Structure Evaluation Engineers, Inc. (SEE) was retained to assess the structural condition of a three-story residential apartment building with 42 units after the roof collapsed. The roof collapsed over the third floor after being struck by lightning during a heavy storm. Much of the roof and the third floor were destroyed by the fire and water from the storm. The structural framing below the third floor sustained heavy water damage. The stormwater flooded the basement and destroyed all the building's utility systems and equipment.

SEE performed a thorough structural condition evaluation to determine whether the building can be salvaged. After careful consideration, SEE determined that the structure below the third floor and the building foundation can be made safe with some repairs. However, the third floor and roof needed to be replaced completely. Based on our recommendations, the ownership decided to proceed with the repairs.

Phase one of the repair construction included stabilizing the lower levels by shoring and lateral bracing in order to rebuild the third floor and roof. After the completion of the new third floor and roof, phase two of the construction started, which included repairs to the lower level structural framing and foundations. SEE prepared the repair documents and oversaw the repairs during the construction.