Excavation and shoring are critical construction activities that must be performed carefully to ensure the safety of every worker involved. Failure to properly excavate or shore an area can lead to damages to equipment and property, leading to disruptions to the construction schedule. More importantly, however, improper excavation and shoring can lead to a collapse that can cause serious injuries or even death.
What is a Wall Collapse?
A wall collapse is a type of structural failure that can occur when a wall is unable to support the load that is placed on it. A variety of factors can contribute to a wall collapse, including:
- Poor Drainage.
- Inadequate Foundation.
- Excessive Weight.
Poor Drainage
Improper drainage is one of the most common causes of wall collapses. When rainwater seeps into the ground around a foundation, it can slowly degrade the soil, causing it to become weaker and less stable. Over time, this can lead to the formation of cracks and voids in the foundation, which can eventually cause the wall to collapse. In addition, poor drainage can allow water to pool around a foundation, putting additional pressure on the walls and increasing the risk of collapse.
Inadequate Foundation
Without a solid foundation, a wall is much more susceptible to the forces of nature, such as wind and rain. An inadequate foundation can also cause the soil around the wall to shift, putting additional pressure on the structure.
Excessive Weight
When a wall is designed, it is engineered to support a certain amount of weight. This includes the weight of the materials used to build the wall, as well as any external loads that may be placed on the wall, such as snow or debris. When a wall is not designed properly or built using inferior materials, it is more likely to collapse under pressure. In some cases, excessive weight can even cause an otherwise sturdy wall to crumble.
Looking for a Construction Accident Attorney in Chicago?
Construction workers often put their lives on the line every day they go to work. They trust their employers to provide them with a safe working environment and to take the necessary precautions to protect them from accidents. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The construction accident attorneys at Anesi Ozmon have a long history of helping injured workers get the compensation they deserve.
If you have been injured in a construction accident due to another’s negligence, contact us today at (312) 779-6610 or fill out our form online!