Project Type: Evaluation, Design, Construction Administration
The Vital Structure:
Basement Masonry Support Pier Replacement- Boston Condominiums
Issue
Vital Structures was hired to perform an evaluation of a deteriorated brick masonry pier located in the basement of the building, supporting the first-floor framing. The five-story condominium building was reportedly constructed in the late 1800s and has been renovated at various times throughout its history. The owner reported crumbling and spalling bricks from the pier.
Diagnosis
Our evaluation of the pier noted spalling and cracking of brick masonry, mortar joint deterioration, efflorescence, and reduction of the cross-sectional area at the base of the pier. The observed deterioration was likely caused by moist conditions in the basement and the age of the pier. The existing timber beam which was supported by the pier was observed to have to mechanical attachment to the pier.
Solution
Our design included temporary shoring of the existing first-floor timber beam, removal of the existing pier, verification of existing footing conditions beneath the pier location, installation of a new reinforced CMU pier, and installation a steel beam connector to mechanically attach the existing beam to the new pier.
Result
The replacement of the existing basement pier will restore the integrity of the first-floor framing, which will extend the service life of the building, eliminate life-safety concerns posed by the existing deterioration, and allow the first floor Unit to remain in use.