Dangers of Lot Line Retrofits and Construction

摘要

In dense urban environments, structures are often constructed right up to their lot lines. In some cases buildings even share party walls. These lot line buildings are typically older and sometimes historic. Typical structural framing systems for older buildings consist of unreinforced brick masonry load bearing walls with timber framed floors supported on stone rubble or masonry foundations. Renovations and new construction adjacent to these older lot line structures are especially challenging and risky. Two case studies with potentially dangerous renovations of existing buildings and older buildings adjacent to new construction will be presented.