Decks at Tara Apartments closed after engineering firm's report

Friday, May 9, 2014 | 5:54 p.m. CDT; updated 7:02 p.m. CDT, Friday, May 9, 2014

COLUMBIA An engineering firm hired to evaluate all MU structures sent a letter to Larry Hubbard, director of campus facilities, in March to "strongly recommend" that access to the rear decks of all 16 buildings at Tara Apartments be closed off.

According to the letter, engineers from Trabue, Hansen and Hinshaw Inc. looked at the decks from the ground during its campuswide evaluation and noticed that the supporting beams had "lost some of their original capacity due to age and exposure to the elements."

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One deck was able to support three adult men, according to the letter, but there was enough "deflection" or give that the firm recommended sealing off the decks to allow time for further inspection.

The decks were sealed beginning March 21, per the firm's recommendation. An email sent to residents said engineers would evaluate the decks for signs of weathering, according to an email sent to Tara residents on March 20 that was forwarded to the Missourian.

The decks remained sealed as of Friday, and the university was still waiting for a final report from the firm, MU spokesman Christian Basi said.

The firmcompleted an inspection of buildings on campus after the University Village collapse in February.

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Decks at Tara Apartments closed after engineering firm's report