HomeMy WebLinkAboutRe: garage/retaining wall collapse To:Lyle Oman Page 1 oF 6 2004-12-18 20:05:31 (GINI') 19524872ti01 From:thad steele
FAX COVER SHEET
FAX NUMBER 195224 94 616
FROM thad steele
DATE 2004-12-16 20 : 17 :48 GMT
RE Please Deliver to Lyle ASAP
COVER MESSAGE
Lyle :
from Danielle Steele, 612-849-9424
WWW.EFAX.COM
To:Lyle Oman Page 2 of 6 2004-12-18 20:0531 (GMT) 19524872b'01 From:thad steele
d��'-��—`����{ ��� ����4...f� IiUY �1`i(i1hIN.�KIF{IG t-nn irv: u:.�v:.:..�-rv., ,. . ._.
� y' �( � Engin�eri�g $ Fat�n�ic
�.,! Servic�s
F:N�.IN�ERtNG
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1004 Mainstncn HookliK.MM SSJ4.'S
�a,siiu�at
E�lAE.IlA'CIt7N OF CAUS�C3F ftEPOR;IED PARTIAI..
Ct�LLAPSE t}F f3A►RAGE WAl.L
A7
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hP{qPL�pLA3N, MlNIdESC?7A
GUY�NGINEERING COR?, F1l.E Na. 04Q12-Ot5
D�CEMB�R 11.200�4
Prepare�f by Gecffrey G.Jttison P.E.
To:Lyle Oman Page 3 oF 8 2004-12-16 20:05:31 (GMT) 19524872601 From:thad steele
_.
- QEC-13-20a4 I10N 06:�4 P�1 GtJ`f ENGI�[EERING CAli IdG. 95�9333436 N, u�
Gl1Y ENGINEERIPiG CORP, FILE Na-tti4-piZ-p'15 PAG�Z OF 4
405�i3AYSlf]� RO/�►D, MAP��PLAIN, MINNESQTA DECEMBER i1ti 20�+�
BAC KG RGtJ N D'
The ab�ve referenced sEructure is a 3 car garage under cottstnrcUr►n at the time of fhe
site visit.
�uy E�c�ineerin� Corporation was retained tcs Qvaluate the eause of the reported paniai
wall caltapss and to rr�eke recammendatians for repairs fc�r purpe�ses o�valuation.
The scape af this assignment is strictfy limited to evatuation of tha incident �lated
distress, Alt ather aspscts of th�s�4ructure and prQperty sre express�y excluded from the
limited sc:r�pe of this assignment: The ev�Iuatior�arxl this repoR have been prepared
within customary sfandards of pra�Eice in fhe industry for this tyn� Qf wcric under!he
budge�t eonstr�infs and limifec's 5eope for ihis type of work canducteci in this region fc�r
these types vf strvcit�res in this time fr�m�. The evafuation and report ha�ve been
prepared for the pur�5ose of assisting in vatuation qf a property damage c#aim.
Tite repvrt is solely far use by th�contrac�ed party and is nat for usQ by any other pariy.
7his ��port is a cts�yrf�hted instrUrnent nf service. �his repntt may not be used fi�ny
cofitract n�gotiatinns or cc��tract. lina�thasiaed dupliet�tion ar use is prohibited_ NVe
reserve ti�e right to suppiement ar madify opinions, canclusions or recommendaticans
cantZsned�erein bascd upon rovi�W of additianal faets Qr materialS as m�y be
appropriate.
0�5ERVATII.�NS:
General;
The site was visited an t7s�rnber�1, 2pQ4. Present from tl7is of{ice was �eaffrey G.
Jillson P.E.and Nafh��n.E. Prieve �..f.T. Weathar conditions at the Eim� af the site visit
were cloudy skies witt�an auiside.tempera4ure of a{�praximatcly 3t�degrees Fahr�nheit.
t=or purposes of clarital, 4he ftont of the garage wilf t�referred to as the n�rih side.
Ftearf5o�th Wali;
1'he overall d�mensions of the garage are 40 feet wide by 27 feet deep. The rear wa1}is
primsrily canstnrct�d with CNlU`s 1�i courses high. An additiana) 2 foot knee wall
appesrs on tap of fhe.block walL The sids vualls aF the garage are canstrvcted with
CAAt�'s and woad frarrrinc�, with 14 co�rs�5 of�MU's at the roar nf the garage taperin9
to ful! w��d fram�con�trucEion at the front of the garage.
