An analysis of the local carring capacity of an existing bearing wall building

This thesis seeks to examine an existing six story 1924 masonry apartment house and calculate precisely its load carrying capabilities in anticipation of the construction of an additional six stories above the existing.; Masonry construction in New York City multiple dwellings has long been an empirical practice, with wall locations dictated by architectural considerations and thicknesses by prescribed height/thickness ratios. Little or no consideration has been given to the stresses actually induced in the masonry.; This thesis will analyze these stresses through testing of the existing materials and examination of the existing conditions. It will also examine the effects of an addition that adds almost 75% more floor area to the existing structure, and recommend measures to reinforce the existing masonry to carry the proposed load.; A check of building records indicated that never in the past in New York City has a load-bearing masonry building of this scale been nearly doubled in height relying primarily upon the existing structure. This analysis and design for 203 West 90 Street represents an original concept that should have significant impact on the utilization of existing buildings in New York City.