Revisiting seismic strengthening as a goal

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS prepared one of the modules in the 2003 Historic Structure Report (HSR). Among other things, it assessed the sanctuary’s seismic integrity and offered a plan for improvement. 

(As usual, click/tap on an image to enlarge it.)

Below the jump, this post summarizes the seismic portion of the structural module, in light of more recent developments, while ending with a recommended plan for the future. That is, it compiles and updates my various prior posts about seismic issues.

Repairing a termite-infested load-bearing wooden post

ON JUNE 12, we learned that the wooden post inside our most weather-exposed pilaster is thoroughly infested with termites, resulting in significant damage. This is the same post that we have already treated twice in its bottom 2 feet for termites, both from the inside and the outside. But now we know that they have been active almost all the way to the top, at least on the outside. 

Jim Farasatpour, an experienced structural engineer, has examined the outside, and he believes that this post can be repaired for about $5000. (There is a small chance that it might need to be replaced, but we won’t know for sure until we actually set about to make the repair.) We believe that this repair effort can be made concurrently with the waterproofing project. It is essential, due to the post’s structural importance.

As a safety issue, our synagogue leadership considers this repair effort to be a high priority. 

Below the jump, this post outlines what that repair effort will involve.… 

Repairing water damage in the foundation wall

WHILE REMOVING LOOSE STUCCO from the foundation wall (a/k/a stem wall), the waterproofing crew exposed at least 4 new instances of spalling concrete along the wall. This was not unexpected.

(As usual, click/tap on an image to enlarge it.)

This post describes the situation and the planned repair procedure, based on recent experience.

A fluke and a flood downstairs

RUBEN TELLS ME that yesterday, he and a plumber were in the process of restoring gas service to the sanctuary building. (Why the gas had been off for a month is a story for another time.) They were in the downstairs kitchen’s closet, bleeding air from the gas line to the water heater. Suddenly, they heard a loud pop and a whoosh. 

Sprinkler shutoff valve
(As usual, click/tap on an image to enlarge it.)

This post describes what happened next, and its import.…