Combined Wall

[msquared48]

Recently had a contractor call me for a proposal for a underground detention vault structural design. I have balked at giving him a proposal because one of the detention vault long walls is the same wall as for an adjacent building to be built. In other words, they share the same foundation for a distance. Apparently, the local jurisdiction has granted a variance to allow the project to move forward.

This bothers me, not just because the normal separation is 10 feet here, but because the loadings are so different, and I have no control over the building design. That really bothers me, in addition to the structural considerations.

Any thoughts on this? Similar experiences?

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[hokie66]

The building wall has to be designed for the dual purpose. These underground water storages are relatively common, but are normally incorporated into the building works. If not part of the building, any impact on the building has to be considered (and vice versa), and that requires knowledge of the building design and construction methods.