The State of the Art and Practice of Building Assessments: Bridging Innovation and Advances in the Field
Bridging Innovation and Best Practices in Building Assessments
William Bast's keynote presentation at the 2024 NCSEA Structural Engineering Summit explored critical methodologies and challenges in building assessments. Using real-world case studies, including the Davenport Hotel collapse, the session illustrated how structural engineers can triage investigations, review findings, critically assess evidence, and determine actionable recommendations. Bill emphasized the importance of rigorous assessment techniques, effective communication, and the ethical responsibilities of structural engineers when addressing potentially unsafe structures.
Through the lens of the Davenport case, the presentation highlighted the consequences of insufficient maintenance, poor oversight, and improper repair practices, offering lessons on the vital role of engineering expertise in safeguarding public safety.
This presentation provided an in-depth exploration of essential strategies and considerations for structural building assessments.
- Attendees gained insights into investigation methods and tools, including non-destructive testing, monitoring, and scanning techniques that allow for efficient evaluation of structural integrity. Modern surveying technologies were highlighted as invaluable for uncovering hidden issues within existing structures.
- The discussion on common failures focused on recurring challenges in materials like steel, concrete, wood, and masonry, as well as the unique risks associated with balconies, decks, parking garages, and building envelopes.
- Participants also learned how to craft effective reports, utilizing frameworks that ensure clarity and actionability while addressing the complexities of rating systems, assessment levels, and legal considerations.
- Finally, the session emphasized the importance of developing actionable plans for hazardous structural conditions, including the ethical and procedural responsibilities involved in recommending building closures to safeguard public safety.
The presentation concluded with a thought-provoking discussion on the role of structural engineers when a potentially unsafe condition is discovered, including the ethical and professional responsibility to recommend evacuation or closures when warranted.
Meet the Expert: William Bast, PE, SE - Principal and Regional Director, SOCOTEC
With over 40 years of structural engineering experience, William Bast is a Principal and Regional Director at SOCOTEC Engineering, Inc. His expertise spans the structural engineering of buildings and forensic engineering. Bill's distinguished career includes leadership roles at Thornton Tomasetti, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and his own firm, William D. Bast & Associates.
As a Certified Peer Reviewer for the City of Chicago, a Life Member of ASCE, and Past President of both NCSEA and SEAOI, Bill brings unparalleled knowledge and leadership to the structural engineering field. His academic contributions as an Adjunct Professor at the School of Architecture at Taliesin underscore his commitment to educating future professionals.
Key Areas of Expertise:
- Structural engineering of buildings
- Forensic engineering
- Certified Peer Review processes
Bill’s depth of experience and dedication to advancing the field make him an invaluable voice in building assessments and safety practices.
Bill’s expertise, grounded in decades of experience, offered attendees practical guidance on navigating complex building assessments, from diagnosing deficiencies to addressing legal considerations.
Meet the Expert & Keynote Speaker
Key Considerations for Structural Engineers
Comprehensive framework to navigate the complexities of building assessments while maintaining a strong commitment to public safety and professional excellence.
Triage and Prioritization in Assessments:
- Focus investigations by identifying critical structural components.
- Balance the urgency of repairs with the need for thorough analysis.
Comprehensive Evidence Review:
- Integrate findings from non-destructive testing, on-site inspections, and historical documentation.
- Remain adaptable as new data emerges during the assessment process.
Ethical Decision-Making:
- Evaluate unsafe conditions with an emphasis on public safety.
- Understand the implications of recommending evacuations or closures and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
Collaboration and Oversight:
- Ensure coordination among engineers, contractors, and municipal authorities to maintain accountability.
- Advocate for proper maintenance, documentation, and adherence to repair guidelines.
Communication of Findings:
- Develop clear, actionable reports tailored to a diverse audience, including property owners, city officials, and legal entities.
- Use rating systems and detailed recommendations to convey the urgency and scope of required actions.
Long-Term Implications:
- Consider how inadequate oversight, improper repairs, or deferred maintenance can compromise structural integrity over time.
- Foster a proactive approach to building assessments as a means of safeguarding communities and advancing the engineering profession.
Triage and Prioritization in Assessments:
- Focus investigations by identifying critical structural components.
- Balance the urgency of repairs with the need for thorough analysis.
Comprehensive Evidence Review:
- Integrate findings from non-destructive testing, on-site inspections, and historical documentation.
- Remain adaptable as new data emerges during the assessment process.
Ethical Decision-Making:
- Evaluate unsafe conditions with an emphasis on public safety.
- Understand the implications of recommending evacuations or closures and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
Collaboration and Oversight:
- Ensure coordination among engineers, contractors, and municipal authorities to maintain accountability.
- Advocate for proper maintenance, documentation, and adherence to repair guidelines.
Communication of Findings:
- Develop clear, actionable reports tailored to a diverse audience, including property owners, city officials, and legal entities.
- Use rating systems and detailed recommendations to convey the urgency and scope of required actions.
Long-Term Implications:
- Consider how inadequate oversight, improper repairs, or deferred maintenance can compromise structural integrity over time.
- Foster a proactive approach to building assessments as a means of safeguarding communities and advancing the engineering profession.
Learning Objectives
This session empowered structural engineers with the knowledge and tools to excel in building assessments, emphasizing their critical role in safeguarding public health and safety.
TAKEAWAYS
1. Framework for Structural Assessments:
Gain a clear, actionable process for conducting thorough building evaluations, from investigation to final recommendations.
2. Insights from Case Studies:
Learn from real-world examples, such as the Davenport collapse, to identify common pitfalls and best practices in building assessments.
3. Decision-Making Under Uncertainty:
Understand how to navigate scenarios with incomplete data or conflicting findings while maintaining professional and ethical integrity.
4. The Role of Oversight and Maintenance:
Recognize the importance of proper repair documentation, oversight, and long-term maintenance in preserving structural integrity.
CONCLUSION
The State of the Art and Practice of Building Assessments focused on equipping structural engineers with the tools, methodologies, and ethical frameworks needed to conduct comprehensive evaluations of existing structures. William Bast highlighted the evolving responsibilities of engineers in preserving public safety, ensuring accountability, and addressing the challenges of aging infrastructure.
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