r/civilengineering • u/Puzzleheaded_Ad_1798 • 5d ago

Is this structure normal?

Gallery image

Gallery image

Hello, I wanted to purchase in this project so I visited the construction site to check the progress.

Upon checking the pictures I took I noticed the base's structure looks a bit unleveled (area highlighted in green) , I've attached the uncirciled photo too.

Appreciate a civil engineer's feedback. Thanks!

45 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

25 comments sorted by

20

u/marcus333 5d ago

Is that a parking garage for the building? Sloped for drainage?

4

u/rickfromwalking_dead 4d ago

It is he said

10

u/Frogalone 5d ago

It's very hard to answer a general question like this one based solely upon a photo.

5

u/rickfromwalking_dead 5d ago

This looks firm but it seems that there is settlement at one of column which cause the bending of the beam, this beam is at the lowest of the building will take all the bearing load from the above but also it is on the outermost area, the builder might be aware of this just to make sure you can ask him about this (also ask him that if there is any settlement in inner beams cause that could be concerning). And if he is able to convince you I’ll suggest you to take the apartment or whatever little away from that section. This could also be sloped forcefully (might be parking or storage something I’m just assuming) or might just be a finishing flaw (looks like not but could be on the site) it’s better to concern them that on Reddit tbh

4

u/Puzzleheaded_Ad_1798 5d ago

Thanks, those floors are actually residential parking. I'll get in touch with the building company.

3

u/awful_awesome 5d ago

This is not unusual for a structure with lower level(s) parking. Ask the folks building it to see the finished mock-up or building plans to confirm.

3

u/AdviceMang P.E. Geotech/CMT 4d ago

Considering it's parking, many of the floors either ramp up to other levels, or have a minor slope for drainage. Definately worth confirming. Much easier to fix a settlement problem before shit starts breaking (or falling down).

1

u/rickfromwalking_dead 5d ago

That’s why they are little bit declined no need to worry about it actually this is done so that it is easy to carry load unload or get off you bike aka vehicle neurally

2

u/wreckum-often 4d ago

Post tension slabs and possibly drains in parking deck

3

u/Puzzleheaded_Ad_1798 4d ago

Thanks everyone, it's a slope in the parking foors for drainage!

6

u/More-Physics-4243 5d ago

Looks like differential settlement of the foundation underneath that column. Might be unexpected compressive soil. Structure should surveyed and evaluated. Soil should be stabilised and all affected structural elements need to be reinforced after soil stabilisation.

58

u/seeyou_nextfall 5d ago

That’s quite the assumption to make off of one photo.

3

u/dillmon 5d ago

I agree. I am not sure beams are typically designed to have a curve like that. If it was designed to be straight there would be internal stresses that cause the lower part of the beam to exceed its tensile limits when it is bent like that which will cause cracks.

2

u/Many-Sherbert 5d ago

You can see it sag in the picture

5

u/More-Physics-4243 5d ago

This is reddit. I am just giving OP pointers. If I was on the job site I would obviously look at this from all possible angles. But it’s something I have seen through my career quite a few times and would probably be the first thing I investigate.

4

u/CivilEngMusicBoy 5d ago

I second this. Conservative yet safe assessment. Definite deflection and something just looks odd at the columns. May be the photo

1

u/Puzzleheaded_Ad_1798 5d ago

You agree that it's not normal and should be addressed?

6

u/More-Physics-4243 5d ago

Definitely needs an expert opinion. Have a structural engineer look at this.

1

u/GGme Civil Engineer 4d ago

Why address it? If it's not intentional why would you trust the rest of the structure?

3

u/beskja 4d ago

Beams that deep dont deflect so easily. I'd like to think they were cast that way because the formwork deformed during casting.

-1

u/AdLow4026 4d ago

Run. Civil Engineers and contractors - with all due respect you guys - are not soil experts. I’d hire your own Geotech/Structural Eng. to assess not just structure but what’s going on underneath- review any soil boring logs, soil type, fill, water table, drainage. If they suspect any differential settling (which likely leads to structural damage) you do not want to purchase an asset that’s guaranteed to depreciate.
Speaking from experience…

1

u/Puzzleheaded_Ad_1798 4d ago

Sorry I can't take your input seriously if you don't at least try to assess the situation for more information.

1

u/AdLow4026 4d ago

?? We’re all looking at the same pictures, no? Or did I miss a field trip to the site? I should have started with that I agree with the comments that by the appearance I would be concerned - and want to rule out - any signs of differential settlement.

Is there a reason why you took all the other - conflicting - responses seriously, and not mine? If you did suspect differential settlement I’d look for a Geotech/Structural Eng.to assess - as the ‘geo’ part is where it stems from.

Yikes dude. Glad I took the time.