Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Repair concrete storm shelter?

We purchased an old building with a large storm shelter in the yard. The structure has been there for perhaps 60 or 70 years. It looks solid although the door has been removed. Where the door is removed the concrete has deteriorated to expose the aggregate and is very rough. Is there any way to determine if the structure is safe enough to go ahead with repairs and feel good about it? There are no cracks visible on the top of the shelter but the vertical walls have a few cracks between joints of the blocks. The shelter has approximately a foot of reinforced concrete on top.

maybell

well you deffinitley would not want a foot of concrete comming down on you so you would want to make sure the walls holding it up are sturdy, a quick way of telling if concrete is good is to hit it with a hammer if it makes a sharp ting noise its solid if it makes a thud its not, i would not trust this though its just a quick test. as long as none of the actuall blocks are cracked and its just the joints i would just apply a coat of parging to the block to damp proff it and maybe paint it on the outside after and on the inside i would put 4x4's in the middle and at the ends and put a jack post snuggly under them just like they do in mines just incase that concrete ever does let go sound like a cool project let us know how it goes

Thanks for the feedback. My thoughts were along the same lines as those you suggested. I don't think I would feel comfortable without something holding up that massive weight.

The shelter is on property we just purchased with an old stone schoolhouse. We love the place although most people think we are a bit crazy for trying to make it liveable. The sandstone building was built by the WPA , the exterior stone is 18" thick. The style is simple Prairie and the solidity of the place is incredible. It even has a name, Maybell, inscribed over the arch of the front door. I will surely have many more questions as we move forward.

Thanks,
Maybell

I would like to see pics. Sounds like a great homestead.