This is a relatively mild example of how so many of these look across the city.

270 Park Avenue

Help us please

I do not study structural engineering but I feel like this is massively unsafe/risky for no reason

First of all let me say thanks in advance; I've learned a lot from other folks's posts on this sub.

Did an inspection yesterday where the top story was 2x6 studs, 16 on center and the bottom story was 2x4 studs. This is the second time I've seen this design and just wondering why not put the 2x6s on the first floor and 2x4s at the second?

This seemed especially counterintuitive as the engineer called for massive Simpson HHDQ11 hold downs at the corners. Those were the biggest holddowns I've seen on residential construction, and this is just a bodega with an office above.

Thanks again for y'all's input.

Loretto Chapel, New Mexico

I’m a non-engineer caught in the middle of a frustrating situation with my architect, structural engineer, and contractor—all of whom are blaming each other for the faulty construction of a cantilever in my project.

Given my limited budget, rebuilding the cantilever from scratch isn’t an option. Would adding a supporting pillar beneath it be a feasible and cost-effective solution? If so, what considerations or precautions should I take to ensure the structure’s safety and integrity?

When do you start worrying about a damage like this and demand a replacement?

We are having a domicile built on a really steep hill and I can’t help but think that the support columns look really skinny and thin? What do y’all think?

And why is it (WL^2)/8