Building Management Hawaii - August/September 2012 - (Page 27)

Ask an Expert Shifting Soil By Jon Brandt Have a question about managing your property? Ask BMH. We’ll find an expert to answer your question: aimee@tradepublishing.com soil at various sites and do a series of tests. From the tests, it can determine if the soil is stable or if remediation work is needed. Anyway, there are several reasons why a soil report may be needed, but in this case it appears an environmental report would be more appropriate. In Hawaii, two of the most common soil issues involve expansive soils and unstable hillsides. Expansive soils are soils that swell a lot when they get wet and then shrink back as they dry out. This expansion and contraction actually moves dirt particles around. We’ve seen soil move up to 6 inches. The thing I find most interesting about this is that expansive soils can move portions of a building upward and other portions of the same building downward. It can be a slow process, but it can NEW Q: Our AOAO is working with the city to take over some land that is adjacent to our property. We won’t be building on the land and will only use it for landscaping. We think there used to be underground utility pipes, and we are concerned about the soil. Some of the board members have talked about getting a soil report. What is a soil report, and should we get one for the property? A: It seems to me that you’re concerned about contaminates in the soil from the underground pipes. So, I think the main thing you should check into is an environmental report, as it determines potential environmental hazards. A soil report typically doesn’t address contaminates—rather, it analyzes the soil’s structural capacity and stability. Geologists and field technicians take core samples of the result in major damage to buildings. The other issue we see a lot of is the unstable hillside. The major hillside problems that involve rock falls get the most press, but slow downward sliding hillsides are common in Hawaii. Many times the soil sliding is not very deep and buildings with footings several feet into the soil can withstand the movement. However, many wood-framed buildings are placed on concrete blocks set only a few inches into the soil. These tend to have a lot of movement as the soil carries the concrete block along with it. A soil report will usually have a repair recommendation for each soil problem. Since every project is different, the recommendation for each property is usually unique. So, as always, check with a design professional for your specific project. DON’T MISS THE AMAZING $ EVENT OLUTIONS . Neal Blaisdell Center Monday, August 27, 2012 3–7PM MEET TOP VENDORS WHO CAN ADD VALUE TO YOUR PROPERTY! Certified Hawaii and Hawaii First’s first annual Vendor Fair offers the rare opportunity to shop a wide variety of talented third-party partners hand-picked for their experience and track record. Strategically scheduled during the pre-budget season, this special event features more than 100 vendors showcasing the newest products, services and resources to help your community association save time and money. FREE 808.836.0911 certifiedhawaii.com Hosted by 808.531.5566 hawaiifirst.com ADMISSION, GREAT FOOD AND PRIZES! RSVP by August 24 at AssociaHawaii.com and double your chances of winning! www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com BMH August-September 2012 27 http://www.certifiedhawaii.com http://www.hawaiifirst.com http://www.AssociaHawaii.com http://www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Management Hawaii - August/September 2012

Cover August/September 2012
Contents
A New Way to Ride
Going up?
Let There Be Light
Be LED, But Not Astray
LED Illumination
Plumbing Claims
Corrosion Clean Out
Security FAQ’s
Security Checklist
Raising The Bar for Security Guards
On Site: Empowering Employees
Ask An Expert: Shifting Soil
Association Updates
Movers & Shakers
Industry News
Resource Guide: Plumbing & Wastewater Maintenance

Building Management Hawaii - August/September 2012

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