Florida Condo Collapse: Building's Pool Deck Did Not Comply With Codes

By Rick Martin First Posted: Jun 16, 2023 12:03 AM EDT

The Florida condo collapse resulted in the deaths of 98 people. Now, it was found that the building did not comply with building codes and standards.

The collapse was so tragic that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and President Joe Biden put their differences aside and worked together to help the victims. Recent development in the investigation reveals it was the fault of the people behind the Champlain Towers, which owned the South building that collapsed on June 24, 2021.

According to the Associated Press, inspectors from the National Institute of Standards and Technology reported during a regular meeting of the National Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee that the building's design was understrength. The inspectors also pointed out signs of corrosion and misplaced reinforcement.

The investigators also reported that there was "placement of heavier and additional plant containers on the deck than those in the original plans." These, plus other factors, led to "critically low margins against failure."

Investigations into the collapsed building are ongoing, even though two years have already passed and the victims have been buried. However, developers are now working to build a new structure where the building collapsed despite families of the victims calling to build a memorial instead.

Florida Condo Collapse Started With Pool Deck

In their "leading failure hypothesis" report, the National Institute of Standards and Technology investigators also found that the concrete columns and pool deck in the Champlain Towers South building did not meet building codes.

Glenn Bell, one of the investigation team's lead investigators, stated that it was clear that "the 12-story condo tower's pool deck and the columns supporting it weren't built strongly enough."

According to NPR, the team found problems with how the concrete was cast, which left it permeable to water. This made its steel reinforcement corrode. The rebar was also placed improperly into the cast concrete slabs of the pool deck, which left some sections weaker than required.

The final report is due for another two years, though families of those who died in the tragedy have already reached a $1 billion settlement last year.

Building Owner in Iowa Collapse Pleads Guilty to Civil Infraction

Meanwhile, as the Florida condo collapse investigations continue, the owner of the collapsed building in Iowa appeared in court after the city of Davenport fined him $300.

NBC News reported that Andrew Wold, who owns the collapsed six-story apartment building in downtown Davenport, was ordered to pay a $300 fine and $95 in court costs. While Wold himself was not present, his attorney entered a guilty plea.

While the fine seemed rather small, prosecutors stated it was necessary so Wold could not just transfer the property and avoid a demolition order.

While historic, the apartment building had been subject to tenant complaints. Much like the collapsed Florida condo, many believe that the buildings were also not up to code.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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