1912006D - 1 Harris Street, Granville - Engineers Report - 17-5129

ABN: 22 568 304 726 T: (02)9518 9373
Suite 101, 1 Booth St E: info@rossengineers.com.au

Annandale NSW 2038 W: www.rossengineers.com.au
22nd January 2018

Document #: 17-5129
Childs Property Inspections

21/58 Box Road
Taren Point NSW 2229
STRUCTURAL REPORT – BUILDING CRACKS
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1 Harris Street Granville
INTRODUCTION
Ross Engineers have carried out a site inspection at the above mentioned address on the 13th
December 2017 at your request. The purpose for the inspection was to prepare a report
commenting on the probable cause of building cracking reported by the building owner.
Present during the site inspection was John Kantouros from Ross Engineers, Nick Fryday from Rizzani
De Eccher and the property owner. The property owner is claiming the subject cracks/defects listed
below occurred because of vibration from the construction works associated with the M4 road
widening.
This report deals with the items raised during the site inspection. This inspection was a visual
inspection with digital photographic record (75 photos, file numbers DSC_0001 to DSC_0075
Photographs were taken using Nikon Digital Camera D3300 DSLR with 24.2 Megapixel image size.
Recommendations follow at the conclusion of this report.
Reference Documents:
 Dilapidation Building Report – Pre Construction, Child Property Inspections, 13th November
2015, Report No. 1710138D
 Dilapidation Building Report – Pre Construction, Child Property Inspections, 13th November
2015, Report No. 1710139D
ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 1 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

Suite 101/1 Booth Street E: info@rossengineers.com.au
OBSERVATIONS
Photo 1A: Court yard between dwellings 1A and 1B north east corner – concrete crack
Photo 1B: Court yard between dwellings 1A and 1B north – concrete crack extending from post
ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 2 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

Photo 1C: Court yard between dwellings 1A and 1B west – concrete crack
Photo 2A: Garage Level 1 slab soffit – concrete shrinkage cracks
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Photo 2B: Garage Level 1 slab soffit – concrete shrinkage cracks
Photo 2C: Living Level 1 slab soffit – concrete shrinkage cracks
ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 4 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

Photo 3A: Living ground level Mark #1 – concrete crack
Photo 3B: Living ground level Mark #3 – concrete crack
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Photo 3C: Living ground level Mark #2 – concrete crack
Photo 3D: Living ground level Mark #4 – concrete crack
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Photo 3E: Living ground level Mark #5 – concrete crack
Photo 3F: Living ground level Mark #6 – concrete crack
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Photo 3G: Living ground level Mark #7 – concrete crack
Photo 3H: Living ground level Mark #8 – concrete crack
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Photo 3I: Living ground level Mark #11 – concrete crack
Photo 3J: Living ground level Mark #10 – concrete crack
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Photo 4: Level 1 stair void – concrete crack at corner
Photo 5A: Level 1 above garage wall below – concrete crack along hogging moment in suspended
slab (east-west)
ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 10 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

Photo 5B: Level 1 above garage wall below – concrete crack along hogging moment in suspended
slab (east-west)
ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 11 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

REPORT
The existing residential dwelling is constructed over two levels with full masonry perimeter walls and
concrete floors. The dwelling is located approximately 50m from the southern side of the M4
widening project. Dwelling construction commenced in 2009 and is currently ongoing nearing
completion.
Works for widening project included installation of piers and vibration compaction of soils, the stand
off distance from the dwelling is approx. 50m.(refer to site pan below)
A Pre Construction Dilapidation Survey was carried out by Childs Property Inspections in November
2015 refer to Report No. 1710138D and 1710139D, internal and external areas were surveyed.
Site Plan: Standoff distance to subject dwelling from M4 widening works approximately 50m.
OBSERVATIONS
The property owner is claiming the cracks highlighted in photographs above in the “Observation
section” of this report, were caused by vibration from M4 widening project works. In the conclusion
section of this report we advise on probable cause of these cracks.
ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 12 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

RECOMMENDATIONS & CONCLUSIONS
My opinions below are based on the site inspection, review of the relevant documents, and also my
experience and understanding of the building and construction industry as a builder and structural
engineer with a combined 25 years of experience. A copy of my curriculum vitae appears at
Annexure ‘A’.
I am of the opinion the following Table 1 summarizes the primary causes of cracking to the subject
building.
PHOTO # & ITEM # LOCATION DEFECT PROBABLE CAUSE

