Tornado Damage Assessment and Repair Design

Salas O’Brien partnered with Knight Commercial to assess the damage caused by a tornado and propose a repair plan for one of the six buildings at the Link Logistics complex. Each building has tilt-up concrete panel walls, steel frames, and a ballasted built-up roof. A tornado had torn off approximately 30% of the roof deck of one building, leading to the collapse of a section of the steel frame.

Our team assessed the damage, designed emergency bracing and shoring, phased demolition, and structural repairs, which involved replacing several columns, girders, joists, and two wall panels. We also liaised with the owner’s insurance adjusting team to facilitate their understanding and agreement regarding the necessary scope of repairs. Throughout the construction phase, we conducted regular site inspections and responded to requests for information (RFIs). As a result of our efforts, the tenants reoccupied the building within six months of the damage.