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Technology Associates
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Forensic Engineering Experts - Ph (800) 358-9909 - Fax (888) 358-9901
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STRUCTURAL CRACKING |
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Buildings can exhibit post-construction distress in the form of cracked walls above and foundations below ground, uneven floors, inoperative windows and doors, etc. related to ground movement. Although ground movement and associated structural distress may not threaten collapse, the result may render the structure unsafe or unusable. Thus, the cause of building movement should be determined, so that appropriate remediation alternatives can be considered.
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Expertise |
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Questions Answered |
We have extensive experience evaluating causes of ground movement and building distress including problems related to:
- Changes caused by human and machine activity
- Vibrations from nearby construction and/or blasting
- Changes in ground-water levels
- Seasonal freezing and thawing, soil swelling and rock shifting
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Through scientific analysis, we can help you answer pertinent questions such as:
- Is the building safe or is the cracking dangerous?
- Is the observed cracking the result of natural causes or human activity?
- Why did cracks develop at this time after years of fine performance?
- Can the building be economically repaired?
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Past Case Examples |
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Sudden Building Settlement:
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Ground Movement Insurance Exclusion:
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A mall store started to exhibit significant wall cracking and settlement in one corner of the building after years of satisfactory performance. There had been no construction activity or other significant changes in the immediate vicinity to explain this settlement. Through our investigation of past development in this area we were able to show that dewatering for a new theatre, hundreds of feet away, had triggered the settlement, allowing the storeowner to recover damages from the theater owners.
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A building owner filed a claim with their insurance company for damage to their building that was extensive, but largely cosmetic. His insurance company retained us to investigate the cause(s) of the damage. We demonstrated that the damage was entirely the result of ground movement related to recent, nearby construction activities. Because ground movement was specifically excluded from the building owner's policy, we were able to support the claim denial.
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