Muftipl�crdciCs eppear in tt�e snuth wait oF tt�e�tructure. Vertical cr�Cks appear�t tf�e
west and east ends approximately 3 inches from the si�e walts_ A 45 degree c�ack
appears at ihe east e�d�f the wall ariginating at ttte�ase of the wall 2 courses frorn th�
east�nd and ending at the top c�f the wa11 approximatefy s courses irom the east end..
E3�dcks a�p care fiH�d approximate,y evrsry 6 iaet Fong the block wafls af the structure.
The 45 degree c�ack passes throuc�h a sectior�of the avall wh�re care fi{i material
To:Lyle Oman Page 4 of 6 2004-12-18 20:�5:31 (GM7) 19524872601 From:thad steele
DEC-13=2�04 Mahf �6:�� P�i GUY ENGIN�ERIt�G FAX Nq. 95��333a3b r, ug
GUY ��IG{NEERING Ct7RP. FILE Na.Q�-0�.2-Q15 PAGE 3 t1F+�
at�So BAYStbE Rt3A�.9�IAPL�PLAIN. Ni1NNESOTA DECEMBER 11�2Q04
appeais at the t�p of thP w�li. i�o c�r�a fil� material appears irt[fie ar�of ihe Craek.5 ta
6 caur�;s sbove c�rade. t�o rabar appears at the tt�p�#r.�re-filt bfocks.
Three waad br2Gi�Elements appear at the c+c[�ter and ends af tE��mv�aH.aPProximateEy a
feet from ihe side aratls. Evidence of dispiacement of the thr�es su�rports aR�rs at the
poinf where the st►p�rts termin2t� in tha fi11 m�tetial Ort ttle 9acage fi4or.
We abserv�d the easf end of the walE ta be te2ning mward approximateay 3/4 inch an+�
feet. We oL�served th��enter ef the watl ta t� fe2ning inaratd apqroximatety 2 inches on
�4 feet. W� observed t!�west et�d of'the wali fa be Eear�ing+nr�arci appra�cimately t-1l2.
inc}�res on 4 feet vc�rtir,�,liy. �bserv�tions a1cx�tt�n tap or the wall reveai that t'��trMo
foot knee wait Is ts�+nn:�! inwarci inta the ga�age.
A dense clay fili material app�ars behind the gart���to a height ofi approximateiy 1
co�rse tminw ths toR a(the b1oGc wal�. A Craek appears Jn the fiU materfal apGxaximaEety
4 €eet f�m thc�w�1i which retat�s ta settlir�g af ttre fiti materiat ncaar ihe wall,
ct�rr�spOndirtg to thca inw�fQ mOverttent of ttte wafl.
The side walls of the c�arage were ohserved to be generaliy Ievel.
To:Lyle Oman Page 5 of 6 2004-12-16 20:05:31 (GMT) 19524872601 From:thad steele
DEC-�3-2004 i10h1 08�04 P�I GllY ENGINEERIHG rAx NU. ����3�343e r: u�
GUY EP�1GIPiE�RING GCI�P,FILE Na. Qdr01�-015 PAGE 4�F 4
�050 BAYSIDE ROArJ, Me�LE Pt:.A1N,MtNNESa'�A► i3EC�t�BER 11,2�Qd
Assessment anci Ge»arai Recorr�rnendattons;
�ift�r visiting th�site, observing and documenting the cartdifio�ts �s re{ates to this
evaluativn, �nt! aas�d upon the training and experience of the investigators, We hava.
fonned the fallewing r.ancVusions and opinions with a reast►n�ble degrae c�f certainty;
�'tecomme�dations sha11 t�e impternented ay experiettGed contraGtors, in accordanc�
with a►I Stafe and L.acai rec�ufations,and with vaC�d�+uilding perm►ts as required. i"he
recommendatiorts ar�general recc�mmenda�io�►s- C�x►tractoris are resperosib{�to
acc.ount tor and Gortsider all construction methods�nd ancillary ar incidentai items
necessary to effect a cc�mpleled projeGt, Gonfractorls are respansibf� for deSign snd
installatian of any and ail tempt�rary shoring nEc.�ssary to effeci s r.ampleted pro(ect.
C.ontra�lQNs arQ responsible for prc�viding att safety equfpment, trafn+rrg and supervision.
