4 ms·

To any structural engineers, what kind of tolerance are buildings like this usually built to? How much movement can they take? 2mm doesn't seem like much at al

by _kyran 8y ago

To any structural engineers, what kind of tolerance are buildings like this usually built to? How much movement can they take? 2mm doesn't seem like much at all.

saagarjha 8y ago
Also depends on what moved, and in which direction. I’m sure the building sways much more than that in the wind, or expands more than that on a hot day.
tomarr 8y ago
2mm is fine and normally within measurement error. However, buildings should be designed to not fail disproportionately, so there isn't sudden failure such as like with the Miami footbridge. Design errors can lead to sections being over reinforced or other issues which could lead to collapse with little warning, which is what the concern will be. Edit : also with cracks it depends on where they are and what causes with them. Cracks are normal for concrete and the size should be controlled through detailing. Where cracks are larger than this it can indicate whether there are issues in bending/shear. Structural design also often takes into account behavior of cracked concrete.
maccas 8y ago
Buildings are designed to move, because that's the way they absorbe energy without suddenly breaking. The deformation up to breakage is deemed to be in plastic mode, so the building "advises" when something is wrong by exerting plastic deformation and cracking. The modern building code of australia is aimed at plastic deformation, and the formation of fissures, that's considered a fair balance between safety and cost. The deformations seen in this building are in the millimetres, but if doors and windows are jammed, then there is a more serious problem, it could be a foundations' problem, it could be the precast system problem, it could be the main frame, or anything in between. I am an unemployed civil engineer because companies fill their vacancies with adventurers from overseas, pakistan or Filippines for example. I have been forced to work as a draftsman while these people, often on working visas take all the jobs, because they are cheap professionals and workers. this is how low the professions are falling in Australia. I don't see the moment to finish my masters and run from Sydney. I am sick of the things I am seeing here.

by _kyran 8y ago

To any structural engineers, what kind of tolerance are buildings like this usually built to? How much movement can they take? 2mm doesn't seem like much at all.

saagarjha 8y ago

Also depends on what moved, and in which direction. I’m sure the building sways much more than that in the wind, or expands more than that on a hot day.

tomarr 8y ago

2mm is fine and normally within measurement error. However, buildings should be designed to not fail disproportionately, so there isn't sudden failure such as like with the Miami footbridge. Design errors can lead to sections being over reinforced or other issues which could lead to collapse with little warning, which is what the concern will be. Edit : also with cracks it depends on where they are and what causes with them. Cracks are normal for concrete and the size should be controlled through detailing. Where cracks are larger than this it can indicate whether there are issues in bending/shear. Structural design also often takes into account behavior of cracked concrete.

maccas 8y ago

Buildings are designed to move, because that's the way they absorbe energy without suddenly breaking. The deformation up to breakage is deemed to be in plastic mode, so the building "advises" when something is wrong by exerting plastic deformation and cracking. The modern building code of australia is aimed at plastic deformation, and the formation of fissures, that's considered a fair balance between safety and cost. The deformations seen in this building are in the millimetres, but if doors and windows are jammed, then there is a more serious problem, it could be a foundations' problem, it could be the precast system problem, it could be the main frame, or anything in between. I am an unemployed civil engineer because companies fill their vacancies with adventurers from overseas, pakistan or Filippines for example. I have been forced to work as a draftsman while these people, often on working visas take all the jobs, because they are cheap professionals and workers. this is how low the professions are falling in Australia. I don't see the moment to finish my masters and run from Sydney. I am sick of the things I am seeing here.