Building frame with severe corrosion in the steel column

[ChangeYourIdea]

Hello, I received a call to proceed with a site visit for recommendations on what to do in a building with serious corrosion in the frame column(s) (see pictures), I am not sure yet if it is one column or more than one is in that state). Looking at the pictures, it seems these columns are not carrying many more loads and some buckling signs.

My question is, when we have a situation like this the most common solution is to reinforce the column or replace it? Is replacing a column like this feasible in terms of costs?

I am thinking of right after the site visit, recommend shoring immediately as well.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

What is the line where we should say the building is unstable and should be evacuated?

 

[LittleWheels]

That is not a good look. How quickly can they get that shored?

Are there reasonable alternative load paths for supporting wind loads or (as with most portal frame structures) will a missing column means that part or all of the building will come down like a pack of cards? Propping might not be too helpful in resisting moments.

 

[ANE91]

What is the line where we should say the building is unstable and should be evacuated?

You. You are the line. With all due respect, you should pass this off to someone who knows what they are doing. By the looks of it, lives could be at stake.