Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the structural issues of the Millennium Tower in San Francisco, particularly its unexpected sinking and leaning. Participants explore the implications of these developments, including potential risks during seismic events and the adequacy of prior engineering assessments. The conversation touches on both theoretical and practical aspects of structural engineering and geotechnical considerations.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants note that the Millennium Tower has settled 1 inch in three months, which exceeds the predicted rate of settling over a year, raising concerns about its stability.
- There is mention of the tower leaning 22 inches from vertical at the top, which some participants find alarming.
- Concerns are expressed about the potential consequences of the tower toppling, particularly in the event of a significant earthquake, with references to possible liquefaction of the ground.
- Participants discuss the lack of a geotechnical review prior to the construction of the tower, suggesting that this oversight may have contributed to the current issues.
- Some participants emphasize the importance of understanding both structural and geotechnical engineering in the context of such projects.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express significant concern about the stability of the Millennium Tower and the potential risks associated with its leaning. However, there is no consensus on the adequacy of the engineering reviews conducted prior to its construction, nor on the best course of action moving forward.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights limitations in the engineering assessments related to the site conditions, specifically the absence of a geotechnical review, which some participants argue is fundamental to the project's success.
