Tornado Damage Assessment and Repair Design Case Study

Industry

Real Estate Development

Location

Round Rock, TX

Services Involved

Forensic engineering, structural assessment, repair design, damage evaluation, construction monitoring

Year

2022

The Assignment

Haag was engaged to perform a forensic structural assessment and design a repair plan for one of six commercial buildings impacted by a tornado in Round Rock, Texas.

The storm severely damaged a 300,000-square-foot tilt-up concrete structure, causing loss of approximately 30% of the roof deck and partial collapse of a supporting steel frame.

Haag’s scope included:

  • Evaluating the full extent of structural and envelope damage to determine repair feasibility.
  • Designing temporary stabilization measures to ensure safety and prevent progressive collapse.
  • Developing phased demolition and structural repair plans.
  • Collaborating with ownership and their insurance adjusters to validate the repair scope and cost.
Roof damage to Texas facility caused by tornado

The Approach

Haag’s forensic engineers started by conducting a detailed field investigation of the damaged structure. Our evaluation included documentation of all affected structural components and a review of original construction drawings to understand the original load path and connection details.

Key actions:

  • Designed and installed emergency shoring and bracing to stabilize partially collapsed framing.
  • Created a phased demolition and rebuild plan that minimized downtime for adjacent operational areas.
  • Engineered replacement of several primary load-bearing elements, including columns, girders, joists, and wall panels.
  • Provided ongoing engineering oversight during construction, conducted recurring site inspections and responded to contractor RFIs to maintain compliance with design intent and building codes.

This methodical approach delivered a repair plan that was technically sound, cost effective, and code compliant.

The Result

Haag’s forensic assessment and e accelerated repair plan shortened recovery by several months, allowing re-occupancy within six months of the tornado.

By aligning on scope and repair requirements, our coordination with the insurance team streamlined communication and helped facilitate a faster claim process. Haag delivered technical expertise and confidence at every stage of recovery.

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Expert Highlight

Ronny Lindsay, PE, STS-1

Ronny Lindsay is a licensed Professional Engineer and Forensic Engineer with Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company. With 19 years of structural engineering experience, Ronny specializes in forensic investigations and repair design for storm-damaged and compromised structures.

His expertise includes:

  • Structural damage assessment for commercial, municipal, historic, and residential buildings
  • Analysis of construction defects, water intrusion, roof failures, flooring damage, and foundation settlement
  • Engineering repair options and code-compliant reconstruction plans

Credentials:

  • Licensed Professional Engineer
  • Certified General Contractor (Florida)
  • Structural Specialist with Texas Task Force 2 Urban Search & Rescue
  • Fluent in Spanish
  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Florida International University

Ronny brings deep technical knowledge and hands-on experience to every forensic assessment and repair design project, helping clients recover quickly and confidently after catastrophic events.

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