- July 31, 2017
Remedial works to a building façade, including concrete spalling repair to cantilevered balcony slabs, installation of new windows and balustrading, by Strata Engineering Solutions in 2016. Property in Greenwich NSW.
PROBLEMS
Strata Engineering Solutions were engaged to remedy previous inferior quality repairs that had been carried out on this building and to address problems with the balustrade and windows. The previous repairs were undertaken along the outer edges of the balcony slabs.
Corrosion of the cast-in balustrade posts had caused oxidised jacking (rust burst) of the concrete, and the balustrade panels were asbestos, which required safe removal. The original existing windows were casement style, and upgrading them was recommended.
SOLUTIONS
Strata Engineering Solutions undertook an initial report to outline the problems and then produced tender documentation for the remediation of them. Taylors Building Solutions were awarded the contract and commenced work on the project in April 2016.
The contract for the proposed remedial works was drawn up by Strata Engineering Solutions, who acted as the Contract Superintendent, and oversaw the concrete spalling works on site.
Strata Engineering Solutions recorded the quantification of spalling repairs and issued site instructions where the additional direction was required by the contractor.
During the concrete spalling works, glass bottles were found in the concrete slab. They had been used to form voids for the placement of the balustrade posts. Honeycombing and patches of sand were also found within the slab. These issues had all been concealed beneath the slab topping and render, and were not evident until work commenced. They had contributed to the corrosion of the steelwork, necessitating extensive concrete repair in those areas.
The remedial works comprised the following:
1) Concrete spalling repairs to the balcony slabs.
2) Removal of the existing balustrade, and replacement using an aluminium balustrade system.
3) Re-waterproofing the concrete slab.
4) Removal of existing, and installation of new windows.
RESULTS
The aesthetics of the building were much improved by the installation of the new balustrade system and windows, and the removal of the asbestos provided a safer environment. The concrete repairs ensure that the balconies are now structurally sound and waterproof, improving the durability of the slabs.
These structural and aesthetic improvements to the building not only provide a better environment for the occupier, they have also increased the value of the property.
- Concrete Defects
- Facade Deterioration
