Blue skies are visible through the collapsed roof of the commercial/retail building
Aqua Workz Commercial Roof Collapse
After a storm passed through the Sacramento area, the owner of this commercial property reported the building’s central roof had collapsed. Aqua Workz was a retail business selling aquariums and fish. Degenkolb was hired as an independent third party expert by the insurance carrier to determine the cause of the roof collapse. We conducted an extensive investigation involving the detailed inspection of the building’s open web roof trusses with tubular steel diagonals and wood chords. Degenkolb concluded the primary cause for the open web roof truss failure was due to long-term condensation moisture exposure damage to the trusses’ top wood chords. Degenkolb was also hired to prepare temporary shoring details for the demolition phase and to develop repair construction documents.
Investigator Steve Moore wrote a detailed article about this building and his investigation on our blog. It can be read here.
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- Blue skies are visible through a hole in the collapsed roof
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- A view of the collapsed roof from inside the building.
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- Deep blade embedment indicates long-term moisture exposure, which compromised the integrity of the roof trusses.
Investigator
Steve Moore
Associate Principal
Truth is the property of no individual, but is the treasure of all ...
Steve Moore
Associate Principal
Sacramento
- (916) 502-7633
- smoore@degenkolb.com
- B.S., Architectural Engineering, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 1990
- CA, Civil Engineer, 56782
- CA, Certified Access Specialist, 433
Why did you go into Engineering?
I have always looked at the world around me—the buildings, the vehicles, even my pencil at school, and wondered, "How exactly did they build that?" And now in my career, I am using what I have learned to "deconstruct" those things and find the truth behind architectural and structural damage.
What was your career like before joining Degenkolb?
I've been in the Sacramento construction industry for more than 30 years. I started doing forensic engineering investigations after joining Barrish Pelham in 2003. My first investigations involved settlement damage, cause & origin reports, and burned truss repairs. Since then, the types of investigations have broadened to include moisture intrusion and building envelope issues, equipment failures, foundation salvageability studies, and ADA/Accessibility condition assessments. Since Barrish Pelham became part of Degenkolb, I've been excited to broaden that expertise and service a much larger client base along the entire West Coast.
Little Known Fact
I am an avid rugby fan and played for about 14 years! I also enjoy throwing darts. I may have been English in a former life!
What’s your favorite band?
AC/DC
