Need a structural engineer

michika · #1 03-24-2008, 02:25 AM

I need a structural engineer to look through a property I want to purchase. I'm looking for someone to discuss putting a larger tank on a concrete floor. PM or post names and numbers if you have them.

As far as I can calculate the tank I'm considering will have approximately 180lbs/sqft. I need to speak to someone before I make and offer, so that I can write any changes I want to make/need to make into my offer.

Short of going through the phone book, has anyone here used someone or a company they liked?

Myka · #2 03-24-2008, 02:28 AM

Talk to someone in the contractors department at a Home Hardware or Home Depot. They should be able to give you a name.

Side note...as long as the house is properly built, there shouldn't be a problem with 180lbs/sqft. As long as you go perpendicular across the floor joists, or the concrete is thick enough.

PS Didn't you post this same question a couple months back? Didn't we already disagree about it?

michika · #3 03-24-2008, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

as long as the house is properly built, there shouldn't be a problem with 180lbs/sqft. As long as you go perpendicular across the floor joists, or the concrete is thick enough.

1) Not for a house
2) No joists in concrete
3) Concrete is from 1977

I want someone's first hand experiences with a firm or an individual. Since this structure is older I need someone to do some work to look into all the variables that can impact this tank; thickness, the mix, amount & size of rebar. I need someone who can perform, or have someone do, a deflection test before I make an offer. Do you know anyone who can do this?

Myka · #4 03-24-2008, 02:43 AM

No need to be snippy darling. That how we got all disagreed last time.

It's not a house? Is it a commercial building then or what? I mentioned about the floor joists just as a general comment.

Pan · #5 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 · #6 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 · #7 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.