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Renovtion of URM Buildings

Renovtion of URM Buildings

Renovtion of URM Buildings

(OP)
I am asked on a fairly regular basis to put together proposal to renovate existing building that utilize unreinforced masonry (URM) walls. Depending on my work load and the scope of work proposed by the client I will prepare a proposal. Usually when I do, I have done enough research to know that seismic upgrades of the URM walls are not required (due to the nature of the project).

For example, I was asked to put a proposal together on a URM project where the client is renovating the entire building. Structural modifications include adding a stair, infilling some openings, adding 12' of openings in a 60' long wall and changing the occupancy category (from a II to a III). Everything is fine until we get to the last two items which trigger some serious problems with the IBC/IEBC.

How are these projects being approached? Is there some books that can give me a good approach other than just my standard, tear down this portion of wall and install a new properly reinforced wall?

RE: Renovtion of URM Buildings

I get that alot but the Arch generally wants to put a ton of openings is a short wall. They do not like it when I propose steel frames so they usually go to some of my competitors who seem to be pretty slack about it.

RE: Renovtion of URM Buildings

(OP)
The problem with steel frames is the foundations associated with said frames. Usually these buildings are heavy which require large footings under braced frames to work.

There has to be something that people are doing. I have heard of people using carbon fiber to reinforce the inside of the proposed wall, but I don't know if this is allowed by the code or not, or even if it's cost advantageous.

RE: Renovtion of URM Buildings

Quote (SteelPE)

The problem with steel frames is the foundations associated with said frames. Usually these buildings are heavy which require large footings under braced frames to work.
You are preaching to the choir. I have thought about the carbon fiber angle on a few of them but never pursued it as they decided to go with the "less conservative" engineer.

RE: Renovtion of URM Buildings

My understanding is that some of the problems in some of the buildings during one of the Christchurch earthquakes was that there had been openings retrofitted into reinforced concrete shear walls. Again, that's reinforced concrete. Unreinforced masonry? Yeah, if you're in a seismic zone and the client's not willing to do what's required you may want to let your competitors have that one.

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