Built in 1977, this property in Provo Utah consists of two twin masonry structures positioned on a gentle slope. The northern building drains to the north, while the southern building—showing the most distress—drains to the south. Both are exhibiting outward rotation along their west sides, most visibly through cracking and bulging in the masonry. At the northwest corner of the south structure, displacement exceeds half an inch and may approach a full inch in some areas, suggesting differential settlement beneath the footing.
The underlying issue appears to be inadequate drainage. Stormwater currently collects near the southwest corner of the south building and discharges into a blind sump of unknown capacity. This design likely allows water to saturate and weaken the bearing soil, undermining the footing and causing the observed rotation. The heavy masonry exterior amplifies the effect, as even minor soil loss can produce visible cracking and movement.
To address the problem, we recommend abandoning the existing sump system and rerouting a new drain line to daylight near the sidewalk on the west side of the lot. After drainage improvements are complete, structural monitoring devices should be installed at major crack locations and checked periodically for movement. If settlement continues, structural piers should be installed along the west side to restore full bearing and long-term stability.
