Need a structural engineer

Pan · #1 03-24-2008, 02:45 AM

Its the special wooden concrete...or concrete wood....i forget

call an inspection service and they could proably recommend someone, plus if you did higher an actual inspection company it would be in writing and if problems occured later they would be liable...to some extent anyways.

Also I am far from a concrete expert but after having to re-pour a front step and walkway I learned that floors/foundations etc poured that long ago would be different than now. Different mixes and all. But one thing for sure if it was not maintained properly than it would most assuredly be weaker than required. I would mention specifics but I cannot recall exact details, only remebr if it (concrete) is not maintained properly after 5+ years it degrades quite a lot. Dunno if this was helpful but...i tried

michika · #2 03-24-2008, 02:53 AM

I put in a few words with some engineering friends (I think I have just opened a SCARY can o worms), but we will see what comes of it.

I don't even know of an inspection service here, but I will check around and see if someone can recommend one to me.

Pan · #3 03-24-2008, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michika

I put in a few words with some engineering friends (I think I have just opened a SCARY can o worms), but we will see what comes of it.

I don't even know of an inspection service here, but I will check around and see if someone can recommend one to me.

My uncle used one in calgary a year or so ago, i'll find out if he liked them and would recommend them. It will take a couple days though.

michika · #4 03-24-2008, 03:02 AM

I'm not in an overly huge rush, I can wait for a good thing.

Pan · #5 03-24-2008, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michika

I'm not in an overly huge rush, I can wait for a good thing.

Wha.....OH!

toxic111 · #6 03-24-2008, 03:23 AM

For what you are looking for, try AMEC earth & environmental, they do concrete testing, check the yellow pages to see if there is one in Calgary.

I have used them in the past for concrete testing on foundations. They would probably be your best bet over a structural engineer (they usally have one on staff anyway)

Based on my experience in the industry, older concrete is on average than the current stuff. If you are looking at a standard basement floor, 180lbs/ft2 is not that much, even with no rebar, a garage floor is the same thinkness, and is holding much more per foot.

One thing to watch for is any existing cracking, that might indicate a problem, or it may not, as all concrete cracks, it is normal.

BTW I have over 15yrs experience in the design & building industry, so I do have a bit of an idea on what I am talking about.

You could also increase the loading by addind some sidewalk blocks under the tank, which would spread the load over a greater area.

Hope that helps some.

michika · #7 03-24-2008, 03:30 AM

Lets say there is one of these offices in Calgary, what or who do I ask for?

This is for a second floor condo, the whole structure is concrete, but I want it tested before I buy. What I want is to put a long and shallow tank, 8ft long, 3ft wide, and 18-24" deep. The 180 is a guess assuming everything; sump, etc.

When you say add sidewalk blocks under the tank what do you mean? Cinder blocks? I was hoping to do a powder coated steel stand. I don't want to spend the money and find out I can't put this system in. Is there another way to spread the load better? The floor would be finished with laminate (I think) or maybe its hardwood.