PREPARED FOR:

MR. RUSSELL RAGSDALE

VERICLAIM, INC.
438 KATHERINE DRIVE, SUITE A
FLOWOOD, MISSISSIPPI 39232

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

251 DELTA LOOP
MOBILE, ALABAMA 36608
CLAIM NUMBER: 301782742030001
DONAN PROJECT NUMBER: 18-17070168-0

PREPARED BY:
DONAN ENGINEERING CO., INC.
12450 LAKE STATION PLACE
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 40299
800-482-5611
ALABAMA COA: CA-3559 E

SEPTEMBER 18, 2017

JONATHON J. WOODARD, P.E.

FORENSIC ENGINEER
ALABAMA P.E.: 32268
EXPIRES: DECEMBER 31, 2017
John G. Donan, Jr., P.E. CORRESPOND TO:
Chairman of the Board Donan Engineering Co., Inc.
12450 Lake Station Place
J. Lyle Donan, P.E. Louisville, Kentucky 40299
President, CEO
800-482-5611
502-267-6976 fax

September 18, 2017

Mr. Russell Ragsdale

VeriClaim, Inc.
438 Katherine Drive, Suite A
Flowood, Mississippi 39232

RE: University of South Alabama

251 Delta Loop
Mobile, Alabama 36608
Claim Number: 301782742030001
Donan Project Number: 18-17070168-0

Dear Mr. Ragsdale:

At your request, on August 17 and 28, 2017, a study was made on the
building at the above-referenced address. The purpose of the study was to
determine the origin and cause of the collapse of the football facility. Mr. Stan
Morrow, formerly with VeriClaim, was present on the first study and you were
present on the second study to point out areas of concern and to provide firsthand
information. This letter, with the enclosed photographs, is the report of my
findings and conclusions.

Description of Property

The building in question is on the University of South Alabama campus

(Figures 1 and 2). For purposes of this report, the building is considered to orient
such that the long axis is in the north-south direction, and the short axis is in the
east-west direction. The building is a single story, pre-manufactured steel-framed
structure built over concrete pedestals on pile caps with grade beams between the
caps. The building was under construction.
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
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Site Location
(prior to construction)

Figure 1: Aerial Photograph1

Figure 2: Site Conditions on July 23, 20172

1
Google Maps, https://www.google.com/maps (accessed 9/14/2017).
2
Photograph provided by Mr. Keith West, Administrative Captain with the University of South Alabama
Police Department.
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
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Background

The date of loss provided is Saturday, July 22, 2017, at around 2:15 pm.
Mr. Morrow reported that the contractor said he had stopped work for the day due
to storm activity in the area. He said the contractor reported hearing a strong wind
through the trees and shortly after a loud crash when the football facility collapsed.

Observations

The entire structural steel framework, including the primary rigid frame
rafters and columns and the accompanying secondary members, are felled. The
framing is displaced toward the south (Photograph 1). Construction vehicles,
unused construction materials, and other supplies are under the felled framing
(Photograph 2).

The rigid frame rafters and columns, endwall and sidewall girts, and the
roof purlins were installed on the north-half of the building (Photographs 3 and 4).
The sidewall portal frames were installed. The top member of the portal frames is
disconnected from the side members; the flanges are bent and the bolts are sheared
(Photographs 5 through 7).

Diagonal rod bracing is installed between the third and fourth rigid frame
columns from the north side of the building. Diagonal rod bracing is installed
between the third and fourth rigid frame rafters from the north side of the building
(Photographs 8 through 10). No other diagonal rod bracing is installed on the
building (Photographs 11 and 12). Bundles of rods are on site (Photograph 13).

The rigid frame rafters and columns, the east sidewall girts, and
approximately 50 percent (%) of the roof purlins are installed on the south-half of
the building (Photographs 14 and 15). The sidewall portal frames are installed.
The top member of the portal frames is disconnected from the side members; the
flanges are bent and the bolts are sheared (Photographs 16 and 17).

The majority of the anchor bolts are sheared, either above or below the base
plate of the rigid frame columns (Photograph 18). The majority of the concrete
pile caps are cracked, and some of the caps are fractured with the reinforcing steel
exposed (Photographs 19 and 20). The majority of the anchor bolts are sheared at
the base plate of the sidewall and endwall columns. Some of the column flanges
are sheared, and at least one anchor bolt is pulled out of the concrete pile cap
(Photographs 21 and 22).
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
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The on-site trailer, portable toilets, and miscellaneous construction

materials outside the wreckage are not displaced (Photograph 23). No nearby
trees are felled, and no tree limbs or other windborne debris is in the wreckage
(Photograph 24).

