For decades, Alpha Structural, Inc. has developed a powerful reputation as the number one contractor in the Los Angeles area for foundation engineering and repair, landslide repair, and earthquake and structural rehabilitation.
The company's team has over 400 years of combined technical experience, and all of it is hard-core and down-in-the-trenches, not managed from behind a computer.
But Alpha Structural, Inc. also shares content from its engineers' day-to-day work, including all of their funniest, most bizarre, and downright dangerous finds. Here are some of their recent gems.
#21
This cosmetic block wall has begun to fail due to the builder choosing not to fill the holes in the cinder blocks.
This is why taking shortcuts is never recommended.
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34points
#22
During our assessment of this property, we discovered a substantial opening beneath the deck. Interestingly, the homeowners had been concerned about a rodent issue and were unaware of the potential entry point—ding, ding, ding!
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33points
#23
This DIY job involves the use of bolts and nuts as makeshift jacks between the girders and posts and piers in an attempt to level out the home. This is not a recommended or safe solution.
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32points
#25
During the storms from the beginning of the year, a tree fell on top of this home. Luckily, no one was seriously injured, though the homeowner was sitting on their couch when their ceiling came crashing down.
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30points
#26
Daylight should not be visible in an ideal crawlspace. This suggests a compromised crawlspace, which can lead to various issues, including moisture intrusion, pest problems, and structural concerns.
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29points
#27
This sidewalk was undermined by water. The big crack in the sidewalk allowed water to flow underneath and down the hillside, causing more erosion in the neighbor’s yard.
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28points
#29
This home is experiencing severe settlement. Due to this, the front portion of the home and the stairs are now beginning to shift downslope.
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27points
#30
This retaining wall is gradually being pushed out of position by the growing roots of the tree behind it, leading to visible signs of failure.
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27points
