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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2431 W Stuart St - Special Inspections/Engineering - 10/24/2012October 24, 2012 Mr. Christopher Sauer c/o Mary Miller 1016 Centre Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80526 Subject: Review of Structural Damage due to Vehicle Impact 2431 West Stuart Street, Fort Collins, Colorado Lot 230, Block 6, Brown Farm 181 Filing CTLIT Project Number: FC06030-501 Dear Mr. Sauer, f'IANrGLONR:iR o"IRI'A' li='IiaRAI � At the request of Mary Miller, personnel from our office made a site visit to the structure referenced above on October 24, 2012. This visit was requested In order to assess the structural damage caused by an out of control vehicle. For reference, the existing structure is a split level house with a two car garage. The garage is at the northeast end of the house, facing northwest onto Stuart Street. We were Informed that the damage occurred on the evening of October 23, 2012, when a westbound truck crossed the center line and the eastbound lane before possibly striking a parked car and ultimately hitting the north corner of the garage. The pickup truck was not on site when we visited. Observations During our visit, we attempted to observe the foundation as well as the framing. However, debris and the two cars of the tenants still occupied the garage, limiting our access. We did enter the crawl space under the kitchen, which Is the closest room to the garage (on the opposite side from the Impact). In that location, we did not notice evidence of cracking or distress in the foundation wall, sill plate, anchor bolts, or joist connection to the sill plates. The floor Joists and rim also appeared to be Intact. All of the frame walls of the garage suffered major damage due to Impact. When the truck struck the north corner of the garage, its Impact severely damaged the front and left side walls of the garage. The truck continued through the corner, hitting and pushing the two cars parked In the garage Into the right side and rear walls of the garage, causing significant structural damage to the frame walls there. Wherever we could make a close observation of the foundation, the foundation appeared to be intact and undamaged from the impact. Most anchor bolts appeared to be intact as well. Conclusions / Recommendations Based on the damage observed, we recommend completely removing and replacing the framed walls around the garage at all locations except for the common wall between the house and garage. 351 Linden Street I Suite 140 I Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 Telephone:970.206-9455 Fax:970-206-9441 From our limited observation, it appears that this common wall suffered only minor, localized damage. However, once the cars and debris are removed, any questionable areas should be brought to our attention so that we may make an additional assessment. The foundation and roof structure appear to be undamaged and may be re -used. The garage roof may have twisted due to the impact and damage to the garage walls, so we recommend straightening the roof prior to sheathing the replacement walls. To summarize the anticipated structural repairs, we anticipate the following steps: • Fully shore the existing garage roof. • Remove sheathing from damaged walls. • Re-orient/straighten garage roof. • One at a time — Remove damaged wall. Install and sheath replacement wall. Repeat with remaining walls. • Replace siding / brick / exterior finish as desired, To meet current design standards, the replacement framing should incorporate the following: • Simpson HD sill anchors (1/2" diameter by 6") Installed at 48" o.c. to supplement existing anchor bolts. • 7/16" OSB wall sheathing Instead of fiberboard sheathing. This change is required by current design wind loads. • A double 2x12 header over the garage door opening. Support with header with (2) trimmer studs and (3) king studs. • New Simpson H2.5T truss clips to secure the existing trusses to the new wall framing. All other framing should conform to the requirements of the 2009 International Residential Code. Limitations This report Is based upon our site observations and our experience with projects of this type. CTL Thompson does not perform destructive testing in order to obtain unseen Information. Our observations were limited by the presence of wall and ceiling coverings, debris, and other obstacles. Unseen defects may exist which could affect the performance of the structure. We believe this investigation was conducted with the level of skill and care used by structural engineers practicing in this area at this time. No warranty, express or implied, is made. Thank you for selecting CTLITHOMPSON for your engineering needs. When we can be of additional service, please contact our office. Very truly yours, CTLITHOMPSON, I pQ %fG• TH[ 35177 Wayne Thompson, I:EED AP Project Manager/�; Ems_ CHRISTOPHER SAUER 2431 WEST STUART STREET, FORT COLLINS. CO CTL I T PROJECT NO, FC06030-501