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Childress Engineering has had the unique experience of witnessing the evolution of San Francisco’s Millennium Tower. This towering structure holds the distinction of being the tallest residential building in the city. However, its fame extends beyond its height; it’s gained a somewhat infamous reputation due to its gradual settling, shifting, and leaning.
The issue has been so pervasive that a simple online search yields hundreds of results about the building’s instability, complete with striking footage. Efforts have been made to stabilize the structure, but they’ve often been met with further complications, leading to more media coverage and piquing public interest.
In the wake of these structural issues, several lawsuits were filed. Our team at Childress Engineering Services (CES) was brought on board to represent the manufacturer and supplier of the facade systems implicated in these suits.
Our task was to identify the root cause of the alleged problems. After thorough investigation, we determined that the issues had nothing to do with our client’s scope of work. This finding played a critical role in reaching a successful resolution for our client.
Working on the Millennium Tower case was a unique challenge, one that I’m proud to say we handled effectively. It stands as a testament to our commitment to finding solutions, no matter how complex the situation may be.
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The Childress Engineering team has been called in to lend our expertise on many intriguing cases, one of which was a multi-family structure with a hidden design flaw that went unnoticed for years. It wasn’t until the property was sold that the severe deterioration of the building was discovered, leading to a lawsuit. Our team was hired to investigate the cause of the damage. We spent weeks meticulously examining every detail and documenting our findings. Through our thorough investigation and the evidence we presented at trial, we were able to secure a 100% defense verdict for our client. This case was a testament to the power of diligent investigation and the pursuit of truth.
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The Wiltel Tower is a renowned architectural marvel, known for its beauty and grandeur. However, its reputation took a hit when it inexplicably collapsed one day. The Childress Engineering Team was called and we were there the very next day, part of a team tasked with investigating the cause of this catastrophic event.
Our team worked in conjunction with several other consultants. The original designers of the project were quick to label the incident as an “act of God” storm. However, we, at Childress Engineering Services (CES), along with our fellow consultants, were not easily convinced. Our collective efforts led us to the discovery of an installation defect, the true culprit behind the premature failure of the structure.
Digging deeper into the specifics, we found the error lay in the connection between the strut and the solar frame. A bolt, intended to be 1” in diameter, was utilized to connect these two components. To cut costs, the contractors had purchased a 1” piece of barb and used a machine to thread it, transforming it into a makeshift screw. This process, however, reduced the thickness of the bolt to a mere 5/8”, significantly compromising its strength.
This seemingly minor modification turned out to be a vital flaw. The bolt, now lacking in required strength, was unable to withstand the pressure and gave way, leading to the collapse of the entire structure. A simple cost-saving measure had resulted in catastrophic consequences.
In conclusion, the Wiltel Tower’s collapse served as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering strictly to design specifications and regulations. Cutting corners, especially in construction, can lead to severe, unforeseen consequences.
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1500 N Greenville Ave
Suite 1000
Richardson, TX 75081
Tel: (214) 451-6630
Fax: (214) 451-6631
