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help for a client

thread488-181274

help for a client

help for a client

(OP)
I'm trying to help a client find a PE for a structural evaluation of his home.  That's not our area of practice, but he is a client and a friend.

His problem is a large basement crack in a 1930's colonial.  Though there is little displacement, I suspect the footer is broken.  The movement is continuing as the ground hydrates and dries (clay soil).

How do I help him find a competent engineer to advise him?  Should we be looking for a structural engineer, civil engineer, something else?  How do we find the guy (or girl) who really knows what they are doing?

BTW, this is in Western Pennsylvania, in case anyone is close by.

Thanks.
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RE: help for a client

Look for a Civil/Structural in a small/one man firm. They are usually more effective in smaller problems with complex causes.

since it is a 75+ year old home it will take some detective work to determine the changes and causes.

Dick

RE: help for a client

I would look for a geotechnical firm to check the soil.  They can determine how to improve the soil or foundation to stop the wall from moving.  A structural PE can then be hired to fix the problem with the wall itself.

RE: help for a client

I would get a Structure Engineer first, he might be able to address the problem by him self without the need for hiring a Geotech. one.
For example he might be able to reinforce it in a more conservatively way that no need to check for the soil nature

RE: help for a client

How large a crack, is it leaking, does it need to be patched, can a simple backer rod and caulking fix it, can you live with the movement?

RE: help for a client

We ( A & A Engineering) are a small structural engineering firm in Toledo OH. Our principal engineer is an experienced PE and is registered in over 40 states. We routinely perform structural inspections of homes as well as lots of other types of structural engineering services. If you feel we could be of service to you, please give us a call at 419-292-1983.

RE: help for a client

Talk to a structural and a geotech who are familiar with the design and use of 2" diameter pin piles to support the foundation.  

Sounds like some differential settlement issues, maybe some of the structure is on fill, or even a small sinkhole?  Are there any springs?  A broken foundation drain or dosconnected downspout?  Lots of possible issues here.

Mike McCann
McCann Engineering

RE: help for a client

Thinking again, with the 1930's scenario, I would first look to a plugged foundation drain as the most likely culprit (if there was one installed at all).  There has been more than adequate time for any drain to become plugged with roots and/or sediment.  

Mike McCann
McCann Engineering

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