During site work and, specifically, underpinning work involving existing buildings, it is best practice to perform monitoring of any buildings in the vicinity that may be influenced by the work. This monitoring includes both optically surveying the existing structures for displacement and installing vibration monitors to continuously monitor and record peak particle velocities. …
Author Archives : Dominick R. Pilla, P.E., C.E., S.E., R.A.
Dominick R. Pilla, P.E., C.E., S.E., R.A., owns and operates Dominick R. Pilla Associates, P.C. In addition, Mr. Pilla is an associate professor in the Bernard & Anne Spitzer School of Architecture at City College of New York. He can be reached at dominick@drpilla.com.
The term “sliver building,” according to the New York City (NYC) zoning code, is specifically reserved for a tall building or enlargement that is 45 feet wide or less. In many cases, such buildings are restricted to a height equal to the width of the abutting street or 100 feet, whichever is less. However, when considering the structural stability of a building, a “sliver building” is commonly a narrow building having a large aspect ratio (height to width). Even though a building may not specifically be designated as a sliver building according to the local zoning code and building department, engineers often encounter similar conditions which often present stability issues due to the narrow width when resisting lateral loads. …
From Planning to Completion
It is not unusual to create an opening in existing floors during building renovations and alterations. A new opening may be used for stairs, an elevator shaft, a duct penetration, skylights, etc. In order to execute a feasible modification and maintain the existing building’s structural stability, a qualified structural engineer should be involved during the initial planning phase. …