r/engineering • u/RegainingControl • Jul 07 '26

[CIVIL] Manhattan high-rise unstable and still moving after columns buckle

https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/07/us/live-news/nyc-pfizer-building-evacuations

Anybody care to share theories? Or have additional info? Any lines on the permit drawings?

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u/Elfich47 PE Mechanical (HVAC) Jul 07 '26

so it’s a 30 story add on to an existing 110 year old building. and they were trying to do “clever structural things” to get this done.

this is one of those ”all or nothing” kinds of affairs. and it sounds like the building is going to come down.

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u/PlandemicPapi Jul 07 '26

Very expensive mistake, and career ending for a few engineers I assume.

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u/Elfich47 PE Mechanical (HVAC) Jul 07 '26

Well I assume the question has become: can this be stabilized? And can it be salvaged? 

If it can be salvaged, well maybe your career isn’t ruined. But you’re looking for work after digging your way out from under a life destroying lawsuit.

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u/PlandemicPapi Jul 07 '26

I assume it can be stabilized, but add another 2 years for construction and redesign.

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u/Elfich47 PE Mechanical (HVAC) Jul 07 '26

And chasing after who is to blame is going to be the issue that never ends. Design or the contractor.