Research

Construction Drawings

The following construction drawings were obtained from the on-site trailer:
Outdoor Covered Football Pavilion, most recently dated January 30, 2017, by
Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc. (GMC Plans); Outdoor Covered Football
Pavilion, most recently dated May 10, 2017, by ACI Building Systems, LLC (ACI
Plans 1); Outdoor Covered Football Pavilion, most recently dated June 23, 2017,
by ACI Building Systems, LLC (ACI Plans 2); USA Outdoor Covered Football
Pavilion, most recently dated April 24, 2017, by Construction Materials (CM
Plans); and University of South Alabama, East Side Film Platform Steel Framing
Plan (two copies) and Stair 2 & 3 Plans, most recently dated June 20, 2017, by
Steel Tech, LLC (ST Plans 1-3). These plans will be retained with Donans
records.

Sheet S0.1, of the GMC Plans, notes that the main wind force resisting
system for this building consists of: rigid frame rafters and columns; in-plane roof
bracing; sidewall bracing; flange bracing for frame rafters; frame columns; and
endwall columns. Sheet S0.2 notes under Structural General Notes, General:

7. Contractor shall provide and maintain temporary bracing, shoring, guying,

etc. and other methods to prevent excessive stresses during construction.
These provisions are to remain in place until sufficient permanent members are
constructed to insure the safety of the structure.

Sheet CS 1 of 1, of the ACI Plans 2, notes under Contractor

Responsibilities:

In accordance with Sec. 7.10.3 of the latest edition of the AISC Code of
Standard Practice, temporary supports such as guys, braces, falsework, shoring,
and other elements necessary to safely erect the building system and prevent
structural and other damage to the building system shall be determined and
furnished by the erector. The structural building system provided by the MBM
is designed for service conditions in accordance with the building code. The
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
Page 5

contractor shall erect the system in a manner that insures that the loading
conditions on the structure during service are not exceeded in any part of the
structure throughout the erection process.

Sheets EP 1 through 27, of the ACI Plans 2, illustrate the erection plan for
the primary steel-framed structure. Of note, the plans indicate that diagonal rod
bracing is installed between the third and fourth, the fifth and sixth, and the
seventh and eight rigid frame columns and rafters from the north and south sides
of the building.

Weather Data

Historical weather data for the Mobile, Alabama, area were reviewed for
July 22, 2017, using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations
(NOAA) Storm Prediction Center (SPC).3 The SPC reports tornadoes, hail (i.e., 1
inch diameter and greater), and wind (i.e., 58 miles per hour [mph] and greater)
events throughout the continental United States. No wind events were reported on
July 22, 2017, at the subject location.

Additional wind data were obtained from Weather Underground.4 This

source reported sustained winds of 20 mph and gusts of 26 mph at weather station
KMOB, Mobile Regional Airport, on July 22, 2017. The winds were
predominately recorded from the south-southwest. This weather station is
approximately 3 miles west of the subject property.

Weather Report

A forensic meteorological investigation was performed by Mr. Zachary

Tamurian. A copy of Mr. Tamurians report is attached as Appendix A. The
purpose of Mr. Tamurians report was to determine whether the collapse of the
football facility was due to a weather conditions on July 22, 2017. Mr.
Tamurians report concludes that rotating winds from the northwest, at speeds of
at least 46 mph, occurred at the South Alabama football training facility on July
22, 2017.

3
NOAA Storm Prediction Center, http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/online/ (accessed 9/6/2017).
4
Weather Underground, https://www.wunderground.com/ (accessed 9/6/2017).
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
Page 6

Key Concepts

Collateral Indicators of Wind Damage

When damage occurs to a structure during high winds, there will be several
collateral indicators of damage to weak, non-structural components that are
attached to, or near, the structure. Objects susceptible to wind damage on or
around a building include television antennas, satellite dishes, unanchored air
conditioners, wooden fences, gutters, storage sheds, carports, and yard items. As
the wind velocity increases, vinyl siding, roof coverings, windows, and doors
become susceptible to wind damage.5 These and other non-structural
components on or around a building are inherently weak and will sustain damages
before the integrity of a structure is compromised.

Conclusions

The weather data indicates that a storm occurred on July 22, 2017, moving
toward the north-northeast, which is the opposite direction in which the football
facility fell. No severe weather reports were documented by the NOAA SPC. No
collateral indicators of wind damage, such as displaced equipment or felled trees,
were found at this site. Mr. Tamurians report identifies rotational winds at the
subject location on the date of loss, which corresponds to the direction of fall, but
the reported wind speed of 46 mph is not considered severe or damaging.

