Forensic Investigations of Damage Claims from High Winds, Tornados, Snow, Rain, or Subsidence
Storage Building for Construction Materials Damaged by Tornado
Two single-story, pre-engineered metal buildings were damaged by a tornado. Several steel columns which supported an awning that covered stored material were damaged. The beam at the top of a large wall opening was also damaged. Upon close inspection, Mr. Bernhardt found that some of the steel columns had been damaged by forklifts. Additionally, the steel beam over the large opening had also been damaged by the normal process of moving materials in and out of the building. Mr. Bernhardt provided a report delineating the damage from the tornado and the forklifts with repair recommendations.
Ponding Damage to a New Manufacturing Building
After construction and before the building was occupied, a portion of the structural steel-supported roof collapsed after a rainstorm with the result that tilt-up panels also collapsed. Mr. Bernhardt measured and evaluated the damaged area of the building and the damaged components. He determined that the building design did not have a secondary roof drainage system as required by the building code. The primary scupper had become blocked, the water had been retained on the roof, and the excessive weight collapsed the steel open web steel joist supported roof and part of the concrete tilt-up construction.
Snow Load Damage to Metal Horse Arena Building
A pre-engineered metal building with plan dimensions of 120 feet by 75 feet collapsed due to snow loads. The building structure consisted of open web steel moment gable frames supporting wood purlins and wood girts. The walls were still standing, but the roof had collapsed. Mr. Bernhardt’s investigation determined that the steel moment frames were not repairable and had collapsed due to excessive snow loads. Complete replacement of the building was required.
Manufacturing Building damaged by Tornado
A tornado passed close to a large, steel-framed manufacturing building. The high winds picked up a large rooftop air handler and rolled it across the roof. When it rolled across the roof, many roof support components were damaged. Mr. Bernhardt was engaged to determine the extent of damage and determine repair recommendations. The roof members were open web steel joists. The chords and web members were bent and twisted on many of the joists. Mr. Bernhardt prepared plans for the repair of the steel joists.
Subsidence Damage to Three Structural Steel Buildings
Mr. Bernhardt was retained to evaluate subsidence damage to a large manufacturing plant building, a single-story pre-engineered metal building, and a tall building used in material processing. With a team of four other engineers and technicians, Mr. Bernhardt topographically surveyed, laser-scanned, and obtained photographic images from a drone, to evaluate which damage was from subsidence and which was from normal aging and use. It was determined that there was settlement in portions of the structures, but that underpinning could be performed to level the structures. Repairs to masonry walls and floor slabs would also be required; however, the structural steel frames were not damaged from the subsidence. Mr. Bernhardt prepared a report and testified at mediation for this case.
Residence Damaged by Snow Loads
The roof of a wood-framed two-story residence collapsed after a heavy snowfall. Mr. Bernhardt was called to evaluate the cause of the collapse and provide recommendations for repair. The roof was a rafter-framed gable roof. The front rafters were supported by a short stub wall that overturned due to extreme thrust forces from the snow loads. The repair included the replacement of the rafter construction with metal plate-connected wood trusses.
Utility Office Building in Arkansas Damaged by a Tornado
A single-story wood-framed office building was heavily damaged when a tornado passed nearby. Mr. Bernhardt was engaged to determine the extent of damage and determine repair or replacement. The roof of the structure consisted of metal plate-connected wood trusses in various shapes with a steep slope on the hip roof. Much of the asphalt shingle roofing along with a large amount of plywood sheathing had been removed by the wind. Several trusses had been damaged. Mr. Bernhardt closely inspected the trusses and determined the number and extent of damaged areas. The report depicted areas of repair and which trusses needed to be replaced.
Farm Buildings in Indiana Damaged by High Winds
Fourteen structures including pole buildings, metal grain bins, houses, and other buildings were damaged or destroyed by a 100-mph microburst wind. Mr. Bernhardt was engaged to determine the extent of structural damage and determine repair or replacement. The resulting report recommended repair for three of the pole buildings, replacement of one pole building, replacement of two bins, and repair of the houses.
High Wind Damage to Airport T-Hangers
Mr. Bernhardt was retained to evaluate the cause of heavy damage and collapse to several T-hangers for airplanes at a county airport. Mr. Bernhardt discovered some corrosion damage to the structural steel columns in the structures, but that the bulk of the damage was caused by winds in excess of 80 mph. This exceeded the design wind speed at the time of construction. A weather expert was hired to validate the wind speed. Mr. Bernhardt prepared a letter describing the damage and the susceptibility of these buildings to wind damage because of their construction type and lower code-required wind loads for design at the time of construction.
Jefferson City Missouri Tornado Damage
Mr. Bernhardt assisted the in the evaluation of damage to several hundred structures in the Jefferson City area following the occurrence of an F3 tornado. He assisted by observing the condition of the buildings and red, yellow, or green tagging them for the State Emergency Management Agency. Additionally, Mr.
Tornado Damage to 3-story Brick Masonry Building
Mr. Bernhardt was retained to inspect the damage and repairability of this old brick building used for offices and apartments. A stucco veneer was heavily damaged by the tornado. Mr. Bernhardt inspected the damage to the masonry and provided a report with opinions and recommendations for repair.
Tornado Damage to 2-Story Residence
Mr. Bernhardt inspected the damage to these wood-framed buildings. The tornado had caused damage to the exterior of the buildings including shingles, gutters, downspouts, and structural damage from fallen branches. The houses also had significant damage to the first-floor joists from decay. Mr. Bernhardt’s report delineated the damage from the tornado from the damage from decay.
Hurricane Damage in Mexico
Mr. Bernhardt inspected hurricane-damaged buildings in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Buildings inspected for damage included several multi-story resort hotels. Damage included the effects of water intrusion through the windows and roofs.
