Laboratory / Technical Building

Anomalies:

The following anomalies were observed during the site visit:

  • Infiltration on the slab soffit and walls.

  • Missing lateral roof flashing.

  • worn waterproofing membrane on the roof slab.

  • Poor sealing between the wall of the technical building and the roof of the pack hall.

  • Cracks on the 1st floor slab.

  • Large cracks along the walls.

Rehabilitation:

All anomalies listed above will be addressed as part of the rehabilitation.

Figure 3: Laboratory / Technical Building – Anomalies

Proceedings:

  1. The waterproofing membrane on the roof slab should be replaced. The Contractor must remove the existing waterproofing membrane and replace it with a new waterproofing system. The contractor must present beforehand the technical specifications of the waterproofing material he intends to use, for approval.

  2. The slab soffit and walls with signs of water infiltration are to be cleaned and were necessary, repaired. In places with severe signs of damage due to water infiltration, the integrity of the concrete shall be determined by testing the degree of corrosion of the steel reinforcement in the slab.

  3. A new lateral roof flashing must be installed where it is missing.

  4. The joint between the wall of the technical building and the roof of the pack hall allows the rainwater through therefore must be sealed with a proper sealant to be proposed by the Contractor. The affected wall is to be cleaned, possibly scarified and a new plaster and paint applied.

  5. From the visual inspection it is difficult to establish the exact cause of the cracking therefore a qualified laboratory should be appointed to perform tests such as soil compaction and concrete resistance to further investigate. This will allow for a more qualified opinion of the structural integrity and safety of the structure and the method of repair.

Recommendations:

It is recommended the use of an experienced laboratory to perform the tests such as LEM or similar approved by the structural engineer. The testing should be done as soon as possible to determine whether it is safe to keep using the space while the rehabilitation work do not start.