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Is it a good idea to build a two story building on an existing

Customer Question

Is it a good idea to build a two story building on an existing one story foundation that was in a fire five years ago?

Already Tried:
We are a non-profit organization that has purchased land and want to use the existing foundation. Should we?

Submitted: 411 days and 23 hours ago.

Category: Structural Engineering

Value: CA$30

Status: CLOSED

Accepted Answer

Expert: StructuralEng replied411 days and 23 hours ago.

StructuralEng : Hi

StructuralEng : I can help

StructuralEng : Let me read closer

Customer :

Alright

StructuralEng : Before we get started I’d like to point out that a Professional Engineer’s standard of care typically includes a site visit to assess field conditions and get an overall understanding of the structure. This can obviously not be accomplished through the internet. The information provided here is meant for informational purposes only (general sizing and budgeting) and is based on the information provided by you. The information should be verified by a professional engineer who can visit the site to ensure that potentially important information has not been overlooked or omitted.

StructuralEng : I wouldn't worry too much about the fire. Concrete is pretty fire resistant

StructuralEng : It's less about what the existing structure was and more about the capacity of the foundation.

StructuralEng : I would have a licensed PE visit the site to do an inspection and let you know if it can take a proposed two story structure.

Customer :

So do you think our biggest problem is that the foundation is only for a single story building?

StructuralEng : Possibly, but there are a number of things that can be done to address that. Not all of them inexpensive, but there are remedies.

Customer :

Would the best person to talk to be a structural engineer in town? What type of testing should we do on the foundation? To adress both the load and fire damage?

StructuralEng : Yes, a structural engineer is the guy you want. He'll first run some calcs with minimum assumptions. If that doesn't work but is close, geotechnical testing is probably the next step to try to get a better soil bearing value. That's relatively inexpensive.

StructuralEng : If that doesn't work, then you're looking at underpinning or another expensive fix

StructuralEng : If you've found my answer helpful, please click the green "accept" button. I'll be happy to answer additional questions on the topic. If you could provide feedback, I would appreciate it

Customer :

Would it be a better idea to start fresh with a new foundation?

StructuralEng : That's an expensive solution. I would have the existing foundation checked out first. It could save you a lot of money

Customer :

Thanks for your help.

StructuralEng : No problem an best of luck

Expert Type	Consultant
Category:	Structural Engineering
Pos. Feedback:	96.8 %
Accepts:	2480
Answered:	5/3/2012

Experience: Structural Engineer

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