Problem A middle school in Denver, Colorado, utilized a pair of ice chiller thermal storage units (TSUs) for the school’s refrigeration and cooling needs. The units featured warning signs that stated if the TSU is unlevel, substantial damage and mal- function is likely to occur. To avoid this, each TSU was placed on flat, independent, reinforced concrete pads. This wasn’t enough. The school discovered that the supporting concrete slabs had settled and obstructed the TSUs’ connection lines in the process. It was of the upmost importance to the school district that the TSUs be functioning at capacity in time for the upcoming school year, so both TSUs were taken out of service for repairs. Analysis The TSU’s were located on top of weak, expansive soils. The dry weight of the TSU with it

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