IMPACT OF LOCAL DESTRUCTION OF THE LOAD-BEARING WALL OF THE FIRST FLOOR ON THE BUILDING STRUCTURE

Abstract

The article analyzes a specific case of an emergency condition in a five-story residential brick building in the city of Lviv, constructed according to a classical structural scheme with transverse and longitudinal load-bearing brick walls and wooden floor structures. The primary focus is on the consequences of mechanical intervention into the load-bearing structures carried out without appropriate design documentation and technical supervision.

The study is of an applied nature and is based on the results of a comprehensive technical inspection. According to the inspection data, a loss of load-bearing capacity was recorded in the wall along axis 1 (between axes H–D), with a vertical crack up to 70 mm wide that splits the wall in half. In the same area, a window opening was discovered, which was not included in the official BTI (Bureau of Technical Inventory) plans and is likely the key factor that triggered the emergency condition.

Other identified defects include cracks in exterior and interior walls, particularly along chimney flues; settlement and displacement of floor structures; biological degradation of wooden beams; moisture penetration in walls and roof; corrosion of metal balcony elements; deformation of stair flights; and cracks at the junction with an adjacent building. This combination of defects indicates comprehensive degradation of the building’s structural elements.

Based on the collected data, the authors proposed urgent temporary reinforcement measures, some of which were implemented during the inspection. These measures included the installation of external metal braces, internal metal supports with wooden beams transferring loads to the floor, and reinforcement of the damaged wall area from both sides. Further interventions must be carried out strictly in accordance with the structural reinforcement design documentation.

The article not only illustrates the importance of regular technical monitoring of older buildings but also demonstrates the necessity of complying with regulatory requirements during remodeling or structural interventions.

Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance and necessity of developing a systematic approach to housing stock management that includes periodic inspections, risk assessments, and regulated interventions