VAA was called in on behalf of a contractor to assist on a parking ramp under construction in North Dakota. The contractor had been notified by the owner to tear out the first four (40,000 sf) post-tensioned concrete pours due to nonconformance with project requirements. In coordination with the contractor, VAA prepared a comprehensive report presenting options to restore the durability and performance of the structure to a condition equivalent to the specified durability and level of performance.
Our team:
Reviewed the condition of the first four concrete slab pours
Assessed the structural capacity of these pours
Assessed the durability of the slab relative to the durability of the specified system
Developed a method of “restoration,” which provided the owner with a durability system equivalent to or better than the specified durability system
Guided the contractor in the implementation of the approved restoration
Worked with the contractor to demonstrate their ability to successfully place future concrete pours in accordance with the specifications by adjusting the concrete mix and placing and finishing techniques
By coordinating with the owner, contractor, material suppliers, and design engineers, VAA developed and monitored the plan that restored the durability of the first four pours and provided the owner with enough assurance of success that the contractor was able to proceed with the remainder of the construction.
The facilitation process included:
Modeling the proposed durability systems
Creating a maintenance program
Working with all parties to modify their construction techniques so they could proceed successfully
Evaluating and modifying the concrete mix to make the best use of local materials and producers
Modifying the placing and finishing techniques and proving them through the use of test pours
Presenting our findings to the owner and reestablishing the owner’s confidence in the contractor
The original contractor completed the ramp to the satisfaction of the owner.