Engineer has no respansibilify for any safiely m�asuras, IVo investigation of radc�n, mold
ar other health relatecl conditians is part of the sc�pe of work of thls ass'sgnment. We
Iake na re5ponslbility far eitfger de�ection af flr mitigating af radon, mald or otf,er such
conditions. 5hould the awner arciient feet cQneerned regarding thes� arQther
conditions we recammend that the owner retairr Inclependent experks practicing in the
8re�s Qf radcan and ar mo1Ct cietection and mitigatior�and/or environmental concerns_ Na
warranties or guaranties are e3cpressed or implied with respect tca any m�tigating
meaSureS pT'reCommvndattans made herein. These conditi4ns shall apply ta�tfl
«cornmendatians mada herein.
1} Ik.is our vpinion ti�at!he rear garage walt of t�e strucri.ere has failed, deflected
inward and is in immi�ient danger af eoltapse.
2� !t is o�r opinion th�t the rear garage wall was nt�t Gonstructed p�er fhe Ccide. No
boncf k�am�xistS�long tha walt. The d0 foot span of ih+�utati exceeds lirniis,r�quiring
ar�iRtermediafe brace watl. 7he core flf rnateriaf da�s nvt penetrais to the fulf deptfi of
the wa14.
3) It is aur apinian th�t the wall was not designed rtcrr ccanstructed to s suffici�nt
st�ength to accommodate the]r�ads impased by the c�ay saii backfill.
dj It is Qur apinion that the r��r wafl c�f the struclure should be desfgnad by a
qualified engineer,
5) tt is our�pinion that having a knee wa11 on tvp o1 tha rear foundatian waU wautd
prevent ruof trusses `rom ptoviding [at�ral suppart af the waH. kt is our opinion that the
wafl wauld have co11a(�sed with backfii4 if roof trusscs were in plaee or not fn piace,
6} li iS our ol���►�on that the temporary bracing of tf�e walt was inadeguate for ihe
loads e�tisting on ftie wall.
7) it is our optnian th�t th�backfitl rr�s inslalied usin� light ec�uipment at the
dtr�cti�n of!he g�na3r�l contrdctor. We do �ot re{�.t�ttr�accivity/s qf backfilting to cause
and Eailure of ihe wa�f�
8) Tt,e waH In its preseRt state is dangerous and in immin�nt aenger ot couapse.
The bt�i{ciing shouki be boarded up and the ar�a¢ratecte�i.
To:Lyle Oman Page 8 of 6 2004-12-16 2D:0531 (GMT) 195248728D1 From:thad steele
Minnesofia Service�ce Claim D�pt.
Mailing Address:
fi-�-•.--° f P O Box 219
� 's �����d St Michael MN 553?6
� ,
' �T'1 S U t"a}'1 C-C'' 800-862-&D24
a member o=tVationsvide insarance
Decemb�r 13, 2004 Street Address_
360C1 American Blvd West Suite 50G
Blor�rnington, MN 55431-10fi8
952-896-1774
UANIELLE ANQ THAD STEELE
405 BAYStDE RD
MAPLE PLi4lh1 Mf'�l 55359-9619
RE: Qur trtsured: Kateal LLC
Qur Ctaim No: 22DC14932
Policy No: ACP MCTO 7101�93116
Date of Loss: December 4, 2004
Dear N!r_ ar�d Mrs. Steele
t111e have recently received the report from the independent engine�ring f rrri that was
contracted to investigate the cause of yaur garage wall failure. The frndings show that
the garage wall failed fvr reasans vther#han the negligenr,e of our insurect_ Therefar�,
we must respectfully deny�ny and aH liability cl�ims against our insured. I have
included a copy of the �eport fc�r your records. As we discussed earlier on th�
telephane, ptease �ote that it Es the engineering frm's apinion thatthe wall presents an
imminent danger at�d precautians shc�uld be#ak�n accordir�g{y.
if you have any questians, please let me know at 8(}0-8fi2-6Q24 ext. 6610 ar direct at
763-497-t�712.
Sincerel�,
_..��.�. /'
J �.
1�ob�rt Bernier
Claim C►eparkment, Ex#. 561 Q
A1VIC� Insurance Gompany
cc: file
. . , . V � ��'��`3-,-�._.�.� �i
W_T. (Mac) McCalla, P_E_
6600 75'/z Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN 5542E3
(783) 580-7446
May 6, 2005
NIr. &Mrs. Thad Steele
4050 Bayside Road
Orono MN 55364
Re: Structural Inspection
Failed Retaining Wall &
Replaccmcnt Dcsig,n
Above Address
WTM Job No. 2523
Dear Mr_ &Mrs_ Steele:
This is to certify that I inspected the above today in your presence April 23, 2005. The wall must
be 12 inch block full height to truss bearing at the back, east and west sides to the extent now
cxisting. 5cc skctch SK2523 skxeets 1 & 2 for details_
Use running bond, No. 7 vertical bars 1 inch clear from insidc of inside face, fi11 cores half
height, vibrate, later fill 2id ha]f, a.�ain vibrat.ing_ i.Jse top hearing floor trusses_ Do no backfill
until b�th floors in place.
