Page 283 - Forensic Structural Engineering Handbook
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DESIGN ERRORS, CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS, AND PROJECT MISCOMMUNICATION 8.23
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
Distance (ft) 0.5 Depth (ft)
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
FIGURE 8.17 Ground penetrating radar scan of slab showing inadequate reinforcement cover.
joint was simply left out. This caused shear cracking of the concrete beam-column joint
resulting in buckling of the column longitudinal reinforcement and eventual collapse of
the building.
7. Concrete strength and quality are frequently evaluated during the course of a construc-
tion defect investigation. Concrete strength is often verified to determine if it is a source
of cracking in the member being investigated. Concrete quality as determined from pet-
rographic testing can provide insights to parameters such as water-cement ratio.
FIGURE 8.18 Missing beam-column joint confinement reinforcement caused collapse.
