Project Type: Evaluation, Design

The Vital Structure: 

Parking Garage, Limited Garage Repairs- Cambridge, MA

Issue

 

Multiple drain covers, and components were observed to be deteriorated or broken with exfoliation from drain interior surfaces resulting in approximately 1/16” to 1/8” section loss. Various concrete surface spalls and wearing coating systems were observed throughout the garage with several areas of rusted/deteriorated galvanized steel deck. The garage traffic coating was also due for replacement in highly trafficked areas on Levels P1 through P3; specifically at drive lanes and turning areas.

Existing drain surfaces were rusted and deteriorated with dirt and debris built up within drain bowl

Diagnosis

The drains throughout the parking garage exhibited failed sealants, corrosion and perimeter concrete deterioration. Debris and sediment within the drain bowl resulted in standing water within the bowls and failed standpipe clamps with deteriorated sealant joints resulted rusted and exfoliated conditions on the metal deck and drainpipes

 

 

 

Solution

Vital Structures developed design documents to replace drains with new cast iron traffic drains, new steel reinforced cast-in-place concrete encasements and heavy-duty traffic coating system for drive lanes. Vital Structures provided the following services:

  • Conducted visual evaluation with destructive test cuts to identify extents of drain deterioration/damage.
  • Determine limited systems repair options with summary evaluation report.
  • Prepared design documents including bid forms, general and supplemental conditions, technical specifications, typical repair/replacement details and technical notes.
  • Provided bid assistance to BMR based on a list of qualified, licensed, and insured contractors.
  • Revised submittals and shop drawings.
  • Provided construction administration services and a punch list review.

 

Result

The design for new cast iron drain bowl with sediment catcher eliminated debris buildup within the drain bowl. New cast-in-place concrete encasement with steel reinforcement and hydrophilic water stops around the drain bowl topped with heavy duty traffic coating system provided watertight system and eliminated water infiltration into concrete substrate.

Drain repairs were completed in 2020 in the first year of a five-year phased coating replacement project. Traffic coatings have since been completed in a targeted approach, and are expected to continue through 2024.

Extensive concrete repairs, including full-depth repairs, were required in drive lane areas due to moisture infiltration and minimal concrete cover around reinforcing steel. Hydro-demolition was selected to ensure 100% removal of the existing traffic 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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