Structural and investigative reviews/ Engineering inspection

In-depth investigation permits go-ahead on facility expansion.

Client saves.
A large telecommunications facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was constructed in 1968. It was reaching its maximum life cycle and did not meet current building codes. The client wanted to expand manufacturing and office space but was concerned that the project would compromise the building's structural integrity. Ken Root was called in to determine whether the building was sound and, if so, whether modifications could be made and at what cost.

Complicating the situation was the fact that portions of the building were built on drilled piers and other portions on spread footings, making it difficult to determine the criteria and design parameters for the original building.

A review of original construction documents provided insight on the design parameters used. Time spent investigating these documents saved the client costly engineering and testing services that would otherwise have been required. Although reviewing documents is standard practice, the documents are not always available and can be difficult to interpret. Reviewing the documents takes experience and investigative skill. Experience in the construction industry also helps. Ken had ten years of construction experience prior to becoming an engineer. He determined that minimum modifications would be needed to expand the manufacturing and office spaces. The client could proceed with the expansion.