Raising the Foundation: A Case of Resilience in Tucson Transport's Steel Building
Challenge
Introduction:
Amidst the bustling operations of Tucson Transport, a structural challenge emerged in the form of sinking supports and a cracked slab in one of its 2-bay steel buildings. The current property owner, considering a sale, faced the need for urgent repairs to the sinking cement slab, a task that required both precision and expertise.
Background:
The building, though robust in its metal structure, faced a critical issue – sinking supports leading to a noticeable 10-inch decline in the concrete slab. The owner, not the property owner but a prospective purchaser, recognized the urgency for intervention. Seeking a remedy, they reached out for a quote on lifting piers and repairing the damaged concrete.
Challenge:
The primary challenge was crystal clear – repair the sinking cement slab and address the underlying issues causing the structural distress. The prospect of purchasing the property added another layer of complexity, requiring a thorough assessment of the extent of stress and resultant damage to the floors and overall structure.
Solution
Objectives:
The objectives were twofold – repair the sinking slab and comprehensively assess the stress and damages within the facility. The data collection methods employed included:
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Locating stress or failure points within the premises, both inside and outside
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Visual inspection and recording of damages
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Creation of a floor plan based on a grid layout of survey points, noting elevations
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Comparative analysis of elevations against existing benchmark elevations
The Survey Report, based on these methods, provided suggested repair actions with estimated costs, giving the owner a comprehensive view of the required interventions.
Results:
The chosen solution involved the installation of 10 piers using PolyLEVEL foam over a specific area – 76'x35'x6', totaling a substantial 8000 pounds. This strategic placement of piers and the application of PolyLEVEL foam lifted and stabilized the sinking slab, effectively addressing the structural challenges.
Conclusion:
The culmination of efforts resulted in a stabilized and level foundation. The 10 piers, strategically installed and complemented by PolyLEVEL foam, not only lifted the slab but added an extra layer of protection. This comprehensive solution ensures not just a quick fix but a durable and resilient foundation for Tucson Transport's operations.
This case study underscores the importance of precise assessment, innovative solutions, and strategic implementation when faced with structural challenges. As Tucson Transport moves forward, they do so with the confidence that their steel building's foundation stands strong, ready for the demands of their dynamic operations.
