Keeping the rocks off the road

Took a family trip on Highway 1 this weekend. Marveled at Caltrans solution to rock slides which is under construction.

Pipeline suspension bridge

Concrete being poured this week for the primary abutments and outrigger foundations. Pics require some imagination at this point to visualize the alignment of the bridge.

Late 1800's Barn and Residence

 Yes, there are barns in California. The previous post relates to this barn that we are rehabbing.

Surface drainage has been carrying dirt under the barn probably since it was originally built. There are two white owls living in the loft of this barn. I am hoping to get some photos of them, they are absolutely beautiful.

 This two story Victorian house is also on the property and we are rehabbing it as well.

The primary structural problem with the house is sinking foundations along the outer edge of porch and brick chimneys that have collapsed in past earthquakes.

Wood Rot

Probably close to 100 years of soil being transported under this wood framed structure by surficial run-off has filled the floor joist bays with dirt.

Roughly 12 inches of wood rim joist and mudsill are completely gone due to rot.

The space where a rim joist and mudsill previously existed is now filled entirely by dirt. The stone foundation wall is exposed in this photo, mortar has no binder material left and is now dry sand.

Existing Construction Wonders

Every once in a while I will come across something in the field that practically leaves me speechless.
On my initial site visit prior to any demo, I documented this handy little extension chord sticking out of the electrical panel. At least someone had placed a "Danger Tag" on this little jewel.
On my subsequent site visit after interior demo had been completed (this is all due to fire damage) I nearly fell over when I walked into the bathroom and observed the back side of the electrical panel in the shower.

I have to ask.....just how bright does a person have to be to know that maaaaaaybe this combination of water and electricity isn't such a good idea?

11-1-2010

Welcome to Baker Engineering's blog. Hopefully from time to time I will be posting something of interest either to the general public, a client or fellow professional. I welcome any suggestions for what the reader thinks this blog should contain.....a diary of projects being constructed for example seems like a logical use.