http://www.kirotv.com/mostpopular/16686572/detail.html
http://cbs3.com/local/deck.collapse.evesham.2.754419.html
http://www.wpri.com/global/story.asp?s=8540412
Looks like all 3 had the same problem, not attached to the building properly.* Now the inspectors are investigating.* A day late and a dollar short.
Now this is what I call a deck… or two!!
We’re used to 6x posts and 2x10 min for decks. Looks like 4 x 4 and 2x8 at most. Course it’s a ways off.
The upper decks… I’m not accustomed to see cantalevered joist’s anymore. They still do that there? Been a few decks and apartment walkways collapse with cantalevered joists. Even a great carpenter/builder has a hard time with bullet proofing the installation in several regards there. Moisture always seems to win over time. Can’t even remember if it used to be 1 in 3 or 1 in 4 for cantalever… who knows.
Interesting pic tho, thanks.
Tim
Tim, Those are 2X10 joists with 6X6 post on 16" sonar tube with big foot plastic footings 4 feet below grade with 2 4ft pieces of rebar connecting the footings to the tube. It took 25 bags of cement for each tube/footing.
The cantilevered decks are 2X10X18 with 6 feet extending out for the balconies. This project is a 24X32 ranch that I’m adding a second floor to. I hired a structural engineer to develop the framing plan. The cost for the engineering was $4200.00, not cheap but worth it. I’ll see if I have better pictures to post.
Is that tree being used as one of the deck post? 
Looks really close from the picture.
I miss New Hampshah ! Spent many a summer on lake winnisquam
Please note the common features or these, and other such stories.
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The deck detached from the house. Ledger board failure, not properly attached (should be threaded rods) or supported at the house side.
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In each case, there was a party going on. Large number of people, maybe some jumping. Exceeds the regular load factors.
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In our area, a while back, we had a rash of “deck collapses”. In each case, the “deck” was actually a back porch for an apartment building or condo. In each case, the porch (which is different from a deck) was over sized. Porches are for egress only and not designed, nor intended, for parties.
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Most of these accidents are caused by the owners not knowing these simple facts.
- Build it right.
- Have it designed by an SE, not just thrown together by some contractor.
- Don’t over build it. Size it right.
- If it is a porch, it’s a porch, not a deck.
- Best to have all decks supported by posts to the ground and not by ledger boards.
Hope this helps;