INFORMATIONAL LETTER: 30

POLICY CODE: FE

TO: Superintendents of Schools

FROM: Susan A. Gendron, Commissioner

DATE: September 8, 2004

RE: Roof Collapse in New York Attributed to U-Shaped Steel Joists

On August 1, 2004, a roof collapsed at the Taft Elementary School in Washingtonville, New York. The collapse was attributed to a U-shaped steel joist used in schools between 1900 and 1950, but it may also have been used in buildings after 1960. The U-shaped joist is not a commonly used joist; however, Maine engineers have informed us that they are aware of a few instances of use in Maine.

An engineer could quickly determine from architectural drawings whether the school was constructed with the U-shaped bar joists. If drawings do not exist, a quick inspection would determine whether they are present. If a building is constructed with the U-shaped bar joists, the joists should be inspected on a periodic basis to assure that water has not leaked into the joist’s channel. If moisture is not present, the bar joist does not pose a risk.

I would encourage you to have an engineer inspect your buildings if there is a chance they have U-shaped bar joist construction. If you have any questions, please contact Scott Brown, Director of School Facilities, at 624-6883 or scott.brown@maine.gov What follows are links to several news articles on the roof collapse in New York.

Times Union – Albany New York – Collapse of school roof prompts warning

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?category=STATE&storyID=279774&BCCode=&newsdate=8/26/2004

WNBC – State Urges Inspections After School Roof Collapse

http://www.wnbc.com/education/3680112/detail.html

The Journal News – School districts inspect buildings after roof collapse

http://www.thejournalnews.com/newsroom/082604/a06w26schoolroof.html

CNN: Officials: School roof may be at risk

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/Northeast/08/30/schoolroof.collapse.ap/index.html

SG:klb