp?id=15729&actio...
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