Project Overview
APEX was engaged to conduct a forensic structural assessment on a residential property exhibiting severe structural distress. The building displayed advanced stepped cracking in external masonry and significant internal wall separation, indicating substantial foundational movement. Our engineering team conducted a detailed physical investigation of the sub-floor footings and load-bearing elements to isolate the mechanism of structural failure.
XThe Challenge
- Restricted site access along narrow side boundaries, limiting the ability to carry out detailed visual inspections and level surveys, particularly along external walls showing separation.
- Difficulty distinguishing between cosmetic and structural cracking, requiring careful assessment of crack patterns, widths, and locations across multiple building elements (walls, ceilings, openings).
- Assessing extent of foundation movement without invasive investigation, as footing performance and sub-surface conditions are not directly visible.
- Evaluating potential ongoing movement, requiring installation and monitoring of crack gauges (e.g. glass strips) over time to determine whether cracking is active or stabilised.
Our Solution
- ✔Installed glass crack monitoring strips across representative cracks to assess whether movement was active or stabilised over time.
- ✔Based on monitoring results, designed and implemented a targeted underpinning system to stabilise affected footings and arrest further settlement.
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