Project Type: Evaluation
The Vital Structure:
Concrete Electrical Vault Make-Safe Evaluation
Issue
Vital Structures was retained by a prominent Massachusetts University to perform a forensic evaluation of their existing, below grade electrical vaults. These vaults were reported to have significant deterioration of the existing cast-in-place concrete , precast and steel structures, respectively. The deterioration has resulted in spalled concrete, which has presented an overhead fall hazard for any staff who enter the confined space vaults. Therefore, Vital Structures was asked to visually review each of these vaults and provide a ‘make-safe’ design to the university, in an effort to protect staff and equipment within the vault.
Diagnosis
With the assistance of a qualified contractor, we entered each confined space vault to review the existing conditions. Upon initial review, it appeared to Vital Structures that the plaza deck above the vault was leaking water and de-icing salts onto the structure below. This has caused significant deterioration in areas.
During our review, it was noted that the overhead structure had some areas where loose, spalled concrete is falling from the roof structure. Additionally, we identified that there are several locations where the 13.8kV electrical lines within the vault are supported by hangers, which are fastened into spalled concrete. This presents an additional safety concern, which was flagged to the owners.
Result
As Vital Structures was only contracted for ‘make-safe’ design services, we provided the owners with a comprehensive drawing for each of the vaults, where we identify potential safety hazards related to the concrete structure. In addition to location of potential safety hazards, we provided them with recommendations for risk mitigation of the identified hazard