While some things may seem too good to be true, others may appear too bad to be true. Well, the truth is, everything is possible! And California-based firm Alpha Structural, Inc. proves this on a regular basis. The inspectors working for this company share the scariest and most surprising things they come across during their structural assessments.

It would be great if all these bizarre errors were merely amusing to look at, but unfortunately, these architectural failures most of the time pose a significant danger to people around a particular construction. It gets as serious as the fact that the very foundation of the house is faulty, and everything indicates that the building has no right to stand and provide a home for anyone.

If you’re interested in seeing more engineering ‘nightmares’ and ‘miracles’ found during inspections that we’ve featured in Bored Panda’s posts, you can here, here, here, here, here, or here.

In order to get a better understanding of structural engineering, we have reached out to Yassin Elouardi to ask him a couple of questions regarding this topic. Scroll down to find out what we learned from the engineer based in Italy.

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#1 Hillside Failures Have Filled Our Schedules, But There Will Always Be Room For Floating Post And Piers In Our Hearts

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#2 Although The Piles “Supporting” This Home’s Deck May Look Impressive, They Were Installed Illegally And Without Permits. When Building Foundations, Especially For Hillside Homes, It Is Critical For It To Be Designed And Installed In Compliance With Building Codes And Regulations. Failing To Do So Can Result In Serious Safety Hazards, Including Potential Collapse

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#3 During The Heavy Rainstorm, This Parking Garage Experienced Water Intrusion Which Caused Extensive Flooding. Without An Effective Drainage System, The Water Had Nowhere To Escape, Leading To The Flooding Of The Entire Garage. According To The Owners, Before The Water Was Cleared Out All The Cars Were Floating And Hitting The Ceiling

Image credits: AlphaStructural

With over a decade of experience as a senior civil engineer, Yassin Elouardi has been deeply involved in various aspects of structural engineering. His background encompasses both academic and practical expertise. The Italian engineer has successfully managed and contributed to a wide range of projects, from residential and commercial buildings to complex infrastructures. The expert actively pursues opportunities for continuous learning, staying current with the latest industry trends and technological advancements.

Having this extended expertise, Yassin agreed to tell us more about structural failures he has encountered: “Structural failures bear immense significance. Throughout my career, I’ve particularly focused on existing structures due to Italy’s strong emphasis on seismic retrofitting, particularly in masonry constructions. I’ve witnessed the impact of seismic events both locally and globally, which has informed my understanding of structural vulnerabilities. While I’ve observed more instances of damage rather than complete collapses in certain cases, the global prevalence of natural disasters underscores the urgency of ensuring structural resilience. For instance, personally experiencing the 2012 Emilia earthquake in Italy has profoundly shaped my perspective on the critical need for robust structural designs.”

#4 This Will Not Last Another Rainstorm

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#5 This Home Is Suffering From A Severe Case Of Fungus Growth Inside The Crawlspace. The Amount Of Fungus That Has Spread Across The Joists And Girder Can Potentially Be A Serious Issue For The Homeowners. We’ve Found A New Addition For Props On “The Last Of Us.” Mold Of Any Type Can Cause Respiratory Problems And Other Health Issues. If Left Untreated, It Can Weaken The Home’s Foundation And Cause Other Issues As It Spreads To Other Areas Of The Home

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#6 When The Hillside Failed In Front Of This Home, It Brought Their Retaining Wall With It. This Wall Was A Non-Conforming Retaining Wall As It Was Not Permitted. Could Have Been One Of The Reasons Why It Didn’t Do So Well During The Storm

Image credits: AlphaStructural

We were wondering how the field of structural engineering has evolved in terms of identifying and mitigating potential failures with the advancement of technology. Elouardi explained: “The evolution of technology has significantly revolutionized the approach to identifying and mitigating potential structural failures. Advanced computer simulations and finite element analysis have empowered engineers to meticulously model complex interactions, forecast structural behaviors, and pinpoint vulnerabilities well in advance of construction commencement. Notably, my focus on retrofitting existing structures has provided insights into the integration of seismic retrofit strategies with innovative technologies.”

