Friday, April 9, 2010

Condition Survey

A condition survey is an examination of the building's structure for the purpose of identifying and defining areas of distress or deterioration. Recording the history of the building through past restoration projects will serve as the starting point for a new survey or for the 4o years recertification process required by state and local authorities.
To evaluate the present condition of the structures, engineers will follow a check list of items identifying the cause of the damage to the structure. The presence of settlement, deflection, expansion and contraction of concrete surfaces are in most cases the result of a failure or deterioration of one of the main components of reinforced concrete (Re-bar).
Beams, columns, and walls are commonly subject to strains and pressures. The poor surface conditions on these areas are an eminent threat to the safety and stability of the building. The presence of cracks, blisters, scaling, spalls (pop-outs on concrete), corrosion (rust stains), exposed reinforcement steel bars and moisture are common signs of a troubled structure. All of these conditions require special treatments since their origins are due to different causes; for example, a crack on a concrete slab could be a result of settlement (downward movement of a structure)or a deflection due to overweight (movement of a point on a structure usually measured as a linear displacement). It may also be a result of spalling concrete due to the oxidation of the reinforcement bar, especially when the structure is exposed to chlorides (Salty environment)

Saturday, December 5, 2009

CDRI

About Us

Carousel Development and Restoration, Inc. is a concrete restoration company specializing in, but not limited to, the repair of high-rise condominiums, parking garages, recreational decks, and historical buildings. Carousel has a history dating back three generations. Our key employees have 50 years experience combined, and 15 years experience or more individually. Carousel has had its headquarters in Delray Beach, Florida, since 1979. We are qualified by two licensed general contractors, which offers additional protection to our Clients. Carousel has successfully completed a substantial number of condominiums, government, industrial and institutional restoration projects. Through our commitment to our Clients, our product knowledge, and personnel training, Carousel has proudly become South one of South Florida’s largest locally owned Structural Restoration Contractor.

Terminology used in the restoration business

1) Spall- deteriorated concrete
2) Slab spall- spall on a deck or patio
3) Through spall- spall that goes completely through the slab
4) Overhead spall- spall on the ceiling
5) Rebar- steel located in a slab

Getting started with your contractor and what to know

1) A Structural engineer should be hired to evaluate your needs and guide you through the bidding process.
2) Make sure that any contractor hired is experienced, licenses, bonded and insured.
3) Generally speaking the work performed should come with a 5 year warranty.
4) Establish a funding plan between the Condominium Association and the Unit owners
5) For any questions and concerns contact between you and your contractor will be maintained through the Supervisor.


Basic Knowledge about Concrete Restoration
1) What is Concrete Repair, Restoration? It is the practice of fixing deteriorated concrete, as well as cleaning and applying a sealant to ensure future protection. If the damage is deep, the concrete will be removed and re-surfaced.
2) The most common reason for concrete repair and restoration is moisture. Moisture is the most damaging force to concrete. If you have cracked or damaged concrete, it is much easier for water to seep through and this causes further damage to the structure.
Basic Repairing Methods

1) Epoxy Coatings & Injection
2) Expansion Joints
3) Fiber Reinforced Polymers
4) High Pressure Washing
5) Penetrating Sealers
6) Post-Tension Cable Repair
7) Rout & Sealing
8) Shot Blasting
9) Urethane Foam Injection
10) Chemical Resistant Coatings
11) Cementitious Coatings
12) Concrete Repair / Maintenance