TOM WITHERSPOON, Ph. D., PE. |
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1030 East Beltline Richardson, TX 75081 (214) 202-5780 Office: (972) 235-3267 Fax: (972) 437-2286 tomw5@ix.netcom.com |
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What Causes Problems with a Structure
Problems in a structure are normally the result of three factors:
poor design, poor quality control in construction or poor maintenance by the property owner.
Poor Design – Many foundations are not designed to fit the soil or topographic
conditions of
the site. Reasons for design failure may include inadequate subsurface investigation,
lack of knowledge about the soil characteristics or sometimes mistakes by
the engineer of record. There are also many situations where the wrong foundation
type was chosen by the party purchasing the structure and the engineer’s
design could not overcome conditions offered by the site.
Poor Construction Quality Control – If there is insufficient inspection
during construction the
engineer’s design will be compromised and the structure may be subject
to failure. Some of the problems caused by a lack of quality control may include:
poor concrete quality, poor moisture/density compaction of sub-grade soils,
faulty pier/piles, and negative drainage, framing problems, improper placement
of reinforcing (post-tension cables or conventional rebar).
Poor Maintenance – Regardless of how well a building has been constructed,
performance will
be compromised unless the property owner provides maintenance. There are also
instances where the property owner makes post construction modifications that
create conditions compromising stability. These may include flowerbeds, retaining
walls, rock gardens, swimming pools, etc. Maintenance of roof drainage, flashing
and waterproofing, sump pumps and other facility elements will often lead
serious problems that will compromise the structure.
Please click on above photos for larger views.