“In addition to this, the advent of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has introduced transformative possibilities. The integration of BIM models with real-time data and augmented reality has enhanced the precision of design visualization, enabling us to identify and address issues more effectively before construction even begins. Moreover, the integration of virtual reality into the design process offers immersive experiences that allow stakeholders to interact with a proposed structure, offering invaluable insights and improving decision-making.”

#7 Sometimes We Drive By Buildings We Wish We Had Been Called Out To

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#8 This Home’s Retaining Wall Completely Gave Way And Fell Down The Hillside. When Not Built To Code, Retaining Walls Can Collapse And Cause A Lot Of Damage To Not Only The Homeowner’s Property, But To Adjacent Properties. We Are Curious To Know Where The Wall Would’ve Ended Up If The Tree Didn’t Hold The Very End Of It. Here You Can See Just How Massive The Retaining Wall Is. The Damage That Could’ve Happened To The Homes Below Is Worrisome

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#9 Walking Inside The Home We Can See The Damage Is Extensive. The Garage Is Riddled With Cracks. You Can See Portions Of The Slab Sinking. This 7-Inch Crack Is Showing Severe Signs Of Differential Settlement, Meaning Portions Of The Foundation Are Sinking At A Greater Rate. Foot Added For Reference

Image credits: AlphaStructural

The engineer told us more about innovative tools that have proven particularly effective and he’s excited to see them being used in the future: “Looking forward, the integration of artificial intelligence holds tremendous potential. AI-driven algorithms can process vast data sets to identify patterns, optimize designs, and even predict potential weaknesses. This predictive capability, combined with the real-time insights from BIM models, could prove instrumental in ensuring structural integrity throughout a building’s lifecycle.”

“As seismic events continue to impact regions across the globe, the fusion of technological advancements with real-world experience places us at a critical juncture. The synergy between virtual reality, AI, and BIM presents an exciting frontier that promises to elevate our capacity to foresee, prevent, and effectively mitigate potential structural failures, ultimately contributing to safer and more resilient built environments.”

#10 This Walkway Was Completely Undermined During A Slope Failure. We Guess They Now Have A Cantilevered Pathway

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#11 Another Assessment Day, Another Failed Retaining Wall

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#12 We Were Called To Do This Assessment For Something Completely Unrelated But When We Pointed Out This Wall To The Homeowners They Said, “Yeah, No, It’s Been Like That For Years. It’s Fine.”

Image credits: AlphaStructural

Public safety is a paramount concern when it comes to structural failures. We asked Elouardi how engineers can effectively balance the need for innovation in design with the imperative to ensure safety and prevent failures. We found out that: “Public safety remains the cornerstone of our profession, and striking a harmonious balance between innovative design and safety imperatives is of utmost importance. As engineers, we embrace innovation as a means to enhance efficiency, functionality, and sustainability within our designs. However, we steadfastly acknowledge that each innovation must undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure it aligns with the paramount goal of safeguarding lives and property.”

#13 An Unstable Slope Will Show Indications Of Movement By The Presence Of Geotropism, Which Refers To The Growth Of Plants Against Gravity. The Way The Trees Bend Towards The Bottom Of The Slope Lets Us Know The Hillside Is Unstable And Is Constantly Moving

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#14 I Guess It’s Not Protocol To Double-Check Your Work. The Urfp Is Meant To Connect The Sill Plate To The Foundation Wall. It Strengthens The Connection During An Earthquake. This Is Doing Nothing

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#15 You Can See The Extent Of The Damage And Where The Front Of The Wall Ended Up After The Storm Passed

Image credits: AlphaStructural

The engineer continued: “One key approach to maintaining this equilibrium is through robust risk assessment and thorough testing. Before implementing any new design approach or technology, comprehensive simulations and prototyping are imperative. This allows us to gauge potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities, ensuring that the innovative design is fortified against potential failures.”

“In this context, the role of monitoring technologies cannot be overstated. Implementing real-time monitoring systems in newly constructed structures enables us to collect data on their performance over time. This information not only validates the effectiveness of our innovative designs but also provides valuable insights for refining future projects. Additionally, the integration of monitoring systems in existing buildings allows us to detect signs of deterioration or strain early, facilitating timely intervention and maintenance to prevent potential failures.”