ln my opinion, the above will be structurally satisfactory. Please feel free to contact me should
you have any questions.
v�n t�y yours,
i hereby cenify thac[his plan,specification or rcport
w�prepared by me or under my direct supervision
and that 1 am a duly licensod Prol'essional Engineer
under the laws of the State of Minncsota.
y�' W_,]'.MCCalla �
� -.—T— /`�i//_� � �fr —T ,
' � ` Uale HegisVation No. I OS40
W_ T_ MeCa11a, Structural Engineer '''''�;
CITY OF ORONO ��?
Bt�tLDING P il�QlT �1i� Ri_`,'IEW
iNYPECTOR
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Bridges • Structural Conerete •Expert TestTmony �'3a�' �`''.'= '���'•�,'^���!�'"�nr �c;;e;c.i!;;,;;;.,;,,,,ic,:i in ir.is ravieav.
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� W.T. (Mac) McCalla. P.E.
6600 75�/�Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
(763) 560-7446
STRUCTYJRAL SPECIFICATIONS
SK2523-1 Sheet 1 of 2
For: Thad Steele Residence, 4050 Bayside Road, Orono, Minnesala. WTM JoU No. 2526_
Concrete, eomply wittt ACl 318-99 (Structural Concrete Building Code)
f�' for various uses shall be as follows:
• Slabs=4,000 psi
• footings= 3,000 psi design
• 5-6% air entrained, al�exppsed exterior concrete
• corc fi11 =2,500 psi
• mortar=2,500 psi. Use only type S mortar cement in mortar.
• concrete masonry units, fm' = 1,500 psi
• all masonry courses sha11 be running hond
• control joints as shown on plan,or 12 ft. maximum fur slabs;25 ft. inax. for masonry.
� reinforcing steel = ASTM A615, Grade 60. Bend wall & footing reinforcing around
all corners. All laps to be 3 feet minimum unless noted otherwise_
• in winter,coz�crete will be heated& proteeted, including masonry
• in summer, concrete will be cooled and or shaded as required
• fly ash, water reducers, retarders, and air entrainmenl are perinitted
. calcium chloride will not be used under any circumstances
• water shall he added at jobsite only by ready mix driver and duly noted
• conczete will be properly cured by continuous mois�ure, membra�ie or form retention
Floor tnasses to be top bearing, top chord to be fastened to 2x10 plate with clip angles, not toe
nailed_ First 2 spaces of floor tntsses parallel to wall to have solid blocking at middle and 1/4
points. Do not back�ll until garage slab and 1S� floor are in placc_
Soil-allowable foundation pressure 1,500 psi by IBC table 18042_ Special inspection not
requized for footin�s as d�sigx� stresses are low enough. Periodic inspec:�ions will be adequate for
reinforcin�. Test cylinders to be rnade for each day's concreting & sent to a testing lab for
testing.
Codes, IBC-2000, Minn. SBC-2003
Loads: Live loads= 40 psf
Dead loads = actual
Snow load= 50 psf ground snow load
Wind—90 mph, exposure B
Soi1=50 psf equivalent fluid pressure
l h�7cby ccRify that this plan,spccification or repori
was preparcd by mc or undcr my direct supervicion
and that 1 am a duly Licensed Professional Engineer
undcr thc laws of lhc Sfalc of Minnu�;olx.
W_T McCalla
�
Date �RegistrationNo. ]0540
Any structural questions,please call Mac MeCalla, Structural Engineer('763)560-7446.
Structural Consultant
Bridges •Structura/Conc�ete•Expert Testimony
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W.T. (MeC) MCCella, P.E. P�OJ@Ct v����� �/�y � � Job no. 2sZ3
a iO�e � Date 5 6 0
8600 75'/2 Avenue North,Brooklyn Park,MN 55428 ,y�y�
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To:Lyle Page 2 of 2 2005-08-21 21:28:22(GMT) 19524872601 From:thad steele
W_T_ (Mac) McCalla, P_E.
