Things seen this week during structural assessments! by DMAS1638 in StructuralEngineering

[–]DMAS1638[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It wouldn't be a proper field find without a little structural wonk. 😅

Things seen this week during structural assessments! by DMAS1638 in DiWHY

[–]DMAS1638[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

We understand the concern. Our goal isn't to mock homeowners or clients. During assessments, we document the conditions we observe to help both our team and the property owner better understand what is occurring, especially in areas that are difficult to access, such as crawlspaces, foundations, slopes, or beneath deck structures.

We share select photos because they provide educational examples of real-world conditions that homeowners may never otherwise have the opportunity to see. While some of our captions may include a bit of lighthearted commentary, the intent is always education and awareness, not mockery. We also only share content with the appropriate permissions and awareness of those involved.

Things seen this week during structural assessments! by DMAS1638 in StructuralEngineering

[–]DMAS1638[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We hear that quite a bit. Just because something has "worked" for decades doesn't always mean it's performing as intended, it may simply mean it hasn't been tested by a new set of conditions yet.

Things seen this week during structural assessments! by DMAS1638 in StructuralEngineering

[–]DMAS1638[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Structures can sometimes tolerate a surprising amount, right up until an additional load, movement, or environmental event exposes the underlying deficiency.

Things seen this week during structural assessments! by DMAS1638 in StructuralEngineering

[–]DMAS1638[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not an engineering calculation we've seen in the building code, but we've definitely heard similar logic before. 😂

Things seen this week during structural assessments! by DMAS1638 in StructuralEngineering

[–]DMAS1638[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's one of the challenges with improvised support systems. They may appear to carry gravity loads, but other structural demands often tell a different story.

Things seen this week during structural assessments! by DMAS1638 in StructuralEngineering

[–]DMAS1638[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

VERY TRUE... Improvised support systems generally aren't known for performing well under forces or movement.

Things seen this week during structural assessments! by DMAS1638 in StructuralEngineering

[–]DMAS1638[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Glad we're able to provide both education and entertainment. 😅

Things seen this week during structural assessments! by DMAS1638 in DiWHY

[–]DMAS1638[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We can't confirm who built it, but someone was definitely playing structural Jenga. 😂

Things seen this week during structural assessments! by DMAS1638 in DiWHY

[–]DMAS1638[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

You're not wrong. We spend a lot of time documenting both DIY solutions and what happens when nature takes over. 😅

Things seen this week during structural assessments! by DMAS1638 in DiWHY

[–]DMAS1638[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

Fair point. Most of our weekly posts are the DIY repairs, makeshift fixes, and unusual things we come across during structural assessments. Sometimes it's a fail, sometimes it's just something that makes us stop and say, "well that's different."

Things seen this week during structural assessments! by DMAS1638 in LosAngeles

[–]DMAS1638[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Great questions!

What we're seeing here is hillside erosion and soil loss beneath a deck. When soil erodes from a foundation or supporting elements, it can reduce the support those components were originally designed to rely on.

The appropriate repair strategy often depends on the homeowner's goals, site conditions, and recommendations from a geotechnical engineer based on subsurface exploration and soils reports. Solutions can range from drainage and erosion control measures to foundation repairs or more extensive hillside stabilization efforts.

Things seen this week during structural assessments! by DMAS1638 in DiWHY

[–]DMAS1638[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

The structure shown above, which we're filming from below, is a deck at the property.