Renovation of exist brick building

[ars001]

Ok, I new to the forum so nobody get mad at me if this subject has been covered.

I've recently been called upon to do a structural investigation/evaluation of an existing 2 story brick building. Floor is sawn lumber. They are in the process of turning the building into an office building. I've seen pictures of the building and it looks in really good shape considering the age (100+ years old). So I feel pretty comfortable taking on the job.

What are some of the things that I should be watching out for? Does the building need to be brought up to todays code? Obviously there are unknowns such as wall reinforcing, footing size, etc.

Thanks for the help

 

[dik]

You should talk to the authority having jurisdiction regardin g upgrades to current code. Some jurisdictions require that any changes in use or occupancy automatically trigger code upgrades... others treat them as renovations with the requirement that what you do must be at least equal or better than what you had...

You also should check with Fire dudes to see what, if any requirements, they might have.

You can measure the sizes of existing components and calculate strengths... you may have to research to get an idea of what the material strengths are...

A hundred year old brick building may be constructed using multiple wythes of brick and not have any vapour barrier. The change in use can have an impact on building envelope.

Just some thoughts... Dik

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Although these two documents probably don't apply directly to your situation, you may get some good pointers from them, and the price is right (free .pdf downloads)

US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development "Residential Rehabilitation Inspection Guide"

http://www.pathnet.org/sp.asp?id=9094

and

a regional "Home Inspection Guide"

http://s142412519.onlinehome.us/uw/pdfs/NCR320.PDF

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net