6600 75'Fz Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
(763) 560-7446
�tllle 2�, 2��5
Mr_ Thad Steele
4U50 Bayside Road
Orono MN 55359
Re: Struetural Meeting
Retaining Wa.l] Replacement
Ab�ve Address
WTM Job No. 2523
Dear Mr_ Steele:
This is to certify that I inspected the above May 23, 2005 in your presence, along with your
contractor, Steve Dornsbach. The wall must be 12 inch block full height to tn�ss bearing at the
back, east and west sides to the extent now existing. It is satisfactory tv remvve block down to
the existing 8x20 footing which is sworn to contain 2 longitudinal bars. Dowel 3 foot lon�No. 4
bars into footing to coincide with tilled cores. k;ither grout or resin may be used to set#4 bars.
Use running bond, No. 7 vertical bars at 4 feet c-c, 1 inch clear from inside of inside face, fili
cores half height, vibrate, later fill 2°� half, again vibrating. Use top bearing floor trusses. Do no
backfill until both floors in place_
It will be OK to lea.ve block helow the new fooiin�. Compact soil below both sides before
placing footing. There is to be a bond beam with 2 continuous No. five bars,top course
ln my opinion, the above will be struoturally satisfactory. Please feel free to contact me should
you have ax�y questions.
Very truly yours,
1 hcrcby a;rtily that this plan,spcciticalion or rcpvrt
was prcparod by mc cx undcr my dircvY supcnision
and that 1 am a July ficcaticd Profcssional t,ngin�tir
underthe Iaws oC[he Staze ofMinnesuia.
W.T.McCallu �G
� � ��� , �
Datc_ KCoisVation Nu. 1U540
W. T. cCalla, Structural Engineer
,�,�P,�� �� Zz • a� ���)......_.
Siructura/Consu/tant
Bridges • Structura/Concrete •Expert TesUmony
i 'd 9��L-09S-E9L �iTQ��W �QW d0� =�0 SO iz ��C
To:Lyle Page 1 of 2 2005-06-21 21:28:22(GMT) 19524872601 From:thad steele
�DS� ,QA�5/�-C
FAX COVER SHEET
FAX NUMBER 195224 94 616
FROM thad steele
DATE 2005-06-21 21 :24 : 15 GMT
RE Steele Property
COVER MESSAGE
Lyle:
Please review and approve this drawing. Steve is on-site
ready to go once we have your approval . Call with
questions . thanks . thad, 952 . 473 . 4050
WWW.EFAX.COM
�'Fc��V��
�AN � 420
� � �s
�R�NO
■ 4050 Bayside Road
■ Orono, MN 55359
January 4, 2005
Mr. Richard Eckroad
Structural Engineer
9652 Belmont Lane
Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Dear Mr. Eckroad,
Thank you in advance for reviewing our information and putting together a quote to
redesign the foundation of our unattached garage.
Enclosed you will find the following:
• Initial garage plans (as approved by the City of Orono)
• Revised garage plans, omitting the office on the ground floor and moving it to
the loft area of the structure, and also setting the building back into the hillside
(as approved by the City of Orono)
• Denial letter from the excavator's insurance company, Allied, along with a
structural engineer's report prepared by Guy Engineering stating that the wall
would have failed eventually regardless of the backfilling methods.
The mason and I had come to an agreement that I would pay to hire a structural engineer
to redesign the building, and also pay for materials to rebuild the back wall and re-
backfill. The mason would pay to have both the backfilling and the wall removed in the
spring (and as much of the side walls as would be necessary), without damaging the
footings in the process, and would provide the labor to rebuild the wall to your
specifications. As a side note, he said yesterday that the excavator should pay for the
removal of the backfilling and wall, but from everything I've heard, the excavator is not
at fault here. The mason said that in his business his reputation is very important, and
since the City of Orono's chief engineer was not happy with the work, he was willing to
step up to the plate. My husband and I are comfortable with this anangement because we
are willing to give a little bit to keep this from being held up in litigation since the
outcome of any litigation cannot be guaranteed. Unless your experience tells you
otherwise, I am of the belief that the mason could and would properly follow your
clearly-spelled-out recommendations. As a side note, the mason said that he never saw a
copy of the revised plan, even though it was in the site envelope and I specifically
remember giving him a copy and he said `we know how to build walls, we could just
throw plans in the back of the truck.' He said that he doesn't remember anything about
this.
I intend to get a written agreement with the mason stating the above(including that the
mason will pay for the wall removal), but before I do so I'd like to talk through it with
you.
The building official at the city offices is Lyle Oman, phone number 952-249-4625,
should you need to contact him.
Please let me know if you need any further information about the excavator.
Thank you very much for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
Danielle Steele
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CC. y e Oman,C Ty of Orono