BACKGROUND

While excavating as part of a renovation project, a large section of an adjacent basement CMU bearing wall was observed to be critically damaged.

INITIAL CONDITION

A significant portion of the basement wall were cracked and, in some locations, deflected inwards alarmingly. Renovation plans could not proceed until a remediation strategy was implemented.

ANALYSIS

The building was thoroughly inspected to determine the structural layout at the roof and ground level, as well as the wall construction to determine the load path. A detailed plan to execute the repairs was required as soon as possible to avoid additional costs from delaying the renovation project.

IDENTIFIED CAUSE

The load-bearing basement wall could not safely fulfill its structural purpose in its observed condition. Since the wall could not be accessed from inside the building, wall repairs were restricted to being performed from the outside in the excavated site. Furthermore, since the loads could not be eliminated in the retail area at the ground level, occupancy loads had to be transferred to a temporary shoring structure until wall repairs were completed.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Induspec collaborated with the on-site contractor to expediently determine a suitable shoring design and a reinforced CMU wall design to meet the client’s deadline and objectives.

IMPLEMENTATION

A shoring design, including construction drawings sealed by a licensed structural engineer, were provided to the client within two days. Within a single work week of contacting Induspec, the new basement CMU wall was completed. The client proceeded with the intended renovation plans with close-to no delay.

Gallery

Basement Bearing Wall Repair J000429

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