T-_Preliminary_Structural_Engineering_Assessments.pdf
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- Attached to
- Elevation of Six (6) Flood-Prone Homes
- Solicitation number
- 05-26-ENG
- Issued by
- Volusia County, Orlando City, Florida
About this file
This document contains preliminary structural engineering assessments (SEAs) conducted by Joseph D. Hiller Engineering, LLC for the City of New Smyrna Beach in Florida as part of a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) project to elevate six flood-prone single-family residential properties. The assessments were performed on six properties located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) classified as Zone "AE": 455 DeSoto Drive, 645 Goodwin Avenue, 647 Goodwin Avenue, 508 South Indian River Road, 529 South Peninsula Avenue, and 640 South Pine Street. The inspections were conducted between August 23 and October 10, 2023, at the request of Pegasus Engineering and the City of New Smyrna Beach. Each assessment determined structural suitability for elevation using ASCE 24-14 standards and Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures. All six properties—ranging from one-story concrete block to wood structures built between 1955 and 1974—were deemed suitable for lifting, with professional opinions confirming feasibility despite varying structural observations including minor cracking, water damage, and site-specific complications such as independent fireplace foundations and attached structures requiring removal or reinforcement.
The assessments identified soil conditions at all properties as fill material classified as poorly-graded sand with less than 5 percent fines, determined through visual soil classification using ASTM D 2488 standards without laboratory testing. Notable observations across the properties included stair-step cracking in garage and wall structures, water intrusion issues, wood rot from moisture damage, and various additions constructed on separate or pinned slabs. Specific concerns documented for individual properties included decorative block columns requiring reinforcement (455 DeSoto Drive), epoxy-repaired window cracks (645 Goodwin Avenue), water damage to interior bearing walls requiring reinforcement and inspection (508 South Indian River Road), header blowouts with visible rebar (529 South Peninsula Avenue), and attached structures requiring removal prior to elevation (640 South Pine Street). All assessments confirmed foundations in good to excellent condition, establishing the structural baseline necessary for the City's planned elevation project to raise these homes to 10 feet above existing ground level and remove them from imminent flood risk.
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Elevation of Six Flood-Prone Homes
City of New Smyrna Beach
Preliminary Structural Engineering Assessments (SEAs)
455 DeSoto Drive
Joseph D. Hiller Engineering, LLC
Structural Engineering
P.O. Box 290855, Port Orange, FL 32129 Phone # (386) 248-1700
E-mail: hillerengineering@gmail.com
455 DeSoto Dr
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Subject Property: 455 DeSoto Dr New Smyrna Beach, Fl 32169
Re: Structural Engineering Assessment – Gaudios Residence
To whom it may concern:
On August 23, 2023, a structural inspection was conducted at the request of Pegasus
Engineering and the City of New Smyrna Beach. The subject property was constructed in 1958 and is a one story concrete block and stucco structure on a concrete slab-on-grade foundation. The house has a hip roof with asphalt shingles. The house consists of a 1644 square foot main living area with a 448 ft single-car garage and finished open front porch and a rear addition.
The purpose of the inspection was to determine if the structure and foundation are suitable for lifting, using Standard ASCE 24-14 and the Engineering Principles and
Practices for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures.
Observations during the inspection include a separate garage slab and some stair step cracking in one of the garage walls. The home also has a wood frame addition at the rear of the house. This addition was built onto the original concrete patio slab with another slab poured alongside it to expand the area size. According to drawings for this addition, the new slab is pinned to the original one. The owner explained to me that during flood events, she has witnessed water protruding through the floor where the new slab exists. This leads me to believe there may be no vapor barrier underneath. The home also has decorative block columns on the front porch that may need to be replaced or reinforced before the lifting process.
The soil at the subject property is fill material, poorly-graded S(S) according to
ASCE Soil Classification and (SP) in the Unified Soil Classification System
(ASTM D2487-17). No lab testing was utilized. Visual classification of soils
(ASTM D 2488) was used to determine classification based on the analysis of color, odor, moisture, and maximum particle size of the entire sample. The estimated percentage of fines was determined to be less than 5%.
All comments made are based on conditions seen at the time of this visual observation. We do not accept any responsibility for unknown or unknowable conditions within the existing site or structures.
During the inspection, no structural deficiencies were observed and the foundation of the home appears to be in excellent condition. After inspecting the subject property, it is my professional opinion that this house can be lifted.
455 DeSoto Dr, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 2
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding this report.
Sincerely, Joseph D. Hiller, P.E.
Florida PE Lic# 74583
Photos
Open front porch with decorative columns
Stair step cracks in garage wall (over entrance to main building)
455 DeSoto Dr, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 3
Taken from rear addition drawings.
