Structure Evaluation Engineers

South Commons
Parking Garages
Chicago, Illinois

SEE performed a structural evaluation of two parking garages at South Commons. Both parking garages are reinforced concrete structures. One has two levels with a total of 45,000 square feet of parking space, the other has three levels with a total of 105,000 square feet of parking space. SEE submitted a comprehensive investigative report that included our findings, conclusions, recommendations and construction cost estimates. Our client authorized SEE to monitor the parking garages until funds become available to repair them.

Wheaton Center
Evaluation of Parking Garages
Wheaton, Illinois

SEE performed a structural evaluation of three parking garages at the Wheaton Center. Total parking space for all three garages is approximately 270,000 square feet and total car capacity of 900. SEE performed a condition assessment, field and laboratory testing, structural analysis and prepared a comprehensive investigative report. The report addressed the problems and deficiencies associated with each parking garage and presented recommendations with cost estimates. The parking garages exhibited severe serviceability problems. A portion of one parking garage needed to be closed and shored until the necessary repairs were performed. At the request of our client, SEE prepared bid documents for phase-1 of the rehabilitation and provided field engineering services during construction.

West Suburban Hospital
Parking Garage
Oak Park, Illinois

SEE was hired to evaluate the existing condition of the post-tensioned tendons in the parking garage structure. The parking garage has four levels with a total of 240,000 square feet of parking space and total car capacity of 800. SEE reviewed six observation pits at the top of the floors and eight observation pits at the underside of the floor slabs to determine the corrosion protection system and evaluate the extent of deterioration. A comprehensive evaluation report was issued which included findings, conclusions, recommendations, and construction cost estimates. Next SEE prepared a complete set of bidding documents including drawings and specifications regarding the repairs required. Since substantial concrete repairs were required, SEE carefully highlighted areas where extra care was required around post tensioning cables and anchorages. SEE also performed contract administration and field engineering services throughout the phased repair program which included the replacement of up to 274 post tensioning cables.

City of Aurora
Police Station Parking Deck
Aurora, Illinois

SEE investigated Aurora Police Station Parking deck and prepared an investigative report. The report addressed why one year old repair patches were failing and recommended a repair program for the single tee post-tensioned slab. SEE engineered an innovative repair approach which allowed the installation of new slab tendons without replacing the slab. The city authorized SEE to prepare bid documents for all required repairs, waterproofing protection, upgrading lighting system and signage for the deck. SEE provided contract administration and oversaw construction work.

2020 Lincoln Park West
Rehabilitation of Recreation Deck
Chicago, Illinois

2020 Lincoln Park West Condominium Association contacted SEE when their recreation deck over parking garage was in need of rehabilitation. SEE performed an evaluation and determined that the tennis court playing surface, various waterproofing membranes on the entire deck, and tennis court lighting system had all reached the end of their useful life. Additionally, the perimeter fence supports around the tennis court had been bent out of alignment due to severe wind loads and under-strength connections. SEE prepared repair drawings and specifications to correct all of the problems associated with the deck including concrete repairs. Four tennis court covering options were specified as well as an entire new lighting system which was upgradeable for higher light intensity in the future. SEE also performed field engineering services during construction on behalf of the Condominium Association.

Wheaton Center
Feasibility Study
Wheaton, Illinois

SEE was retained to study the feasibility of converting the roof deck of the parking garage to additional parking space. The roof deck is approximately 36,000 square feet. We reviewed the available documents, performed a condition survey, studied a possible access ramp location and site conditions, performed structural calculations to determine the load carrying capacity of the roof deck, studied different parking layouts in order to maximize car space, and analyzed different construction techniques for the substructure and superstructure of the access ramp. A comprehensive feasibility report was issued that included the results of our study, recommendations, cost estimate, and parking layout drawing along with the proposed access ramp. One external access ramp and one internal access ramp were proposed and presented to our client to review and select.

2020 Lincoln Park West Condominium Association
Evaluation and Rehabilitation of Expansion Joint
Chicago, Illinois

Structure Evaluation Engineers, Inc. was retained to evaluate and rehabilitate the expansion joint between the parking deck and building. Concrete spalling along the joint was observed and was determined that the original design did not include adequate provision for sliding. Concrete spalling was so severe that the parking deck was shored along the joint until proper repairs were performed. SEE prepared repair details that allow movement via sliding bearing plates and brackets. SEE provided contract administration and oversaw the construction work.

The Salvation Army
Plaza Deck Rehabilitation
Des Plaines, Illinois

Structure Evaluation Engineers, Inc. was retained to evaluate plaza deck water infiltration at the Salvation Army Headquarters. Water was infiltrating through the plaza deck and underground tunnel between buildings. Previous repairs (i.e. epoxy injection) proved to be ineffective in stopping water leaks. The plaza deck consisted of 6-inch structural slab, buried waterproofing membrane, and exposed aggregate topping over occupied areas. The underground tunnel had the same waterproofing system as the plaza deck but four feet below a landscaped area. SEE prepared a comprehensive report that addressed the cause of water infiltration and provided two repair options with estimated construction cost. Our client chose a repair option which consisted of removing completely the existing system and replacing it with a new system that included architectural pavers. SEE prepared complete repair documents, obtained bids from contractors, and provided construction management services for the project. The actual construction cost was less than estimated cost by about one percent (1.0%).

Best Group, Inc.
Bridge No. 86-6 Inspection
Joliet, Illinois

When the Forest Service closed Bridge No. 86-6 due to concerns regarding deterioration, The Best Group, Inc. retained SEE to perform a bridge inspection. SEE reviewed previous repair information and visually evaluated all visible components of the bridge. Our evaluation followed the latest edition of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Bridge Inspection Report which provided our client with overall condition ratings for major categories of bridge components (i.e. bridge deck, railings, superstructure, paint, substructure, channel and abutment protection, and waterway) as well as specific element ratings for every single element of the bridge. Our final report included the completed IDOT Bridge Inspection Report, a plan view and typical cross section of the bridge, representative photos, conclusions, and recommendations sections that prioritized all recommended repairs. At the request of the Best Group, Inc., SEE also designed, prepared repair documents, and performed field engineering services for repairs which had to be done prior to reopening the bridge to traffic.

Zera Construction Company, Inc.
Shoring Design for O’Hare Plaza I
Chicago, Illinois

Structure Evaluation Engineers, Inc. was retained to design shoring for the O’Hare Plaza I South and West Driveway parking garage rehabilitation. SEE briefly reviewed construction documents and designed a shoring scheme that not only allowed performing concrete repairs to the parking deck effectively, but was also the most cost-effective shoring plan.