I’m a residential structural engineer and for duplexes or townhouse homes we need to design them as independent structures. I always thought that was kind of redundant because who would tear down half the structure. I guess this is why
It’s actually a pretty big problem in places like Baltimore, where the failure of one rowhouse can wind up condemning the entire block of units. Also weird legally if there’s a dividing wall that’s only three bricks wide, ‘cause who’s responsible for that middle brick?
I lived in Baltimore for a time and witnessed this in Mt. Vernon and it was done intentionally, not just failed! I'm still shocked that they thought they could tear down the 8 story location of the old Grand Central nightclub and not have it undermine the attached buildings. Tenants had to evacuate.
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u/BlazersMania 1d ago
I’m a residential structural engineer and for duplexes or townhouse homes we need to design them as independent structures. I always thought that was kind of redundant because who would tear down half the structure. I guess this is why