Emergency Structural Reinforcement: Revitalizing Durham Apartment Buildings
Apartment Structural Repair in Durham to Support Local Apartment Complex
Quick Insight
This project began with an urgent 4 PM call from the apartment complex owner, stating that an engineer had inspected their building and recommended immediate repairs to avoid vacating the property. Responding swiftly, we dispatched a team to Durham that evening, and by 2 AM, a temporary support solution was in place.
Over the next six months, we reinforced the crawl spaces/basements of four apartment buildings with steel beams and advanced plumbing systems. The final result was structurally sound, dry apartments with new steel supports and internal drainage systems to prevent water accumulation.
Key-Features
- Steel Beam Installation: We installed W8x18 steel beams (Fy=50ksi) for continuous support, ensuring long-term stability for the buildings
- Custom Column Support: 3½” diameter standard steel pipe columns (Fy=36ksi) were installed at strategic points no more than 9 feet apart to maximize load distribution
- Cantilevered Girder Design: The girders were cantilevered over the end columns, with cap and base plates welded all around for enhanced strength
- Plumbing and Drainage Upgrades: New plumbing systems and internal drainage were integrated to ensure water does not settle in the buildings, maintaining dry and safe living conditions
- Engineering Collaboration: We collaborated with Stonewall Engineering Group to ensure all work met the latest building codes, with signed and sealed documents verifying the structural safety
- Foundation Anchoring: The columns were anchored to 36” x 36” x 12” thick poured concrete footings, set into suitable bearing soils, with steel base plates secured by “J” bolts for maximum stability
Location
- Durham, NC
The Challenge
The project presented significant challenges, including the need for immediate action to prevent building evacuation and the complexity of working within a flood zone. Installing new steel supports in the crawlspaces of the four buildings required careful planning and execution, particularly given the need to maintain the integrity of the existing structures.
Additionally, the project involved coordinating extensive plumbing and drainage work to keep the buildings dry and prevent future water damage. The collaboration with Stonewall Engineering Group was crucial in navigating the permit process and ensuring that all work met the latest safety and structural standards.
