Common Structural Deficiencies

No two buildings are alike which means that no two restoration projects are the same. Structural deficiencies vary based on building systems, construction type, location, and maintenance. Some common structural deficiencies observed on buildings in Southwest Florida are featured below. For more information, contact Crevalle Consulting, LLC.

Concrete Spalling

Spalling is caused by steel reinforcement deteriorating and pushing concrete away.

Spalling is repaired by removing unsound concrete, cleaning steel, coating with corrosion inhibitor, and placing new repair mortar.

Concrete Cracks

Cracks in concrete are caused from a variety of conditions ranging from shrinkage to design flaws.

Cracking observed in structural framing members could be serious. A structural engineer be contacted for an analysis of the condition.

Delaminated Stucco

Often difficult to see, delaminated stucco typically indicates moisture intrusion or deterioration of the substrate.

To be repaired and allow for evaluation of the substrate, the stucco must be removed and replaced to match the existing.

Broken Post Tension Tendon

In post tension buildings, post tension tendons are steel cables under 27,000 pounds of stress in the concrete slabs.
Because the tendons are steel, corrosion of the tendons is common, especially in older buildings.
Damage or failure of tendons, often causes them to fail and blow out of the side of the building. This is commonly the result of drilling into slabs without first locating the tendons.
Repair includes splicing a new end on the tendon and restressing, or replacing the tendon full length.

Differential Settlement

Improper compaction of soils during construction or varied loads on adjacent foundations can cause different parts of buildings to settle at different rates.

The most common indicator of differential settlement is cracking in finishes.

Repairs vary from monitoring cracks for signs of further settlement to mechanically stabilizing the foundations.

Wood Rot

Primarily caused by fungal growth in damp wood, rot reduces the structural capacity of the member.

Repairs typically consist of strengthening the member or full replacement.

Structural Steel Deterioration

Deterioration is caused by chemical reaction between steel and moisture, commonly known as rust .

Usually observed at column baseplates (bottom) or near the ground.

Repair consists of cleaning deterioration and coating the steel to protect it.

In cases of cross section loss, additional steel reinforcement or replacement of members may be necessary.

Construction or Design Defects

Improper construction or design practices can cause structural defects before they typically would be expected.

After a building analysis by a structural engineer, a Florida licensed, local general contractor with expertise in restoration should be hired to perform the work.

Common Marine Deficiencies

With a service life of approximately 50 years, many of Florida's aging seawalls are in need of repair, replacement, or strengthening. Sea level rise and a constant battering by storms may require repairs even sooner. Some common deficiencies observed on marine structures in Southwest Florida are featured below. For more information, contact Crevalle Consulting, LLC.

Washouts

Movement of the seawall panels or deterioration of filter fabric at panel joints during tidal fluctuations or rain events allows soil to wash out from behind the wall.

Repair includes installation of new filter fabric at panel joints or replacement of seawall depending on severity and other defects.

Cap Deterioration

Salt splash from waves and constant exposure to moisture often results in deterioration of the cap reinforcement leading to cracking, spalling, and failure of the tie-backs.

Repair of the cap can involve the removal and replacement of the cap or replacement of the entire seawall depending on other defects that may be present.

"Toe-Kick" Failure

"Toe-Kick" occurs when the toe (bottom) of the wall begins to kick away from the land side of the wall because it is not embedded far enough into the ground.

This condition worsens over time as the soil that resists the toe-kick is scoured away by tides and storms.

If identified early, a wall can be stabilized with piles or supplemental tie-backs, otherwise a new wall will need to be installed.

Tie-back Failure

There are several types of tie-back systems for seawalls, but deterioration of the tie-backs is typical in each system over time.

When the tie-backs begin to fail, the wall loses capacity and the top of the wall will start to fall out.

If identified early, a wall can be stabilized with piles or supplemental tie-backs, otherwise a new wall will need to be installed.

Panel Cracking

Deterioration of reinforcement in the panels, deficiencies in other components of the wall, or improper design of the panels can lead to cracking in concrete seawall panels.

It is critical that repairs be made to visible cracks in a timely manner to prevent worsening and potential replacement of the wall.