Quite often we find ourselves removing an existing structure prior to building a new one, or making substantial improvements to an existing building. Once the above ground structure has been taken down, (hopefully deconstructed not demolished), the old foundation has to be removed. This often is not too bad; some jackhammering, some hydraulic equipment, some loads to the concrete crushing plant.
What strikes me is the huge difference in the amount of concrete that we are pouring into the ground now compared to the old foundations we are removing. What currently is not that big a deal to have a large excavator dig up and truck away is being replaced with five, eight, ten times the amount of concrete and steel.
Someday these structures we are building now will be remodeled or taken down. I wonder what future builders will need in terms of equipment and energy usage to remove the massive amounts of concrete and reinforcing steel that we are now putting in the ground.
Is it all necessary? Are we overdoing it? Is the safety factor getting exaggerated? Is CYA at every level making it just too much?
Building code has a typical safety factor of about 40%, and that is considered the absolute minimum. The structural engineers want to add their own safety margin. Then there is perhaps the civil engineer with their concerns about drainage, etc., and don’t forget the soils engineer who also makes a recommendation. Here in Marin County California we need to add seismic considerations so our structures can withstand potential earthquakes.
So all these factors add up to a lot of structure, which may appear ridiculous to the owners who are paying for it. We seem to build as if our structures will be here forever, which is probably the same mindset that the builders of the structures we are demolishing had.
So what can be done to better this situation? Safety is certainly a key component of building, and as your Construction Project Manager I can help ensure that your home has the foundation and structure it needs. I also take into consideration the environmental impact our buildings will have on future generations and can help eliminate excess without compromising safety.
If you bring me in as a Project Manager during the design process, I ask structural engineers to simplify for constructability. I can examine the plans and question items that might seem excessive or perhaps suggest how the needed result can be achieved in another way. A mutually respectful evaluation is bound to result in some improvements. My expertise can help your project strike the proper balance between safety and cost-effective environmental consciousness.