20185 E. Country Club Drive, Aventura, Florida 33180
 

STRUCTURAL INSPECTION REPORT ON: September 4, 2001

• Field observations :

1. Unit 1901: Observed 6-7 inches of cracked and spalled concrete along the slab edge. The area of spalled concrete is approximately 1x8x1/2" depth. The reinforcing bar was rusted and numerous cracks along the stucco and concrete were observed. See sketch attached for additional details.
2. Unit 1701: Observed a 14 inch x 2.5 inch of concrete spalled area with rusted and exposed rebar at the upper corner section.
3. Unit 1601: Observed several cracks along the concrete and stucco surface and signs of initial spalling
4. Unit 1406: Observed a +/- 30 inch x 1.5 inch corner spalling with exposed and rusted rebar. Cracks were also observed along both sides of the spalled area.
5. Unit 1405: Observed a six (6) inch spalled area. No visible reinforcing bars or rust was detected at this time.
6. Unit 1401: Observed a 21 inch x 3 inch concrete spalled area and complete shear failure. The reinforcing bars were rusted about 90 – 98% . The reinforcing bar exhibited flaking and peeling of the rusted steel which needs immediate repair.
7. Unit PH-1: Two areas of damage were observed. The first spalled area was found 18 –21 inches with 16 and 18" cracks x1/2" width on both sides of the spalling area. The reinforcing bar was rusted 70- 80 %. The second area exhibited several cracks approximately 24 inches in length
8. Unit 1006: Observed a large section of concrete slab that has been disintegrated and spalled measuring approximately 7 to 8 feet in length x3"x3" void along the slab edge. The rusted rebar was sagging a total length of approximately 6-7 feet x 3 inches deflection. Additionally, 2 cracks were observed on both sides propagating approximately 2-3 feet. This balcony and concrete needs immediate repair . See attached sketch and photos for additional details.
9. Unit 801: Observed an 8 inch x ¼" structural cracks along the balcony edge adjacent to kitchen.
10. Unit 705: Observed cracks measuring 6-8 feet x ¼" in thickness.
11. Unit 309: No visible cracks or concrete damage at this time.

Reference the attached 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 Architectural and Structural plans and visual observations of the building structure, we offer the following opinions:

1. Due to the nature of reinforcing bar having a cover of 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. 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 welded wire mesh 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 attached 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.

This report is made on the basis of what was visible and accessible at the time of inspection.

This report does not constitute a guarantee that there are no other deficiencies than those noted, or that additional problems will not occur in the future. Further, our Company and its employees assume no liability whatsoever as a result of this assessment and report.

We hope that you were satisfied with the quality and speed of service and hope that

you will give us the opportunity to work with you in correcting the above problems based on fast, innovative and quality engineering solutions.

If you require additional assistance with the above referenced project, we would be more than happy to provide you with our technical knowledge and professional experience.

• END OF REPORT

• INSPECTION LOG

Photos Taken @ 9:00 to 11:30 AM, Friday March 29, 2002

Photos Taken @ 9:00 to 11:30 AM, Thursday April 4, 2002

Photos Taken @ 9:00 to 11:30 AM, Wednesday April 10, 2002

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Last modified: 05/17/02