CHEMICAL INGREDIENT PLANT, HAMILTON
STRUCTURAL MONITORING
OVERVIEW
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FORSMITH Building Science Consultants (FORSMITH) was retained to install and monitor data-logging equipment to ensure structural integrity is not compromised from the client's manufacturing processes. Our team installed various types of monitoring equipment to measure any type of movement in concerning areas of the structure. The implementation of the monitoring equipment has been ongoing for multiple years and has provided valuable information as to when allowable deflection thresholds have been reached, prompting repairs only when necessary.
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PROBLEM
Upon initial investigation, FORSMITH had found that multiple structural components were overloaded and were at risk of compromised structural performance. The client wanted to ensure that all necessary repairs were completed without hindering the manufacturing processes unless absolutely required. Therefore FORSMITH was tasked with identifying and solving structural deformities as necessary without interfering with the operations of the chemical plant.
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CHALLENGE
The main challenge FORSMITH was faced with was designing the building’s rehabilitation in a way that minimized the impact on the building’s tenants and the Client, to allow the building to operate and function while undergoing forensic restoration. A significant amount of areas throughout the structure needed immediate restoration.
SOLUTION
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FORSMITH implemented displacement and rotation sensors to quantify movements of structural components including beams, columns, and mezzanines. This solution has not only allowed remote monitoring of the structure, but to examine movements and trends to identify issues before they occur.
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