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Structure relocation is the process of moving a structure from one location to another.It mainly involves two consecutive steps. They are disassembling and reassembling it at the required destination, or transporting it whole.
Relocation involves lifting and placing a structure on a wheeled vehicle to carry it to the new site. If enough space permits, it is possible to move the structure to another location on the same piece of property.
For moving the structure to another location, the building may be pushed on temporary rails or dollies if the distance is short. For long distance wheels such as flatbed carrier trucks are used. These moves can require the removal of extended parts of the building such as the chimney, as well as complications along the journey such as overhead cables and long trees.
Need:
Relocation is most suitable in areas where the flood conditions persists like:
- Deep water
- Short warning time (flash flooding)
- High flow velocity
- Wave action
- Significant quantity of debris in floodwaters
Overview of Procedure to Relocate the Structure:
First determine whether the structure can be raised and moved easily with available equipment or any new technique is required.
After that an acceptable route for transporting the structure is determined.To relocate the house first all the utilities should be disconnected. In addition to that house movers need at least 3 meters of space around the house for excavation in order to remove any trees and plants. Excavation around the foundation is done and cut openings are made.
Required size Steel beams according to the type of structure are inserted into these openings at clear spacing to bear the weight of the structure. The steel beams are leveled and shored.Then the hydraulic jacks are used to lift the structure.
Sliding beams are placed under the structure to pull it to the dollies which are connected to truck which will carry the structure to its new location.
When the destination is arrived, new foundation is laid according the structure and then the structure is lowered until then the structure is jacked up.Same bonding of the structure is continued after the structure is integrated with the new foundation.
Technical considerations
Structure type:
A single-story wood-frame structure is the easiest one to elevate and relocate. Basement foundation with a simple rectangular shape is also easier to relocate.
But Concrete, masonry, or brick structures require special attention so that the structure is not damaged during the process of the relocation. For a structure with wood-frame construction with a brick veneer, the brick could be removed and then reapplied once the relocation process is complete.
Structure condition:
Structures best suited for relocation are those in good condition. All structural members and connections must be able to withstand the stresses enacted when the structure is lifted and moved. A structure that is in poor condition, especially one that has been damaged by repeated or severe flooding, may need so much structural repair. Analysis of existing site and new site must be done to know the soil conditions.
Structure size:
Moving of large incoherent structures which are built of heavy materials needs special equipment to lift the structure and should be taken care.
Using structural relocation method, buildings of historical importance and high-cost buildings can be saved from demolition in order to re-use the existing site for other business.