Title:
Masonry Saved This Under-Reinforced Building
Author(s):
Yasser S. Korany; John I. Glanville; and Gary S. Kowalchuk
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
24
Issue:
1
Appears on pages(s):
45-49
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
1/1/2002
Abstract:
A structural investigation was conducted on a condominium built in 1997. The investigation disclosed that some of the main transfer beams supporting load-bearing walls had only about 20% of the required reinforcement. The investigation identified an exceptionally serious problem. In fact, there was some difficulty in determining why the building was still standing! Immediate attention was required to prevent collapse and to restore the required strength and, in the process, to find out why collapse had not already taken place. This paper explains why the building did not collapse and the remedial steps taken to ensure safety.