Any New Orleans Engineers here?

[XR250]

I'm vacationing in NOLA - staying right on Bourbon Street. Went out to dinner and was seated on a 2nd story cantilevered balcony. Anytime someone walked, it shook enough for me to be scared to be on it It appears to be basically supported by 3/8x3" bar stock cantilevered out about 4 ft and spaced about 3 ft. O.C. I cant imagine this is safe for a restaurant, residential or Mardi Gras loading.
Looks like there are a bunch of sketchy ass balconies all over the town. Some have a few diagonal kickers made of what appears to be 3/4"Ø bar.
How has there not been any massive failures?
Looks like the AHJ there is rife with corruption and scandals so is it even worth reporting it?

 

[thebard3]

Every once in a while, we see stories about one falling down and people hurt or worse (not just NOLA). I'm surprised that doesn't happen several times daily, given quality of work and maintenance.

 

[XR250]

Well, this recently happened...

Balcony and house collapse in the French Quarter and 7th Ward, NOFD says

The New Orleans Fire Department responded to two separate partial building collapse incidents in the French Quarter and the Seventh Ward on Sunday.

www.wwltv.com

Sounds like onlookers knew it would collapse but did not warn pedestrians.
Honestly, this place is a shit show. I guess i am too old to understand the culture here.

 

[lucky-guesser]

Sounds like onlookers knew it would collapse but did not warn pedestrians.
Honestly, this place is a shit show. I guess i am too old to understand the culture here.

I have a relative down there that used to tell me stories of her "adventures". Then she tried to get me to come down during Mardi Gras to experience it myself.

After hearing the stories.....I'll pass.

 

[Garbage1]

I have a close friend that grew up in New Orleans, and got an Engineering degree from LSU. So I too have hear some stories. My only visit was in 1977, and even then it was a unique experience.

"You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave"