Project Type: Evaluation, Design

 The Vital Structure: 

Parking Garage and Loading Dock Renovation

Issue

 

Vital Structures was hired to perform an evaluation and design for repairs of the parking garage and loading dock driveway. The sixteen (16) story tower building, which was constructed circa 1970 includes an integral parking garage which occupies a portion of the overall floor plan of the building.  The four (4) level parking garage extends from the Lower Level to Level 4, with the entrance located through a large overhead door on Level 1 along Third Street. The parking garage structure consists of a two-way (waffle) cast-in-place, concrete structural slab system, with concrete columns and solid slab beams strips.  The garage includes centrally located ramps to provide two-way traffic access to all levels of the garage. The Owner reported deterioration of the waterproof traffic coating, locations of concrete spalling/cracking, sealant joint, and expansion joint deterioration.

Failed Existing Floor Slab Expansion Joint
Delaminated and Cracked Concrete Waffle Slab Rib.

Diagnosis

Our evaluation of the parking garage and loading dock driveway revealed cracked and spalled concrete waffle ribs, failed previous concrete spall repairs, concrete floor slab spalls, failure of traffic coatings and joint sealants, failure of floor slab expansion joints, and deteriorated floor drains. Failure of the floor coating in the loading dock area appeared to be caused by a steel wheeled garbage compactor, that was frequently rolled in and out of the trash room located inside the loading dock area.

 

 

 

Solution

Our design included removal of the existing traffic coatings down to the bare concrete substrate via hydro-demolition, removal of sealant and filler material from previous crack repairs, drains, control joints, and construction joints and expansion joint materials. Removal of existing deficient concrete via hydro-demolition and replacement of the existing floor drains & hardware were called for as well. Specified repairs included concrete spall repairs at horizontal surfaces, overhead locations, beams and columns, installation of new cementitious urethane flooring system within the Level 1 loading dock area, installation of new expansion joint systems in the parking deck, beams, and columns, installation of new hybrid epoxy urethane traffic coating system, and application of breathable acrylic waterproof coating at the slab undersides.

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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