Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMiscellaneous - 44-46 Concord Street ys -4r- BUILDINGFILE Mr. Douglas Ahern P. O. Box 802 Andover, MA. 01810 Jan. 8. 2009. Dear Mr. Ahern, y� As per your request I visited the conde4nit on 46 Concord Street i �grth Andover, MA. on January 7-th 2010. You were kind enough to point out the remaining concern of the Town's Code Enforcement officials. That overhang in the second (and third floor) wall structure might, in fact, cause an overload on the lower floor(s) joists, more particularly, this overload on the basement ceiling joists was their main concern. First; Let me please assure you that there is no appreciable (never mind significant) overload to speak of. The jut in the rear-wall's alignment is less than 18". This would result a 60 Ib/sf increase along the wall on each upper floor. But only half of it would fall on this, rear wall, the other half would fall on the center support of the floor joists. Evidently this was of no concern. (?) Perhaps it has never occurred to anyone. On two photographs taken in the basement under the rear entrance area floor-joists clearly show 2 single joists which, in my opinion are of second grade, (inferior quality). (They are marked on the photos by a red "X". Not because of absolute necessity, but because long-term performance I am suggesting to double them up with pressure-treated 2"x10"s at least for the end 4-5ft. And, naturally fasten them to each other. (Nailing would be fine). Second; Another noticeable change was introduced to the two (one of each unit's) rear entrance into the kitchen area. The balconies were significantly enlarged in comparison to the ones shown on the already approved plans. Regarding their functionality they are now eminently suitable for entertainment, barbeques, storage (in the winter) etc. The support structure (shown on a separate photo) appears to be a fine example of "overkill". Gabor Szava-Xovats, Professor Eme(tus, Civil Eng. (Infra structure rveying specialties) Registered PE. MASS. # 23384. ya`�P� 4ss9� �= GABOR tiG C) AVA•KOVATS H .o No.23384 O C'/STE���t'� FSS�ONAI ENG\ r J r. }u r V7 77 ; ` r ' k ( i f ZNE A ' 1 v-"' - t; 5r A 0 + I Mr. Douglas Ahern P. O. Box 802 Ando.Ver, MA. 01810 Oct. 17. 2009. Dear fir: Ahern, As per your request I examined the double 2"x12" lintel beams over the living room windows on your (44-46) Concord Street duplex. Specifically, what the Building Inspector addressed his complaint against: the adequacy of the beam. He also enclosed the 780 CMR Table: 5502.5(1) showing this item as the basis of his complaint. Truly, the span is actually 6'-11" and the resulting stresses render the beam borderline; meaning that it would reduce the safety factor if it were left (accepted) as is. Clearly the beam needs to be fortified, reinforced, (strengthened) or replaced altogether. Remediation You and I have discussed: We have discussed a number of possible approaches; (1) the removal of the beam and replacing it with another was deemed unacceptable; too drastic (intrusive); extremely labor-intensive and costly. (2) additions to the existing beam: Since you have unused surplus Microlam beams on hand I definitely suggest to use such, to reinforce the beam by adding one 1-3/4" thick 11-3/4" high Microlam beam to be added to the existing conventional 2x12-s. A two-prong question arose here: (2/a) Since the inside (room-side) of the entire wall is open and ac- accessible to carry-out the addition-work, this would be an easier, quicker and, consequently less expensive solution; However, this arrangement would have a detrimental (aesthetic) appearance due to the added thickness that would appear as a thickened section to the wall (over the beam) which would be difficult to hide with, even by, a very elaborate camouflage finishing operation. (2/b) We have discussed placing the added Microlam beam to the outside of the wall. Now we have more latitude. The inside of the wall can, in the meantime be finished; (resulting in time savings if any?) Although, the placing of the beam added to the existing dbl 2x1 2-s would require preparatory work, i.e.: a: removing the vinyl-siding; b: cutting out the outside wall sheeting (a 1/2" thick particle-board) enabling the added beam to make contact with the existing ones; and the studs; 01 - l�ns�r�'inc� the new Micro. 14M beAMS - beams ' in place No+e- -rhe w �uppor�s +� 1 1 V �.� L� ..,. 1 It e •+.