PROJECT OVERVIEW

Structure Evaluation Engineers, Inc. (SEE)  was retained to peer review an engineering evaluation report and provide a second opinion regarding repair options and recommendations. The parking garage is relatively a  new three-level precast parking garage with pre-topped double-T decks.  It provides  approximately 330 parking spaces for customers. The problems associated with the garage included concrete delamination, failed T-to-T joint sealants, failed expansion joints, differential elevation between adjacent double-T flanges, and high chloride levels for both elevated decks. 

The original evaluation report indicated that some of the double-T flange stainless steel connectors were failed along the welds. However, no explanation was given why they failed. Review of the construction documents revealed that the design of the roof deck was changed during the construction to allow emergency fire trucks over the roof deck. SEE found out that the same standard passenger-car flange connectors were specified and used for both roof and intermediate levels. We recommended contacting the original contractor to repair the connectors immediately and not to allow trucks over the roof until appropriate repairs are done. In the meantime, the ownership approved to proceed with other repairs that included improvement of surface drainage. 

SEE provided structural peer review and condition assessment, prepared the repaired bid documents for the parking garage, assisted the owner with bidding the project, and oversaw the construction.