455 DeSoto Dr, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 4
455 DeSoto Dr, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 5
645 Goodwin Avenue
P.O. Box 290855, Port Orange, FL 32129 Phone # (386) 248-1700
645 Goodwin Ave
Subject Property: 645 Goodwin Ave
Re: Structural Engineering Assessment – Keller/Heim Residence
Engineering and the City of New Smyrna Beach. The subject property was constructed in 1973 and is a one-story concrete block structure on a concrete slab foundation. The house has a gable roof with asphalt shingles. The house consists of a 1124 square foot main living area with a 315sq ft finished garage (Note: VCPA has this documented as unfinished), an open front porch, a 225sq ft addition (VCPA has documented as finished enclosed porch), and a screened porch in the rear.
The purpose of the inspection was to determine if the structure and foundation are suitable for lifting, using Standard ASCE 24-14 and the Engineering Principles and
Practices for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures.
Observations include some stair step cracking at two windows which have been repaired with epoxy fill. The screened room at the rear of the home has 4-6” foundation in good condition.
The soil at the subject property is fill material, poorly-graded S(S) according to
ASCE Soil Classification and (SP) in the Unified Soil Classification System
(ASTM D2487-17). No lab testing was utilized. Visual classification of soils
(ASTM D 2488) was used to determine classification based on the analysis of color, odor, moisture, and maximum particle size of the entire sample. The estimated percentage of fines was determined to be less than 5%.
All comments made are based on conditions seen at the time of this visual observation. We do not accept any responsibility for unknown or unknowable conditions within the existing site or structures.
During the inspection, no structural deficiencies were observed and the foundation
645 Goodwin Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 2
Stair step crack repaired with epoxy.
645 Goodwin Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 3
645 Goodwin Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 4
645 Goodwin Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 5
647 Goodwin Avenue
P.O. Box 290855, Port Orange, FL 32129 Phone # (386) 248-1700
647 Goodwin Ave
Subject Property: 647 Goodwin Ave
Re: Structural Engineering Assessment – Williams Residence
Engineering and the City of New Smyrna Beach. The subject property was constructed in 1974 and is a one-story wood structure on a concrete slab foundation. The house has a low-sloped hip roof with asphalt shingles. The house consists of a 1120 square foot main living area with a 336sq ft one-car car garage with a 40sq ft addition, and a finished screened porch in the rear.
The purpose of the inspection was to determine if the structure and foundation are suitable for lifting, using Standard ASCE 24-14 and the Engineering Principles and
Practices for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures.
Observations during inspection include a separate concrete slab for the screened room and a bathroom addition at the rear of the house. This addition is documented on the county’s property appraiser’s reports as finished utility. No other issues were identified.
The soil at the subject property is fill material, poorly-graded S(S) according to
ASCE Soil Classification and (SP) in the Unified Soil Classification System
(ASTM D2487-17). No lab testing was utilized. Visual classification of soils
(ASTM D 2488) was used to determine classification based on the analysis of color, odor, moisture, and maximum particle size of the entire sample. The estimated percentage of fines was determined to be less than 5%.
All comments made are based on conditions seen at the time of this visual observation. We do not accept any responsibility for unknown or unknowable conditions within the existing site or structures.
During the inspection, no structural deficiencies were observed and the foundation
647 Goodwin Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 2
Screened-in porch on separate slab.
647 Goodwin Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 3
647 Goodwin Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 4
508 South Indian River Road
P.O. Box 290855, Port Orange, FL 32129 Phone # (386) 248-1700
508 South Indian River Rd
Thursday, October 10, 2023
Subject Property: 508 S. Indian River Rd.
Re: Structural Engineering Assessment – Abraczinska Residence
On October 10, 2023, a structural inspection was conducted at the request of Pegasus
Engineering and the City of New Smyrna Beach. The subject property was constructed in 1955 and is a one story concrete block structure on a monolithic concrete slab foundation with terrazzo floors and an asphalt shingled gable roof. The house consists of a 1632 square foot main living area and 368sq ft finished enclosed porch.
The purpose of the inspection was to determine if the structure and foundation are suitable for lifting, using Standard ASCE 24-14 and the Engineering Principles and
Practices for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures.
Observations during the inspection include a pool and a fireplace. Steel angle ledgers supporting the coquina rock veneer encasing windows and door openings. The large fireplace has an independent foundation which will require special attention will lifting.
The fireplace is in close proximity to the edge of the pool and pool plumbing which can make lifting problematic. The structure also has water damage to the interior walls due to the flooding. All interior bearing walls should be reinforced and inspected prior to the lifting.
