Industrial Ave., Existing Facility Investigation

JPR was hired to perform a Forensic Structural Investigation on the stability and safety of existing facilities that have been vacant since 2009. If the results of both the structural evaluation and environmental study (also performed by JPR) were favorable, the client intended to purchase the buildings and rehabilitate them for new industrial manufacturing use.

Consisting of two industrial manufacturing buildings and an office building, the site had a combined square-footage of over 100,000. While the larger of the two manufacturing buildings and the office building were constructed in 1999, the smaller manufacturing building was much older with an unknown date of construction.

The newer manufacturing building was constructed utilizing a steel frame and slab-on-grade foundation. The structural frame was found to be in good condition for new manufacturing, and although there was some narrow cracking of the concrete slab, the pavement was found to be suitable for continued use. The metal roof had open panel joints and leaking vent holes which allowed stormwater to saturate and destroy the insulation. Vegetation had grown into the roof eaves and around the exterior wall preventing stormwater from draining away from the building. These issues, however, were correctable through maintenance.

Much of the metal roof on the oldest facility, a wood-framed metal building, was upgraded in 1999. However, the visible portion of the wooden trusses, interior columns, and wall panels showed advanced deterioration and cracking due to old age and water intrusion. The exterior metal walls were in an advanced corroded condition, and many of the ceiling panel joints were hanging open. The metal ceiling had advanced rusting, and much of the insulation had been destroyed due to moisture damage. The Report did not find this building to be in safe structural condition and recommended that the oldest part of the building be demolished.

The brick office building was found to be in good structural condition. However, it was recommended that the interior false ceilings, windows, and wall and floor coverings be replaced due to moisture damage from condensation since the building became unoccupied. It was also recommended that the wood framing be inspected and replaced where deteriorated.

Due to the large roof areas, drone imaging was utilized to examine them efficiently and provide the client with digital files. An accurate grid pattern of alpha-numeric coordinates was projected digitally onto the roof areas for focusing on encountered problem areas.

Through the investigation structural issues were identified, causes and effects were determined, and corrective actions were recommended. The client purchased the property, and when complete, the site will provide a boost in employment opportunities for the community.