1A-C Court yard between Concrete cracks Cracks are pre existing
dwellings formed in slab prior to M4
widening works. Refer to
dilapidation survey photos
1710139D pages 22 to 24.
Other external pavement
cracks visible pages 8 to21
2A-C Level 1 slab soffit Shrinkage cracks Shrinkage cracks formed
(crack width during curing process of
<0.5mm thick) slab. Minor and
considered non-structural.
3A-J Ground level slab General concrete Cracks are pre existing
dwelling cracks mark #1 to formed in slab prior to M4
11 widening works. Refer to
dilapidation survey photos
1710138D pages 37 to 40.
4 Level 1 Stair void Diagonal crack Crack formed at void
mark #12 at void corner, natural weak point
opening (crack in slab due to hole in floor
width <1mm thick) slab. Minor and
considered non-structural.
5A-B Level 1 above garage Longitudinal crack The suspended level 1 slab
wall below (east-west) spans over the
intermediate garage wall
below. This imposes a
hogging moment into the
level 1 slab directly above
the garage wall below.
Crack line above and
parallel to wall below.
Minor and considered
non-structural, building
engineer to review.
TABLE: 1
ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 13 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

I am of the opinion the items listed in Table 1 numbering 1 to 5 are not related or caused by the M4
widening project due to the reasons stated in Table 1 “probable cause” and also the fact that the
standoff distance from construction zone being approximately 50m is beyond the distance at which
construction equipment can transmit ground borne vibration that would damage buildings.
(reference industry standards and international standards German DIN 4150-2 Structural Vibration-
Effects of vibration on structures and BS 7385-2 Evaluation and measurement for vibration in
buildings. Guide to damage levels from ground borne vibrations).
We remain available to provide further advice if required.
Yours faithfully
John Kantouros
BEng(Civil)Hons1
MIEAust CEngA NER - 768626
Civil/Structural Engineer
ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 14 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

Annexure A: Curriculum Vitae
John Kantouros
Personal Particulars
Full name: John Kantouros
Address: Suite 101/ 1 Booth Street, Annandale
Phone: 02-9518 9373
Email: john@rossengineers.com.au
Accreditation Membership
Professional Member of the Institution of Engineers Australia – (#768626)
Chartered Associate Status
Qualifications / Education
1. CQU University – Bachelor Degree Engineering (Honours) (Civil) with First Class Honours
2. Sydney Technical College – Associate Diploma of Engineering (Civil)Employment / Experience
Structural Engineer - 2005 to Present
Key Experience, Skills and Responsibilities

 Preparation of dilapidation inspection and structural reporting services for residential and low rise commercial properties.
 Preparation of structural defect reports for disputed items or structural elements on residential and low rise commercial properties.
 Structural design for residential and low rise commercial projects
 Design of concrete footings, basements, shoring and slabs, masonry structures, timber structures and steel structures.
 Design and inspection services for extensions and renovations. Includes concrete footing and slabs, and working with timber, steel
and masonry structures.
 Civil and Hydraulic design for residential sub divisions and residential stormwater projects.
 Setting the professional and ethical standards for the business.
Major Project Experience
Project: Residential New builds, renovations & additions (600+)

Role: Structural Design and Drafting
Scope of works: Design and specification of concrete structures, steel structures and timber structures.
Elements including footings, slabs, columns, beams, wall frames, lintels and roofs
Project: Residential Subdivision and stormwater (500+)

Role: Civil / Hydraulic Design and Drafting
Scope of works: Design and specification of catchments, onsite detention, rainwater, grey water, hydraulic
grade line, pits, pipes, gutters, downpipes, driveways, retaining walls and swimming pools.
Project: Industrial Portal Shed Structures (10+)

Role: Structural Design and Drafting
Scope of works: Design and specification of concrete footings, steel portal, connections, columns, rafters and
purlins.
Project: Structural reports (500+)

Scope of works: Site inspection, Investigation, assessments of defects, proposed remedial action.
ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 15 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