The soil at the subject property is fill material, poorly-graded S(S) according to
ASCE Soil Classification and (SP) in the Unified Soil Classification System
(ASTM D2487-17). No lab testing was utilized. Visual classification of soils
(ASTM D 2488) was used to determine classification based on the analysis of color, odor, moisture, and maximum particle size of the entire sample. The estimated percentage of fines was determined to be less than 5%.
All comments made are based on conditions seen at the time of this visual observation. We do not accept any responsibility for unknown or unknowable conditions within the existing site or structures.
During the inspection, no structural deficiencies were observed and the foundation of the home appears to be in good condition. It is my professional opinion that this house can be lifted.
508 S Indian River Rd, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 2
508 S Indian River Rd, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 3
508 S Indian River Rd, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 4
508 S Indian River Rd, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 5
529 South Peninsula Road
P.O. Box 290855, Port Orange, FL 32129 Phone # (386) 248-1700
529 South Peninsula Ave.
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Subject Property: 529 S. Peninsula Ave.
Re: Structural Engineering Assessment –Mendoza Residence
On September 26, 2023, a structural inspection was conducted at the request of Pegasus
Engineering and the City of New Smyrna Beach. The subject property was constructed in 1971 and is a one story concrete block structure on a monolithic concrete slab foundation with a gabled asphalt shingle roof. The house consists of a 1118 square foot main living area with a 140sq ft addition and a 312sq ft finished garage.
The purpose of the inspection was to determine if the structure and foundation are suitable for lifting, using Standard ASCE 24-14 and the Engineering Principles and
Practices for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures.
Observations during the inspection are a blowout in the side door header where rebar is visible and stair step cracking can be seen on either side. The rear “Florida room” has exterior walls made of wood. Hairline cracks were observed in some of the block and around one window sill. The back porch slab is separate from the main structure. There is some wood rot in the soffits, most likely from water penetration.
The soil at the subject property is fill material, poorly-graded S(S) according to
ASCE Soil Classification and (SP) in the Unified Soil Classification System
(ASTM D2487-17). No lab testing was utilized. Visual classification of soils
(ASTM D 2488) was used to determine classification based on the analysis of color, odor, moisture, and maximum particle size of the entire sample. The estimated percentage of fines was determined to be less than 5%.
All comments made are based on conditions seen at the time of this visual observation. We do not accept any responsibility for unknown or unknowable conditions within the existing site or structures.
During the inspection, no structural deficiencies were observed and the foundation of the home appears to be in good condition. It is my professional opinion that this house can be lifted. .
529 S Peninsula Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 2
Blowout in header with stair step cracks
Stair step cracks on either side of the door
529 S Peninsula Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 3
Rear addition with large, older windows, block and wood mixed construction.
529 S Peninsula Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 4
Rotten wood in soffit
Cracks observed around window sill
529 S Peninsula Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 5
529 S Peninsula Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 6
640 South Pine Street
P.O. Box 290855, Port Orange, FL 32129 Phone # (386) 248-1700
640 South Pine St
Subject Property: 640 South Pine St
Re: Structural Engineering Assessment – Webb/Heustess Residence
On August 24, 2023, a structural inspection was conducted at the request of Pegasus
Engineering and the City of New Smyrna Beach. The subject property was constructed in 1961 and is a concrete block and stucco structure on a concrete slab-on-grade foundation. The house has a metal gable roof. The house consists of a 1002 square foot main living area with a 325sq ft finished carport with a finished open porch in the rear.
The purpose of the inspection was to determine if the structure and foundation are suitable for lifting, using Standard ASCE 24-14 and the Engineering Principles and
Practices for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures.
Observations during the inspection include some minor cracks in the terrazzo floor and some stair step cracking in the front bedroom wall. There is also a small crack in the rear patio slab. The owners have attached a small wooden shed structure to the side of the house that will need to be removed, and the shed-style roof over the front carport area of the home may need to be cut back in line with the rest of the house before lifting can occur.
The soil at the subject property is fill material, poorly-graded S(S) according to
ASCE Soil Classification and (SP) in the Unified Soil Classification System
(ASTM D2487-17). No lab testing was utilized. Visual classification of soils
(ASTM D 2488) was used to determine classification based on the analysis of color, odor, moisture, and maximum particle size of the entire sample. The estimated percentage of fines was determined to be less than 5%.
All comments made are based on conditions seen at the time of this visual observation. We do not accept any responsibility for unknown or unknowable conditions within the existing site or structures.
During the inspection, no structural deficiencies were observed and the foundation
640 S Pine St, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 2
Foundation for outside-access-only attached storage room not suitable for lifting. This area of the home is situated directly adjacent to the property line.
640 S Pine St, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 3
Crack in terrazzo floor.
Shed-style roof carport extending over front drive.
640 S Pine St, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 4
640 S Pine St, New Smyrna Beach, FL Page 5
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