Structural engineer provides perspective on the recent Denver parking garage collapse incident

A parking garage collapse at Yosemite Street and Jefferson Avenue in southeast Denver has left residents and professionals questioning the structural integrity of the building and seeking answers about what went wrong. The incident, which occurred Monday afternoon, crushed two vehicles and disrupted nearby offices. While no injuries were reported, the collapse has prompted an urgent investigation into the cause of the structural failure.

Jennifer Burgess, whose car was one of two vehicles destroyed, described the experience as surreal. "It’s just my life... honestly", Burgess said. "The crazy things just seem to happen when you least expect it." Burgess added that she had retrieved an item from her car earlier that day, potentially avoiding a more dangerous situation. Despite the loss, she remains focused on staying positive, saying, "It’s just my life", with a laugh.

Securing the Scene and Next Steps

Corey Schrauben, a structural engineer with over a decade of experience in forensic analysis, explained the typical procedures that follow a structural collapse. Although not involved in the investigation of this specific incident, Schrauben provided insights into the complex process ahead. "For any investigation data evidence to collect, you really want to get the scene secured", he said.

Securing the site involves restricting access to unsafe areas and installing temporary supports, or shoring, to stabilize the structure. Contractors and city officials are working to stabilize the parking garage, and Denver’s Community Planning and Development department has issued an order requiring the building owner to obtain an emergency shoring permit. Once temporary stabilization is complete and inspected, individuals may be allowed to retrieve their vehicles.

Schrauben elaborated on the investigative process, which includes collecting evidence, analyzing the affected area, and testing materials such as concrete and reinforcing steel. "In the case of a collapse, the building had more load on it than it could handle in that moment", Schrauben explained. Investigators typically examine columns, beams, and surrounding floor systems to determine if the failure was isolated or indicative of widespread structural issues. Schrauben also emphasized the importance of reviewing the original design plans and ensuring they meet current building codes.

A Lengthy Process

The investigation could take months or even years, depending on the complexity of the collapse. In the meantime, the garage remains unsafe and inaccessible. Damaged vehicles are likely to be declared total losses, while undamaged ones may be retrieved once the site is deemed structurally sound. "Right now, obviously it's unusable, so everything within it is sort of held hostage until that's done", Schrauben said.

As the investigation unfolds, concerns also shift to potential liability. Schrauben noted that building owners typically carry insurance in such situations, and determining whether negligence played a role will be part of the inquiry. "There may or may not have been any negligence at any level", he said. "Sometimes accidents, unfortunately, just happen."

Maintenance and Structural Safety

Schrauben highlighted that ongoing maintenance is critical for structural safety, particularly for parking garages exposed to the elements. "Oftentimes, parking garages see a little less attention and a little less maintenance than your typical building that's occupied space", he explained.

While occurrences like this are dramatic, Schrauben reassured that collapses of this nature are rare. "No, not common at all, thankfully", he said, emphasizing the role of building codes and standards in ensuring safety during design and construction phases.

As the investigation continues, residents and workers affected by the collapse are left waiting for answers and a timeline for when they can access their vehicles or return to the adjacent office building. For now, officials remain focused on securing the site and determining the root cause of the failure.

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