CROSS Safety Report
Collapse of old masonry walls
This report is over 2 years old
Overview
There were reports of the collapse of several old masonry walls associated with adjacent construction work.
Key Learning Outcomes
For construction professionals and design engineers:
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Good collaboration can ensure the relevant information is provided to the principal contractor / contractor to allow them to develop the Construction Phase Plan and a safe system of work
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Where demolition works are required it is good practice to provide knowledge and history of the structure and adjacent structures, including form, materials of construction, structural interactions, and location
Full Report
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There were reports of the collapse of several old masonry walls associated with adjacent construction work. According to the reporter this happens all too frequently on re-development sites with no apparent input from the designers for the new structures.
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Other failures known to CROSS are of garden walls, masonry retaining walls, and the careless removal of load-bearing walls in house conversions. There is scope for more warnings and advice on the susceptibility of old masonry walls to alteration and undermining.