• Project Type: Evaluation

 The Vital Structure: 

University Cooling Tower

Issue

Vital Structures was called for a general condition assessment for the main cooling tower system of a university campus steam generation plant. Cooling Towers are supported on a reinforced cast-in-place concrete frame structure on the roof of a 5-story academic building, with pre-cast concrete architectural panel siding.

The client has reported that the Cooling Tower was in need of renovation due to loss of efficiency, concerns of concrete section fall hazards, rust staining from structural components, failed coatings and worn waterproofing, and overall deterioration.

    Diagnosis

    A structural and building envelope review noted the following:

    • Corrosion of structural steel elements, including personnel walkway bar grating, fixed ladders, wall panel anchors and brackets, tension rod braces, pipe hangers and misc. metals.
    • Spalled and deteriorated concrete frame members, including corroded reinforcing steel.
    • Failed cooling tower basin coating system, resulting in exposure of the structural concrete roof deck to the cooling tower effluent.
    • Failed sealants, flashings, cooling tower panels, and miscellaneous cooling tower components.

     

     

     

    Solution

    Prepared engineering evaluation report with findings, included concrete petrographic analysis, chloride ion and carbonation testing, estimated repair quantities, and preliminary budget estimates.

    Engineered solutions recommended by Vital included:

    • Extending waterproofing systems onto vertical concrete masonry perimeter walls
    • Replacing of deflector panels
    • Repairing water collection sump grating and supports
    • Applying breathable coatings on elevated concrete
    • Replacing corroded tension rods/hardware
    • Creating a new upper tower access
    • Improving interior cooling media
    • Replacing precast panel structural anchor systems
    • Installing new high-performance basin waterproofing

    Have a vital structure that needs inspected?

     

    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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