A commercial developer retained ZFI to evaluate a recently-completed cast-in-place parking structure that was exhibiting unusual cracking along the driving surfaces. Efflorescence and poor ride quality were also problematic for the young garage. ZFI performed several site visits and reviewed the original construction documents and contractor records to determine that the likely causation was a combination of design and construction problems.
Ultimately, litigation was pursued, and ZFI served as the owner’s structural engineering expert. ZFI directed non-destructive (GPR) and destructive (concrete coring) testing to aid in fact-finding and the continued evaluation of the structure, including obtaining petrographic evaluation of the concrete materials. Analytical evaluations of individual members and the overall structure (including multiple design methodologies, 3D modeling, and studies of multiple original design assumptions) were performed to identify and quantify the various design and construction deficiencies in the poorly performing structure due to a lack of original design calculations. Following that effort, repair and mitigation schemes were developed to mitigate various deficiencies.
We presented information to aid the owner in making decisions regarding the building’s remediation and future use. ZFI worked with estimators and contractors to help educate the client on various options that could be pursued and presented during the litigation proceedings. ZFI reviewed additional information and testimony obtained during discovery and also testified regarding our findings.