Politics & Government

Five Schools ID'd for Potential Snow and Ice Overloading

Consultant's report: Franklin Elementary, Flood Middle School, Bunnell High School, Eli Whitney and Wilcoxson Elementary schools were among those cited for potential roof overloads.

Several areas of potential roof overloading were identified to town officials in the written report from the Fairfield based consultant that was presented to town and school officials earlier in February.

Franklin Elementary, Flood Middle School, Bunnell High School, Eli Whitney and Wilcoxson Elementary schools were among the schools cited for potential overloads of snow and ice from the unprecedented winter weather the region has experienced this year.  Each location was earmarked for immediate attention at the time.

To read the full report, click on the PDF link at right under the picture thumbnails.

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In a seven-page report signed by Brendan O’Donnell, PE, senior engineer at Cuoco Structural Engineers of Fairfield, the consultants wrote, “Four samples were taken [at Franklin School] and weighed at various locations on the roof. The maximum load noted was 40 psf [pounds per square foot], the remainder of the samples averaged approximately 15 psf. 

“Our analysis of the roof framing based on original structural drawings indicated that drifting on the low roof at the north-west corner of the building would put the roof framing at near maximum capacity,” O’Donnell said, and this area was report to Stratford’s public works department for priority clearing.

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At Wilcoxson Elementary, seven samples were taken with “the average … on the low roof … approximately 22 psf.” 

“Our analysis of the roof framing [at Wilcoxson] based on original structural drawings indicated that the false framed roof installed over the gymnasium during the additions and alterations circa 1989 would be significantly overstressed when subjected to snow loading [of] 30 psf.” 

Therefore, the consultant said, “This area warrants additional investigation.” 

Another area cited for immediate public works attention was at Flood Middle School, where “eight samples were taken and weighed … A sample taken at a drift at the south west end of the building abutting the roof support the solar panels indicated a snow load of 57 psf. 

“Our analysis indicated that some beams supporting roof framing adjacent to the high roof where the solar panels are located were at or near [load weight bearing] capacity,” and this area was cited for immediate public works attention. 

At Bunnell High School, five samples were taken with “loads that varied from 9 psf and 46 spf.

“Significant drifting was noted at several locations on the roof … [and] based on original structural drawings … at two locations roof framing [at Bunnell] was at or near load bearing capacity. 

“Our office recommended that drifts be removed from this and all buildings, and that roof drains be cleared of snow, ice and debris.” 

At Eli Whitney Elementary, five samples were taken and the low roof was deemed OK. “Drifting was noted in the valley between the two ridges at the original building [and] structural drawings for this roof were unavailable. We recommend that the snow be removed and drains cleared.” 

At several schools, a complete analysis could not be determined due to a lack of original structural drawings. At Wooster Middle School, a maximum drift load of 37 psi was found in one location. “Original structural drawings were not available for this building,” the consultant wrote, although public work crews spent considerable time in mid-February at Wooster clearing roofs. 

So, too, at Stratford High, where a maximum load sample indicated a 43 psi reading. Like at Wooster, the consultant wrote, “Original structural drawings for this roof were limited and some areas could not be evaluated without a more thorough investigation of the existing structure.”

Meanwhile, the following schools were sampled and deemed well within the structural load bearing capacities, including:

  • Chapel Elementary (maximum 44 psf)
  • Lordship Elementary (maximum 40 psf)
  • Nichols Elementary (maximum 40 psf)
  • Second Hill Lane Elementary (average 21 psf)
  • Honeyspot House (minimal, already cleared by PW)
  • Johnson House (maximum 34 psf)

While the maximum load for those may seem relatively high, consultants took into the account the maximum load bearing capacity at each location as indicated by each building's architectural drawings.


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