South Lake Shore Drive in Chicago: Rebuilding a Deteriorated Plaza
PROBLEM
This building, located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, is designed with reinforced columns, beams and floor slabs. For several years, water had been leaking through the plaza foundation into the spaces below. The property was built in the early 1960s to house 640 units in two 28-story towers, which are joined by a large common corridor that houses the building’s administration offices. A 6,800 square foot ground floor plaza was built underneath the towers and over the indoor garage and basement. We were contacted to evaluate the conditions and remedy the water infiltration problem.
SOLUTION
Review previous repair reports and perform an extensive condition survey.
Perform water infiltration tests to identify the locations of the sources.
Perform invasive investigation openings at specific locations to gain knowledge of the construction.
Provide specifications and construction drawings for repairing the spalled structural concrete slab and replacing the damaged surface.
Coordinate the Electric Field Vector Mapping (EFVM) water investigation to confirm that the new membrane was not punctured during installation
Inspect the contractor’s work in progress to ensure conformance with specifications and drawings.
Prepare field reports and punch list, verify work item quantities, approve change orders, facilitate project communication, maintain project records, and coordinate construction meetings.
VALUE
US-BES investigated and performed water infiltration testing, developed repair specifications and drawings, performed bidding services and monitored the construction repairs. In addition, water infiltration testing was performed between construction repair processes to ensure new membrane was not damaged during the installation.
