March 10, 1997
(Works, Services and Transportation)
Robb Engineering has provided additional information regarding
the tracking of buildings that were constructed with roof or
floor designs using "open web steel joists".
The joists in question were manufactured by Robb Engineering
of Amherst, Nova Scotia.
The department's initial concern focussed on buildings
constructed between 1975 and 1980 and was later expanded to
include the period from 1970 to 1985. Works, Services and
Transportation Minister Julie Bettney said: "The new
information confirms that Robb Engineering began fabricating open
web steel joists, with round web, double angle members, in early
1963."
"Based on this information and the advice of our
consultants, we are now recommending a structural evaluation in
all buildings with this type of open web steel joist, that were
constructed during the period 1963 to 1985. Special emphasis
should be placed on the quality of welding." Ms. Bettney
said.
This new information has already been conveyed to the school
boards, Department of Health, APEGN and Works, Services building
personnel.
The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists
approached government in late 1995 with respect to the integrity
of the open web steel joists made by Robb Engineering and since
that time, government has been engaged in a substantial endeavour
to correct this problem.
Contact: Barbara Harris, (709) 729-5884.
1997 03 10 &3160 |
10:45 a.m. |
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