Project Type: Foundation, Evaluation, and Design.

The Vital Structure: 

Industrial Office Building Foundation Stabilization

Issue

Vital Structures was retained for design of stabilization repairs as a result of foundation cracks, displacement, and deterioration at a Fitchburg MA office building. Upon removal of interior wall finishes, the owner observed horizontal cracking in a reinforced concrete basement foundation wall and a failing concrete masonry pilaster, which prompted a comprehensive engineering evaluation.

localized area of water damaged roof framing

Diagnosis

Vital Structures performed an evaluation using destructive test cuts of the CMU pilaster, ground penetrating radar (GPR) location of foundation wall steel reinforcing, placement of crack monitors, and a Geotechnical investigation with soil borings. The evaluation concluded the following:

  • The CMU pilaster had been constructed using 4” and 12” hollow block to achieve a 16” square profile. Due to the narrow profile of the 4” blocks, combined with moisture infiltration, the 4” projection of the pilaster had failed and ‘lopped’ off of the wall.
  • Horizontal cracks in the foundation wall were noted to correspond directly with the greatest backfill height along the basement wall. Further, the groundwater table was found to be 4’-0” ± below the basement slab, and periodic vehicular surcharge (parking) is present at the exterior of the building in this area. An analysis of the foundation wall found that the wall was overstressed, confirming the horizontal cracks were related to flexural stress.

Our Solution

Vital Structures prepared design documents, solicited bids and performed construction administration services for the foundation repair project, including the following scope:

  • Placement of three (3) 12’-0” tall reinforced concrete buttress walls to aid with earth retaining forces in the foundation wall.
  • Replacement of the CMU pilaster with reinforced concrete pilaster, including temporary shoring to relieve first floor loads.
  • Self-consolidating concrete was used to replace the pilaster due to access constraints. Exterior shells of the masonry were able to be kept intact to avoid excavation and further exterior repairs.
  • Exterior masonry repairs were performed to limit moisture infiltration and deterioration of the CMU walls, including re-pointing, sealants, and targeted masonry coatings.

Evaluate. Guide. Revitalize.

Let's Do Something Vital Together!

“An Objective Expert We Could Trust”

We retained Vital Structures after finding our builder unwilling to help identify and rectify obvious bowing and waving to our accessory building.  The information provided by Vital was impressive as it was detailed and specific calling out nonconformance to building codes, industry standard construction practices and manufacturer specifications.  The reports were written in a way that was observational, with pictures and evidence.  Had we not hired an objective expert we would have been faced with serious structural problems unknown to layman.  The professionalism, expectation setting and follow-through on Vital Structures part was the due diligence we needed to protect ourselves in this endeavor.  It is well worth the time and expense to correct the issues in advance of accepting subpar construction.

Jeanne Pagani

Homeowner

“Vital Structures Has My Highest Recommendation.”

As the trustee for the Lois J. Lewis Trust, I contracted Vital Structures to oversee a project to evaluate and repair the foundation pilings of an 1880s lakefront cabin on Spofford Lake. The cabin’s piling foundations had deteriorated due to hillside erosion, age, and lack of maintenance. By the time Vital Structures took on our project, the foundation was close to failure.

David Morand, who oversaw the project, was professional, meticulous, and flexible,- offering several well-considered solutions to our problem. He and his team were involved from start to finish, readily available for updates, and on site to address any issues that arose. David was also instrumental in connecting us with a contractor who could meet our unique needs, given the limited access and difficult site conditions.

I can’t say enough good things about the way Vital Structures conducted the project and their professionalism throughout the process. They were a pleasure to work with.

Kenneth Betts

Trustee, The Lois J. Lewis Trust

“Vital provided invaluable assistance and made our buildings healthy again!”

Our Association hired Vital Structures to inspect our decks. David, Richard, and the rest of their team are very professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. As our relationship formed, Vital Structures became our Engineers of choice to develop a new design to replace all the decks in the Association.  Vital provided us with invaluable assistance in obtaining Contracting Bids, so we had verifiable Construction Company choices.  Once renovation began, Vital oversaw the project, holding Contractors accountable, ensuring construction was completed to our new design specifications and that the job was done correctly.  Everyone loves the new look and our buildings are becoming healthy again!

Mike Labrecque

Trustee, The Colonial Village

“A huge value to our business!”

We are a waterfront business operating in Provincetown for over fifty years. Vital Structures has been our valued “go-to” partner whenever we address issues relative to our building or property. Their comprehensive knowledge and ability to assess issues and provide solutions across the board is truly a unique expertise and of huge value to businesses like ours. They are service-oriented, extremely responsive, and know their business – and ours. Five-star excellence in all regards!

 

Jill Botway

Managing Director, The Boat Slip LLC

“Highly Recommended! “

Vital Structures llc has proven to be a top notch engineering firm. Beginning with a comprehensive and thorough review of the job scope, to the completion of a project with no details missed. All personnel involved with each project we have found to be excellent to work with and yet never willing to compromise details that would have any adverse effect on the project. Whenever unforeseen conditions arise, they are immediately back to the drawing board without any hesitation in order to keep the project moving. I would highly recommend Vital Structures llc for any structural or building envelope projects.

Brett Emery

Emery Construction LLC

“An Eye for Detail”

We have been working with David Morand of Vital Structures on a few different projects over the years.  We are completely impressed as he is professional, has an eye for detail, is very thorough, and always answers all our questions.  David & the Vital Structure’s team are very knowledgeable about the industry, very proactive with their approach, and always do a great job.  I would not hesitate to use David and his team on the future projects.

Laurie Ferrari

CEO, Peters Property Management
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