Sunrise Towers

2825 Central Ave., Fort Myers, FL

Stairwell Inspection Report

Performed for:
City of Fort Myers

7-6-2018

Performed by:
Vince Zaliauskas, PE 60524
HighSpans Engineering, Inc.
Cert. of Auth. 27559 Vincent A Digitally signed by
Vincent A Zaliauskas
2121 McGregor Blvd. #200
Fort Myers, FL 33901 Zaliauskas Date: 2018.07.07
11:04:09 -04'00'
239-433-3000

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Stairwell Inspection Report

Table of Contents

1. Summary of Inspection & Recommendations ......................................................................... 3

2. Inspection Photos ..................................................................................................................... 4
Stairwell R2 (collapsed between 2nd and 3rd floor) ..................................................................... 4
Stairwells R1/R3 ......................................................................................................................... 7
Stairwell F1 ................................................................................................................................. 8
Stairwell F2 ............................................................................................................................... 11
Location Map ............................................................................................................................ 13

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Stairwell Inspection Report

1. Summary of Inspection & Recommendations

The City of Fort Myers requested that HighSpans Engineering, Inc. perform an emergency
inspection of the five (5) concrete stairwells of the four-story building at 2825 Central Ave., Fort
Myers, FL 33901 “Sunrise Towers”. Sunrise Towers is a 90-unit apartment complex located
near the intersection of Central Ave. and Canal Street with five (5) stairwells and two (2)
elevators (one of which was functioning at the time of inspection).

The request for this inspection was made after the middle rear (labeled R2) staircase was
reported collapsed between the 2nd and 3rd floors. All five stairwells appear to be of similar
construction. The precast concrete staircase sections are supported on the concrete stairwell by
embedded steel plates. Reinforcing steel protrudes the precast staircases and is encased in the
cast-in-place (CIP) concrete landings. A construction joint between the precast staircases and
the CIP landing exists at all landings. Many of the construction joints exhibit some joint opening,
possibly due to shrinkage of the precast staircases, or other causes. Some of the joints exhibit
sealing or painting, but many of the joints were open some degree during the inspection.

It is HighSpans Engineering, Inc’s opinion that the staircase in stairwell R2 collapsed

due to corrosion of the support plates and reinforcement at or near the construction joint
between the staircase and the landing. See photos 1 thru 10. R2 stairwell should remain
closed until repairs are completed on all floors.

Stairwells R1 and R3 show cracks along the underside of the precast staircases; this may be
indicative of similar corrosion of the support plates and reinforcing steel (Photos 11, 14). It was
not immediately clear if this cracking is simply stucco cracking, or the underside of the joint
opening. Significant construction joint opening and spalling of the CIP floor was found (Photos
12, 14). The evidence found on R1 and R3 leads us to believe that a similar failure mode is
possible for these staircases. As such, HighSpans Engineering, Inc. recommends that
stairwells R1 and R2 be closed until further investigation and possible shoring (additional
support) of the staircases. A thorough investigation should be implemented and shoring, repair
or replacement details should be provided by a Florida Registered Professional Engineer.

The front stairwells, nearest Central Avenue, labeled F1, and F2 were also inspected. The
same construction joint detail exists on these stairwell, but evidence of imminent failure was not
immediately evident at these stairwells. Cracking was found around the handrail posts to
indicate corrosion is taking place. A small horizontal crack was seen at the CIP floor landing.
Also, a vertical offset was found at the top floor of stairwell F1 (Photo 27). This vertical offset
should be evaluated further to determine if it was constructed as such, or if the embedded
support plate is corroding and swelling, which could cause such an uplift. The state of F1/F2
stairwells at the time of inspection did not raise enough concern to recommend closing the
stairwells. HighSpans Engineering Inc. recommends that stairwells F1 and F2 undergo
thorough investigation to ascertain if a similar failure mode is under process and
appropriate repairs be designed by a Florida Registered Professional Engineer.

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2. Inspection Photos
Stairwell R2 (collapsed between 2nd and 3rd floor)

Photo 1 Photo 2

Photo 3 Photo 4

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Stairwell Inspection Report

Stairwell R2, cont.

Photo 5
Photo 6

Photo 7 Photo 8

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Stairwell R2, cont.

Photo 9

Photo 10

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Stairwells R1/R3

Photo 11 Photo 12

Photo 13 Photo 14

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Stairwell F1

Photo 15 Photo 16

Photo 18

Photo 17

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Stairwell F1, cont.

Photo 19 Photo 20

Photo 21 Photo 22

Photo 24
Photo 23

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Stairwell F1, cont.

Photo 25 Photo 26

Photo 27

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Stairwell F2

Photo 28 Photo 29

Photo 30
Photo 31

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Stairwell F2, cont.

Photo 32 Photo 33

Photo 34

Photo 35

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Location Map

Location Map and Stairwell Map

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