Structural Evaluation of Roof Structure

Splitting Edge Axe Throwing

SSM was involved in a renovation project to structurally evaluate the existing roof structure for support of new units for heating and cooling the axe-throwing space. The roof structure is composed of wood framing supported on riveted steel trusses. The roof is original to the building and dates to the late 1800s, when steel was just becoming a common material for roof construction. When the building owner opted to support the units along the centerline of the building, SSM developed the structural design drawings for a new steel frame to be supported on the existing steel trusses. SSM then verified that the existing trusses were capable of supporting the added weight.

The roof is original to the building and dates to the late 1800s, when steel was just becoming a common material for roof construction.

Structural Assessment of Balconies

ACTS Retirement Communities

Ambler, Pennsylvania

Seventy cast-in-place concrete balconies were incorporated into the construction of an over 180-unit community forty years ago.  When these balconies began to show their age through isolated spalling, cracking, scaling and delamination, SSM assessed each using a detailed inspection and reporting procedure.  Each balcony, regardless of its condition was treated as an individual structural assessment complete with documentation and photographs.  A repair matrix was then developed for each building for the owners use as a quick reference tool.

BALCONY ASSESSMENT

Structural Assessment and Facade Inspection

Mission First Housing

 Mission First Housing

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Façade Inspection at 1324 Walnut Street |As required by ordinance in the City of Philadelphia, the façade of this building must be inspected every five years to identify hazards to pedestrians below.  SSM carried out this work by performing the inspection from an articulating lift and preparing the report of findings in accordance with City requirements.  Recommended repairs were made to the façade, which were then inspected by SSM to assure compliance with the recommendations.

Structural Assessment for Pier Certification

PIER #5

Rhoads Marine Industries

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pier #5 | As required by ordinance in the City of Philadelphia, waterfront structures are subject to triennial inspections to ensure there are no hazards to occupants of non-vacant piers.  SSM commenced this process using three-dimensional scanning of the surface of the pier to locate and identify the magnitude of surface irregularities in pier.  The framed construction of the pier requires inspection of the underside via boat at favorable tide and dive monitoring for the supporting piles.

Structural Assessment for Drydock Certification

DRYDOCK #2

Rhoads Marine Industries

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Approved by Congress in 1898 and completed in 1910, Drydock #2 at the Philadelphia Naval Business Center is now used for parts salvage from decommissioned naval vessels.  Regardless of the status of the ship, the U.S. Coast Guard requires biennial inspection and certification of all drydocking facilities housing Coast Guard vessels.  In fulfilling this responsibility, SSM will regularly inspect the condition of the structure as well as witness the cycling of the Drydock.

Balcony Restoration High Rise Apartment Complex

HUMMINGBIRD HILL CONDOMINIUMS

Hummingbird Hill Condominiums

Reading, Pennsylvania

Structural investigation of 97 precast concrete balconies for a residential high-rise building. Assisted with structural inspection of balconies; and research for repair techniques.

Structural Assessment of Historical Building

Wernersville Historical Society | Wernersville Train Station

Wernersville, PA

SSM conducted a comprehensive structural condition survey of this existing historic building that has been abandoned for almost 40 years.  In addition to identifying the building components that required repairs or replacement, SSM provided a prioritized, cost-itemized list of recommendations for the ultimate restoration.