STRUCTURAL Receives ICRI Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STRUCTURAL Receives ICRI Award

HANOVER, MD (November 29, 2011) – STRUCTURAL – a Baltimore-based specialty-contracting firm that is committed to  sustaining and enhancing customers’ infrastructure with solutions that integrate technology, engineering and construction – recently received an “Award of Excellence” project award from the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI).

ICRI sponsors the annual awards program, now in its 19^th year, to recognize outstanding projects in the concrete repair industry. As the only organization dedicated to improving the quality of repair, restoration and protection of concrete and other structures, ICRI receives submittals for the competition from around the world. This year's awards were presented at a banquet held in conjunction with the ICRI Fall Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. STRUCTURAL was honored in the Parking Structure Category – receiving the Award of Excellence for the “Park Hudson Garage Restoration Using Preventative Maintenance.”

This four-story structure sits on the Palisade Cliff, which is a long bluff overlooking the Hudson River. Erected in the late 1960s, the structure stood 40 years with very minimal preventive maintenance. Several structural elements had reached the point of failure, including steel members and spalled concrete slabs. Severe corrosion and structural decay developed as a result of humidity from the nearby river, harsh weather and chlorides from deicing salts. The entire structure had been condemned and was not suitable for use. The location of the structure, however, made demolition of the existing structure and construction of a new garage logistically challenging. Instead, the engineer proposed replacing the deteriorated concrete and, in concert with STRUCTURAL, developed a plan to repair the garage. The scope developed for the project essentially represented a complete reconstruction.   

In order to combat the challenges this project posed, a plan was developed that included demolition and replacement of nearly 100,000 square feet of concrete, and the installation of a new structural steel framing, a traffic bearing water proof membrane, a sheet membrane waterproofing and asphalt. Additional work items included plumbing, masonry repairs at the stair tower, painting all steel members and the installation of new floor drains, fencing, guardrails, lighting and electrical work.

Throughout the project, several new and unexpected areas of concern were exposed that resulted in numerous scope changes and additions. Of these changes and additions, three were very significant – ramp replacement, interior steel replacement work and an increased scope for the stair tower. Changes involving the ramp included the complete replacement of the all steel framing at the ramp. Additional steel work included supplementary details to address extensive corrosion at the base plates and almost 3,000 linear feet of structural steel to replace existing steel framing at the interior levels. During the work on the stair tower, it was determined that the existing structure was not salvageable. Instead, all steel beams were replaced, as were the existing steel stairs, masonry, doors and the elevator.

Completed in 19 months, the Park Hudson Parking Garage project pulled the structure back from the brink of a possible complete structural failure. This project demonstrated how detailed planning, project management, and attention to safety to address several unique logistical challenges and a structure on the verge of collapse, can lead to a beautifully restored, fully functional structure.

About ICRI
With roots dating back to a meeting held in conjunction with the World of Concrete in 1988, the original organizing members sought to form an organization dedicated to improving the quality of concrete restoration, repair and protection through education of, and communication among, the members and those who use their services. The philosophy of the group was that if the quality of work improves, and purchasers of repair services feel that they are obtaining a durable product, the demand for their products and services would increase and the image of the concrete repair industry would be elevated. Initially it was intended to be an organization for contractors, however, the immediate interest of engineers, manufacturers and others in its formation and success made it obvious that it should be open to all. Today, ICRI publishes a bimonthly magazine and technical guidelines for concrete repair, as well as co-sponsors the World of Concrete. Local chapters provide regional networking opportunities.

About STRUCTURAL
STRUCTURAL is committed to sustaining and enhancing customers’ infrastructure with solutions that integrate technology, engineering and construction. For more information about STRUCTURAL, please visit www.structural.net or call (410) 850 7000 or 1-800- 899-1016