Surfside Collapse Explained | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The building collapse in Surfside, Florida was likely caused by years of structural issues, including poor design, construction, and lack of maintenance.

Key Insights

• 🫓 Leaking issues in the pool and jacuzzi deck, as well as a flat waterproofing system, contributed to the collapse.
• 🖤 The building suffered from design failures and lack of proper maintenance.
• 💦 Water exposure and corrosion caused concrete deterioration, affecting the overall structural integrity.
• 🇨🇷 The estimated cost of repairs in 2018 was $9.1 million, indicating the extent of the structural issues.

Transcript

hi i'm rene rochelle with morgan morgan many people have reached out to our firm about the building collapse in surfside florida and we've formed a co coalition with some of the best building collapse lawyers in the country we're local here in south florida and i'm leading the investigation into this tragic collapse my thoughts and prayers go out t... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What were the main structural issues identified in the report?

The report identified leaking in the pool deck and jacuzzi deck, failure in the waterproofing system, and concrete deterioration resulting from years of water exposure and corrosion.

Q: Who was responsible for the design and construction failures?

The report attributed the main issue to a major error in the development of the original contract documents by the architects and engineers who designed and built the building.

Q: How did water intrusion affect the integrity of the building?

Water intrusion reversed the chemical reaction in the concrete, separating the constituent parts and eroding the thickness and bond of the concrete, making it unable to support the weight it used to.

Q: Was there a lack of maintenance in addressing the structural issues?

Yes, the report stated that previously installed repairs were ineffective, and major repairs were needed, including completely replacing cracked concrete slabs. However, these repairs were costly and would have caused discomfort to residents.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The building collapse in Surfside, Florida is being investigated by a coalition of building collapse lawyers.

• A report from October 2018 highlighted leaking issues in the pool and jacuzzi deck, leading to structural problems and concrete deterioration.

• The building suffered from design failures, including a flat waterproofing system that allowed water to sit and cause corrosion in the concrete.