The construction of the football facility was incomplete on the reported

date of loss. Approximately one-sixth of the diagonal rod bracing in the sidewalls
and roof framing was installed, which is noted in the plans as being a component
of the, main wind force resisting system. It is the contractors responsibility to
provide adequate bracing to safely support the building during construction,
including wind loading from a non-damaging wind event. The absence of such
bracing is considered an installation error. The wind event which occurred on July
22, 2017, applied a lateral wind load to the north side of the incomplete structure.
In the absence of adequate lateral bracing, this load was not effectively transferred
through the structure, which resulted in failure of the north end framing. This
caused a domino effect whereby as the north end fell, it subsequently caused a
collapse of the remaining structure.

5
Building Damage Issues in Tornadoes by Tim Marshall, P.E.
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
Page 7

Based on the available information, the cause of the football facility

collapse is inadequate bracing during construction to prevent damage from
otherwise non-damaging winds. Computer modeling, outside the scope of this
report, can be used to determine the areas of highest stress under the applied wind
loads to help determine the mode of failure.

The football facility cannot be rebuilt, and the remnants of the steel framing
should be removed for salvage. The concrete pile caps can be repaired and reused.
The repair plan for the pile caps should be prepared by a qualified professional
engineer.

Summary of Conclusions

In summary, based on what is known at this time, I am of the opinion that:

Rotational winds occurred at the subject location on July 22, 2017, with
reported wind speeds of 46 mph, which is not considered severe or
damaging.

The cause of the football facility collapse is inadequate bracing during

construction to prevent damage from otherwise non-damaging winds.

Computer modeling, outside the scope of this report, can be used to

verify whether adequate bracing was provided during construction or
some other design flaw exists.

The football facility cannot be rebuilt, and the remnants of the steel
framing should be removed for salvage.

The concrete pile caps can be repaired and reused.

This report is based on relevant information known to Donan at the time the
report is issued. Donan reserves the right to amend or supplement this report if
additional relevant information becomes available.
VeriClaim, Inc.
Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
Page 8

We appreciate your confidence in our professional services.

Sincerely,

DONAN ENGINEERING CO., INC.

Jonathon J. Woodard, P.E.

Forensic Engineer
Alabama P.E.: 32268
Expires: December 31, 2017
Signed by: Jonathon Woodard
Date: 2017.09.18 11:53:24 --5
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
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Photograph 1: The entire structural steel framework, including the primary rigid frame rafters and
columns and the accompanying secondary members, are felled. The framing is
displaced toward the south.

Photograph 2: Construction vehicles, unused construction materials, and other supplies are under the
felled framing.
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
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Photograph 3: Overview of the north-half of the building (photograph taken by others).

Photograph 4: The sidewall girts are installed on the east side of the building.
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
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Photograph 5: The east sidewall portal frames are installed.

Photograph 6: The top member of the portal frames is disconnected from the side members; the
flanges are bent and the bolts are sheared.
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
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Photograph 7: The west sidewall portal frames are installed. The top member of the portal frame is
disconnected from the side members.

Photograph 8: Diagonal rod bracing is installed in the west sidewall, between the third and fourth
rigid frame columns from the north side of the building.
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
Page 13

Photograph 9: Diagonal rod bracing is installed between the third and fourth rigid frame rafters from
the north side of the building.

Photograph 10: Diagonal rod bracing is installed in the east sidewall, between the third and fourth rigid
frame columns from the north side of the building.
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
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Photograph 11: No diagonal rod bracing installed in the east sidewall at the south end of the building.

Photograph 12: No diagonal rod bracing installed in the rigid frame rafters on the south side of the
building.
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
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Photograph 13: Bundles of rods are on site.

Photograph 14: Overview of the south-half of the building (photograph taken by others).
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
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Photograph 15: The sidewall girts are installed on the east side of the building.

Photograph 16: The sidewall portal frames are installed.

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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
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Photograph 17: The top member of the portal frames is disconnected from the side members; the
flanges are bent and the bolts are sheared.

Photograph 18: The majority of the anchor bolts are sheared, either above or below the base plate of
the rigid frame columns.
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
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Photograph 19: The majority of the concrete pile caps are cracked.

Photograph 20: Some of the caps are fractured with the reinforcing steel exposed.
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
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Photograph 21: Some of the column base plates are sheared.

Photograph 22: At least one anchor bolt is pulled out of the concrete pile cap.
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September 18, 2017
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Photograph 23: A closer view of the missing anchor bolt.

Photograph 24: The on-site trailer, portable toilets, and miscellaneous construction materials outside the
wreckage are not displaced (photograph taken by others).
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Claim Number: 301782742030001
September 18, 2017
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Photograph 25: No nearby trees are felled, and no tree limbs or other windborne debris is in the wreckage
(photograph taken by others).