Adding stories on top of old buildings
Adding stories on top of old buildings
(OP)
Hi all,
We are getting requests from developers to add 2 or 3 stories to existing old brick buildings. I tell them: this means the existing building will now need to meet the current code, which is challenging, specially for seismic loads, and therefore, we need to provide new lateral resisting system/s that will reinforce the existing building and support the new addition.
I was thinking of using new elevator and stairs shafts in combination with steel moment frames and tie the existing walls to these shafts and frames.
Any comments will be helpful. Thanks
We are getting requests from developers to add 2 or 3 stories to existing old brick buildings. I tell them: this means the existing building will now need to meet the current code, which is challenging, specially for seismic loads, and therefore, we need to provide new lateral resisting system/s that will reinforce the existing building and support the new addition.
I was thinking of using new elevator and stairs shafts in combination with steel moment frames and tie the existing walls to these shafts and frames.
Any comments will be helpful. Thanks






RE: Adding stories on top of old buildings
don't neglect foundations - old foundations may need repair, enlargement, underpinned footings etc. especially around new point loads.
RE: Adding stories on top of old buildings
RE: Adding stories on top of old buildings
RE: Adding stories on top of old buildings
TLHS, building a new building inside the existing one is what I also thought I needed to do and that is why I said to add new stairs, elevator shafts and steel frame.
RE: Adding stories on top of old buildings
The building in question then subsequently went through a number of significant earthquakes and I understand was condemned only because an adjacent building fell into it.
I've also added single and double storey additions to existing URM buildings.
This is very, very, doable. You need to be careful to think through all of the detailing. Happy to help if you need someone to come on board for some help with the initial planning, or potentially even design/detailing/delivery.
RE: Adding stories on top of old buildings
RE: Adding stories on top of old buildings
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Adding stories on top of old buildings
RE: Adding stories on top of old buildings
Why wouldn't you rather stay in your side of the border? The U.S. feels like it's going to implode, construction being the first industry affected, as usual.
RE: Adding stories on top of old buildings
I was toiling away in my little EIT's cube in WI on 9/11. And I saw some stuff in the months that followed. I'm 100% confident that the US economy and democracy will handle this in stride over the long term. You guys are great in a crisis. Besides, while this wasn't quite what I had in mind, I always thought that the US political system needed a viable third party.
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Adding stories on top of old buildings
RE: Adding stories on top of old buildings
RE: Adding stories on top of old buildings