Scaffolding Collapse Comes Under Scrutiny

On January 4th The Charlotte Observer reported “local and state agencies continued on Tuesday to investigate what led to a fatal scaffolding collapse at a Charlotte construction site Monday…The incident killed three construction workers when they fell about 70 feet…The case also has brought attention to the risks construction workers face on the job and the oversight of their workplaces. At least 16 people have died in scaffolding accidents in the state in the last 10 years, a Charlotte Observer analysis of Occupational Safety and Health Administration records found”.

Andrew R. Yarmus, P.E., F.NSPE, as an OSHA certified Forensic Engineering consultant, and as a Past Chair of the National Society of Professional Engineers PE’s in Construction Interest Group, has helped to facilitate discussions between Professional Engineers across the country on important matters such as safety in both industry and construction. As a licensed Professional Engineer, State Certified Code Enforcement Official, and OSHA certified professional, Mr. Yarmus is credentialed to consult on site safety and incident investigation matters. Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to consult with business owners, operations managers, property managers, real estate developers, builders, attorneys, contractors, insurance professionals, adjusters, and other related parties regarding site safety issues. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients regarding such matters.

Mystery of why Roman buildings have survived so long has been unraveled, scientists say

On January 7th CNN.com reported that “the majestic structures of ancient Rome have survived for millennia — a testament to the ingenuity of Roman engineers, who perfected the use of concrete…But how did their construction materials help keep colossal buildings like the Pantheon (which has the world’s largest unreinforced dome) and the Colosseum standing for more than 2,000 years?…Roman concrete, in many cases, has proven to be longer-lasting than its modern equivalent, which can deteriorate within decades. Now, scientists behind a new study say they have uncovered the mystery ingredient that allowed the Romans to make their construction material so durable and build elaborate structures in challenging places such as docks, sewers and earthquake zones…They found that white chunks in the concrete, referred to as lime clasts, gave the concrete the ability to heal cracks that formed over time. The white chunks previously had been overlooked as evidence of sloppy mixing or poor-quality raw material…The new finding could help make manufacturing today’s concrete more sustainable, potentially shaking up society as the Romans once did”.

Yarmus Engineering, P.C. makes it a priority to remain aware and knowledgeable of ongoing industry innovations and updates so that we can incorporate same into our designs and inform our clientele of any new information which might affect their properties and projects.  Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients regarding such matters.