Foundation Inspections
Foundation Evaluation - Concrete Slab on Grade
A concrete slab on grade is defined as a slab, supported by ground, whose main purpose is to support the loads by bearing on the ground. Residential slab on grade foundation systems generally consists of a concrete slab supported on the exterior by a perimeter concrete footing and in the interior by isolated pad footing or continuous interior footings.
Common indications of damaged slab on grade foundations are wavy slab surface, cracked drywall or stucco, and movement of the framing. Determining the causes of foundation damage is critical for determining the integrity of the structure.
Our licensed engineers can perform the necessary structural inspection for when the slab on grade damage is suspected. Our reports can help with an escrow to close, provide guidance for foundation contractors, or provide peace of mind for our client.
Foundation Evaluation - Raised Foundation(Crawlspace)
Raised foundations consist of exterior concrete foundation walls or wood framed stem wall/cripple walls and interior pad footings. The exterior foundation typically supports the gravity and lateral forces of the structure and the interior pad footings typically support only gravity loads.
Common indications of raised foundation damage are wavy raised floor surface, cracked drywall or stucco, and movement of the framing.
Our licensed engineers are able to assess the foundation system from the crawlspace. We will make qualitative assessments of the existing foundation system and provide our engineering opinion regarding the structural integrity of the residence.
Structural Inspections
Load Bearing Wall Removal
Frequently, renovations of large openings are performed without structural engineering. The owner or contractor removes load bearing walls which results in sagging second floors, cracked ceiling drywall, and compromise the structural integrity.
Renovating an existing and older house for these features is not straight forward. The existing structural members typically are not strong enough to support the long spans of large floor plans and large window and door openings.
Our engineers can perform inspections of the existing structure to determine if framing modifications have been performed compromise the structural integrity of the residence.
Additionally, we can perform structural design and analysis for load bearing wall removals.
Retaining Wall Evaluations
Retaining walls are structures that hold back/retain soil. They are typically used to expand the useable space by creating level areas. Retaining walls consist of a stem and footing. The stem is the section above the ground that can typically consist of CMU, concrete, or Keystone blocks. The retaining footing is typically below grade and consists of concrete.
Common indication of retaining wall issues are tilted or rotating retaining wall stems, cracked masonry, movement of the soil.
Our engineers can perform structural and geotechnical inspection of retaining walls. We can help determine if the movement is normal for the loading conditions or if a structural or geotechnical issue is present.
Deck Evaluations
Deck evaluations require a combination of structural engineering and geotechnical engineering.
Structural engineering is required to evaluate the deck beams, joists, posts, and other exposed members are adequately sized and spaced. The existing condition is also determined from a visual inspection to determine if the members are still capable of supporting structural loads.
Decks with structural issues are typically located along slopes. Geotechnical engineering is required to determine the likelihood of slope movement and/or failure.
Common indications of deck issues are: substantial tilt of the decking, vibrations of the deck system, excessive leaning of the guardrail system, and movement of the deck.
Our engineers have experience in both structural and geotechnical engineering. We can help evaluate structural or geotechnical issues with decks.
Swimming Pool Evaluations
Swimming pool evaluations also require a combination of structural engineering and geotechnical engineering.
Structural engineering is required to determine if the concrete swimming pool shell has tilted/rotated, cracked, and to identify the appropriate swimming pool shell repair.
Geotechnical engineering is required to determine the cause of the soil movement that caused the damages to the swimming pool.
Common indications of geotechnical or structural issues with regards to swimming pools are cracking of the swimming pool shell, unlevel water line, rust or corrosion of the swimming pool reinforcement mirroring through the swimming pool shell.
Our engineers have experience in both structural and geotechnical engineering and can help evaluate swimming pool structural or geotechnical issues.
Balcony Evaluations
A balcony is a raised outdoor platform attached to the side of a building. A balcony typically is supported by cantilevered joists or beams connected to the building. Balcony structural members are usually exposed to the weather and are susceptible to deterioration.
Our engineers have a background in performing structural evaluations of balcony systems. When visually accessible our engineers can determine if the existing structural members can support the balcony loads or if a structural issue exists.