Carriage House Rescue
So many great things came out of 2020. One of the many is that our long-time friends at 101-103 School Street Condominium in Concord said yes to proceeding with needed… Read More »
Structural Failure of a Wood Beam
As engineers, we often get the call to inspect and design improvements for structural members that are close to failing. Building owners often catch these deficiencies before the worst-case scenario… Read More »
Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Slab
Recently we have been asked a lot about fiber reinforcing, and if it should be used in concrete slabs-on-grade. Fiber-reinforced concrete, or FRC, is a common building structural element, and… Read More »
Evidence of a Sagging Floor
A common concern we receive from owners of older homes is a sagging/sinking floor. Sagging floors can occur for several reasons and might be scary for homeowners, but a qualified… Read More »
Elevated Garage Slabs
Around here, most residential garages, whether attached to the house or detached, include a concrete slab-on-grade. Concrete slabs-on-grade are strong, durable, and easy to maintain. To provide more usable square… Read More »
Loads on a Building
Structural engineers design buildings to withstand loads of all types. The building’s frame must be designed to withstand a combination of all those loads with some being more present than… Read More »
Unbalanced Loads in a Building on a Slope
When a house is constructed with a full basement wall on one side and walkout on the other, there is very large unbalanced lateral force induced by the upslope soil… Read More »
Frost Protected Shallow Foundation
We discussed in the past the importance of concrete foundations being protected against frost heaving. The frost depth in most of New England is between 4 and 5 feet below… Read More »
Steel Corrosion from Vehicles
Take a look at this metal deck and open web steel joist floor structure. As you can see, the metal deck and the open web steel joists are severely corroded. If… Read More »
Load Bearing Walls Beat LVL Beams
We have had the pleasure of working with Chuck Wood of Colonial Builders recently. He is leading spectacular renovations of a few old buildings in Concord. Each time I visit… Read More »