Posts by AnnetteC

Dry rot and pest damage can have a substantial adverse effect on a wood-framed structure’s response to earthquakes. Damage to structural elements may not always be as readily apparent as in the photo above from one of our litigation support cases. In some cases, fungus or termite infestation will be found only inside the wood…

Background Older tilt-up concrete wall buildings have been categorized, based on past earthquakes, as being potentially hazardous and prone to significant damage, including possible collapse, in a moderate to major earthquake. It is highly recommended, and depending on the jurisdiction, mandatory, for such buildings designed in accordance to building codes in effect prior to 1976…

There are two types of continuous footings that can be used to support exterior walls in residential construction. The eccentric continuous footing,   and the concentric continuous footing.   However, after conducting many post-earthquake damage assessments, we believe the eccentric continuous footing is susceptible to cracking in the slab. When the walls rack in an…