5300 NE 24th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
 

STRUCTURAL INSPECTION REPORT : 

• Field observations :

1. Inspected the concrete walkway exterior slab measuring 5 feet in width and 5 inches in thickness.Found numerous top concrete spalling areas exposed rusted top mat steel bars .

Reference technical specifications titled: " Concrete slab repairs and spalling areas" for detailed procedures and technical information regarding the repair of the above units.

The contractor must submit his work schedule to the owner and engineer for approval prior to commencing repair work. Additionally, the contractor must apply for permits and submit a work plan in advance of the work schedule.

All work must be coordinated with the property manager and employ high standards of conduct to minimize tenant disturbance including but not limited to noise, dust, dirt and trash.

The work area and all access areas and elevators must be kept clean at all times, and advance work schedule must be submitted in writing prior to each days work.

All repair work must be inspected by the engineering staff prior, and during construction to insure compliance with the approved technical specifications and repair procedures.

1. Technical specifications for the repair of the spalled concrete and rusted steel in balconies.
2. A site assessment and evaluation of each unit including inspection, photos, and measurements for each damaged area.
3. Site on the job Inspection and monitoring of work performed by contractor to insure compliance with contract specifications for concrete repair.
4. Inspection of work in progress documented by a daily report of inspection and project photos.
5. Certified Inspection report containing materials used and adherence to project specifications, signed and sealed. ( Upon completion and approval of work)
6. Project photos containing damaged areas of the concrete slab
7. Detailed drawings

Based upon a review of the existing building condition based on visual observations of the building structure, we offer the following opinions:

1. Due to the nature of the top mat #5 reinforcing bar having a cover of 1/4" - ½ inch or less in some instances, the water being drained from the balcony surface is seeping around the slab edge into the concrete mass causing rust and oxidation to the reinforcing steel bars. The reinforcing bar is expanding in volume causing cracks and spalling to the concrete and stucco.
2. Due to the concrete cover being 1/4" or less, and due to the expansion and contraction thermal effects, the concrete top cover being so thin, caused cracks as a result of weak bond, therefore, compounded effect of spalling and cracking noticeable at the surface.
3. The cracks detected along the balcony slabs may also be due to compressive structural failure of the concrete slab and the following :

• The compressive strength of the concrete is below the design value as noted in the contract plans and specifications
• The reinforcement in the slab in the form of #5 @ 7-8" on center  may not be sufficient to resist tension as a result of dead and live loads
• Clearance to the reinforcing steel bars and water intrusion due to heavy rain fall and insufficient drainage provisions caused deterioration of the slab and spalling
• As a result of water seepage and since concrete slabs are porous and may not be sealed properly, water intrusion inside the concrete have rusted the rebars , causing expansion of concrete mass, cracking and loss in tension forces.
• Recommendations and Solutions:

We recommend immediate repairs to the damaged concrete and rusted steel elements as described herein above in accordance with the engineered technical specifications, South Florida Building Code, local codes and design sketches.

The contractor must employ competent workers to comply with "OSHA" requirements and maintain safe working conditions to all persons involved. All areas affected by construction and repairs must be sealed off and protected from falling debris and tools.

As illustrated above, the referenced buildings exhibited structural damage as well as water problems due to several factors listed. We recommend that immediate repairs and inspections be conducted as described in items above "Recommendations and Solutions".

The structural damage to the concrete balconies and water drainage problems must be corrected immediately to minimize further damage to the structure. Delay in desperately needed repairs will result in compounded additional cost which will be minimized upon proper and correct solutions.

• END OF REPORT

• INSPECTION LOG

Photos Taken @ 10:00 to 11:30 AM, Friday April 12, 2002

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Last modified: 05/17/02