1942 Concrete foundation wall - deterioration & a new lintel

[CELinOttawa]

Hello All,

I've asked a more detailed version of this over in Demolition & Renovation Engineering, but I wanted to get your opinions:

- How far do you push *knowing* the cause of a deterioration when it does not appear to have resulted in a dangerous condition?

- At what point do you involve the Authority Having Jurisdiction should a condition be left which is not currently but eventually will result in a dangerous condition?

Note: Other thread is

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=358139

Thanks.

 

[CELinOttawa]

No comment?

 

[msquared48]

If the deterioration is to an Architectural element, I leave it to the Architect, but if it is structural, then I would have to ask, why would you repair something only to have to repair it later? I try to find out the cause of that before repair, in general.

If it is a major structural issue affecting safety, if the owner did nothing after first a verbal, then a written comment from me, then I would go to the jurisdiction with a second written comment.

You see, the response depends on the situation.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[CELinOttawa]

Hello Mike,

Thanks for the comment. I agree with you, of course, and the owner is showing an excellent level of commitment to correcting this issue... It just got me thinking about where the line is.

So far I've narrowed the possibility down to Sulfate attack and Freeze-Thaw, with a lower chance but possible acid attack) based on the nature of the deterioration (paste and aggregate disintegration). It is most likely a mix of two or more deteriorative forces, and regardless would be arrested by getting the source of the water illiminated, which the Owner has fully committed to doing. They have quoted for external tanking work and a new weeping tile. That satisfies me...