Engineering Evaluation

AHJ Engineering Evaluation, June 18, 2007 Report provided by Idaho Heritage Trust Technical Assistance  funding

Conclusions

The deterioration is mostly in the architectural fabric, the  roof shakes, soffit boards, fascia board, brick cracking and mortar. The  structural members do not show any abnormal deterioration other than their age.  The major structural issues are the main beam that is over stressed in bending  under full dead and snow loads and the cracking of the masonry columns at the  concrete benches.

It is our opinion that if this structure is left unattended  the deterioration will continue to expand at a more rapid rate. Due to the  uncertain nature of the prediction of a structural member failure; the  structure should be cordoned off until repairs are made. To preserve this  meaningful structure, mitigation of the environmental effects on the structure  needs to happen. This can only be completed by reconstruction or  reconstitution, replacing with like kind the exterior fabric, to seal the  structure from the effects of the environment.

Recommendations

The following are our recommendations for restoration of  "The Hat". Since not all members and connections could be observed  for this assessment we also recommend that during the time of reconstruction  improvement, a more complete inspection be performed.

  • Replace the roofing with a new shake roof to match the  existing Replace any roof skip sheathing that shows deterioration
  • Replace any damaged ceiling boards with like kind, some of  the existing boards that are not broken or rotten may be reused
  • Replace the fascia board and fascia 2x4 and align
  • Reinforce the main beam with a continuous 1-3/4” x 9-1/2” L  VL sandwiched to the existing beam with glue and nails
  • Add tie straps and clips where there are tension forces that  need to be resisted Separate the concrete benches from the brick columns with  isolation joint Repair the brick columns by repointing the joints and replacing  all damaged bricks 
  • Replace existing concrete slab around and under the shelter,  placing it on a compacted sub-grade and create positive drainage away from the  four columns