Structural Assessment, Building 4190, Fort Sam Houston Military Reservation, Texas

Summary

Structural assessment concerning observations made in June of 2005 at Building 4190, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Geo-Marine, Inc. (GMI), and its consultants, were asked to evaluate the structural and architectural conditions of the building, its integrity, and its potential for reuse in an administrative or similar function. This evaluation includes consideration of building code requirements, floor load requirements, accessibility, and the property’s historic status.

Investigations conducted by Mr. Freeman and Mr. Rickels describe the condition of Building 4190 as poor, with severe structural problems and a deteriorated roof. The concrete pier and beam foundation appears to be relatively stable, but it shows some differential movement due to soil conditions. Alternatively, the concrete slab floor, which floats independently within the framework of piers and beams, shows discernable and pronounced movement. Elevation variations are obvious. Although the slab is capable of supporting heavy storage loading (250 pounds per square foot), some portions of the slab propose difficulties to both office and forklift use. Noted deficiencies in the superstructure are few (although diagonal bracing is lacking), but the exterior skin (hollow clay tile with stucco) is in fair to poor condition.

Before the building can be used in a safe and secure manner, extensive rehabilitation is required, the nature of which may alter the historical architectural integrity of the building. Specifically, in order to reuse the building, the entire concrete floor slab (in excess of 85,000 square feet) along with the underlying fill must be removed and replaced. Exterior hollow clay tile walls also should be removed entirely and replaced with metal framing supporting rigid insulation board and clad in a membrane-type stucco system. Existing doors and windows should be removed, salvaged, and reinstalled in the walls. The roof structure should be the subject of additional diagonal bracing. Complete removal of the existing built-up roofing and associated flashing and replacement with a new metal roof is also required.

In conclusion, Building 4190 has a limited potential for reuse due to the extensive demolition required for rehabilitating it to a state of utility. In his report, Mr. Freeman details several options ranging from complete rehabilitation to demolition. It should be noted that this property is one of a series of warehouses associated Fort Sam Houston’s World War II-era history that have been determined eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Cultural Resource Office, Joint Base San Antonio

Repository(s): Fort Sam Houston

Prepared By(s): Geo-Marine, Inc.

Submitted To(s): Fort Sam Houston

Notes

General Note: The letter of correspondence used in distributing this assessment can be found in tDAR resource #402172. There also is an accompanying architectural assessment that is located in tDAR resource #440563.

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