Building Construction Manager - 1993 to 2005
 As the foreman and then planner, gained hands on experience as the responsible strip out and internal wall contractor for
refurbishment projects for multi-level commercial and industrial structures. Worked closely with other subcontractors included civil,
hydraulic, structural, mechanical, electrical accredited professionals.
 Experience in civil works program at a Sydney Theme Park (Taronga Zoo) expanding theme enclosures, excavations, footings,
formwork, concrete and masonry structures, installation of glazing and landscaping, crowd control and workplace Health and Safety
compliance.
 Provided technical design and supervision of high profile / luxury multi-level commercial projects in Sydney region. Activities
included staged strip out and refurbishment, suspended ceilings, coordinating other quality services including plumbing (toilets and
bathrooms), cabinetmaking (kitchens and bars), glazing (featured glass areas and double glaze windows), electrical (feature foyers
and display walls and other quality lighting features).
 9 years’ experience in design and quotation for residential renovations and extensions both inner city older buildings and inner
suburb residences. Activities included inspection and reporting service, design, quantity and cost control, quotation, contract
management, demolition, excavation, footings and slabs, framing, roofing and fit-outs.
 3 years’ experience with construction of low rise commercial, residential and industrial buildings, involving reinforced concrete,
masonry, structural steel and timber designs.
Major Project Experience
Project: Refurbishment of 23 floor office building, NCR House 8 Napier Street North Sydney
Client: Austin Engineers Australia
Role: On site management
Scope of works: Total strip-out and upgrade of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic services and internal finishing.
Project: Refurbishment of 35 floor commercial office building, Sydney.

Client: St Martins Properties
Role: On site management
Scope of works: Total strip-out and upgrade of, mechanical, electrical
services and internal finishing.
Project: Toranga Park Zoo upgrade of chimpanzee enclosure.

Client: Toranga Park Zoo
Role: Project Manager
Scope of works: Extension and upgrade of existing enclosure, excavation,
footings, formwork, concrete and brick structure, installation of glazing and landscaping.
Chapman & Davis Engineers - 1992 to 1993

 Strong knowledge gained of CAD and IT software.
 Local experience compiling quality standards for design documentations for residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
 Working in a systemised drafting environment following industry best practice methods.
 Working in large and small team environment.
 Recognising the importance of working to deadlines
ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 16 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373


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ABN: 22 568 304 726 T: (02)9518 9373

Suite 101, 1 Booth St E: info@rossengineers.com.au

22nd January 2018

Childs Property Inspections

STRUCTURAL REPORT – BUILDING CRACKS

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1 Harris Street Granville

ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 1 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 2 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

Photo 2A: Garage Level 1 slab soffit – concrete shrinkage cracks

ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 3 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

Photo 2C: Living Level 1 slab soffit – concrete shrinkage cracks

ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 4 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

Photo 3B: Living ground level Mark #3 – concrete crack

ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 5 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

Photo 3D: Living ground level Mark #4 – concrete crack

ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 6 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

Photo 3F: Living ground level Mark #6 – concrete crack

ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 7 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

Photo 3H: Living ground level Mark #8 – concrete crack

ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 8 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

Photo 3J: Living ground level Mark #10 – concrete crack

ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 9 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 10 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 11 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 12 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

PHOTO # & ITEM # LOCATION DEFECT PROBABLE CAUSE

ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 13 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

We remain available to provide further advice if required.

ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 14 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

Structural Engineer - 2005 to Present

Key Experience, Skills and Responsibilities

 Structural design for residential and low rise commercial projects

 Setting the professional and ethical standards for the business.

Major Project Experience

Project: Residential New builds, renovations & additions (600+)

Project: Residential Subdivision and stormwater (500+)

Project: Industrial Portal Shed Structures (10+)

Project: Structural reports (500+)

ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 15 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

Key Experience, Skills and Responsibilities

Major Project Experience

Project: Refurbishment of 35 floor commercial office building, Sydney.

Project: Toranga Park Zoo upgrade of chimpanzee enclosure.

Chapman & Davis Engineers - 1992 to 1993

Key Experience, Skills and Responsibilities

 Working in a systemised drafting environment following industry best practice methods.

 Working in large and small team environment.

 Recognising the importance of working to deadlines

ABN: 22 568 304 726 Page 16 of 16 T: 02 - 9518 9373

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