#16 When We Heard, “Falling Apart At The Seams,” We Didn’t Think It’d Be This Literal. When Your Home Is Showing Signs Of Possible Foundation Issues, It’s Important To Have Your Home Inspected And Repaired In A Timely Manner. Small Issues Can Lead To Bigger Issues Such As Water Damage, Pest Infestations, And Even Severe Structural Damage To The Home. This Makeshift Pier In A Crawlspace Is Not A Safe Or Effective Way To Support The Structure Of A Home. Properly Installed Posts Should Be Made Of Durable Materials And Securely Fastened To A Concrete Footing

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#17 When Nature Decides It’s Time For A Convertible…

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#18 Is This Post Floating? The Homeowners Not Only Have To Deal With The Effects Of A Bad Foundation Pour But They Also Have Mold Now

Image credits: AlphaStructural

Lastly, engineer Yassin Elouardi shared his insights about the importance of retrofitting and rehabilitating existing structures: “They cannot be overlooked. As we confront the challenge of aging infrastructure, retrofitting methodologies informed by cutting-edge technology assume a pivotal role. These methodologies not only bolster structural integrity but also ensure that historical and cultural assets are preserved, while simultaneously enhancing safety.”

“In essence, engineers approach innovation with a dual commitment: to push the boundaries of design while upholding the core principles of safety and reliability. Our journey towards this equilibrium involves rigorous testing, continuous monitoring, and the strategic revitalization of existing structures. By marrying innovation with a steadfast dedication to public safety, engineers can contribute meaningfully to the built environment’s sustainability and resilience.”

#19 This Is Just Messed Up

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#20 When The Hillside Wants To Join The Party But Accidentally Brings The Whole Neighborhood Along For The Ride

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#21 The Ocean Just Revoked Your Visiting Privileges

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#22 Rainwater Seeped Into The Balcony Framing And Got Caught Between The Joists And The Stucco Causing A Big Portion Of The Stucco To Fall Off. You Can See The Framing For The Balcony Has Significant Water Damage. Luckily, No One Below Was Hurt From The Falling Debris

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#23 This Three-Story Apartment Building With A Store Front On The First Floor Was Severely Damaged When A Drunk Driver Crashed Into It. Although The Impact Caused Extensive Structural Damage, The Store Remains Open

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#24 Those Two Brackets “Supporting” This Balcony Are Working Double Time. Deferred Maintenance Or Irregular Repairs Are Almost Always The Reason Of Why A Balcony Fails. Balconies Can Be Prone To Failure Since They Are Exposed To The Elements. This Is Why There Are Many State Laws Requiring Balcony Inspections On Various Building Types

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#25 An Attempt Was Made Here. This Internal Stem Wall Was “Repaired” Using A Framing Strap. It Should Be Noted That This Method Is Incorrect For Reinforcing These Types Of Structures And Is Typically Used For Timber Instead. So, Using The Strap In This Case Is Ineffective

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#26 This Retaining Wall Is Just Taking A Break, But It May Never Get Back Up

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#27 Some Serious Substandard Foundation Work Spotted On A Hillside Home. No Permits, No Inspecti

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#28 The Rainwater Was So Heavy That It LED To The Failure Of This Swale And Gate. A Swale Is Typically Used To Control The Flow Of Excess Water And Direct It Away From The Retaining Wall. This Failure Has Resulted In The Undermining Of The Wall And Now Poses A Greater Risk Of Collapsing. This Other Massive Mudslide Is A Clear Reminder Of The Impact That Heavy Rainfall Can Have On Our Hillsides

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#29 Last Week’s Heavy Rainstorm Caused This Crawl Space To Flood Entirely, Leaving Standing Water And The Risk Of Potential Water Damage, Mold Growth, Foundation Damage, And Structural Instabilty

Image credits: AlphaStructural

#30 Here You Can See A Mudslide That Took Place Which Caused A Portion Of The Slope To Give Way And Spill Into The Backyard Of The Homeowner Below. Unfortunately, We Noticed A Lot Of That Happening These Past Few Weeks. This Really Adds A New Dimension To The Classic Saying, “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors.”

Image credits: AlphaStructural

Source: boredpanda.com