Challenge

An educational institution required a structural evaluation of the precast building skin of three 11-story dormitories on campus because of structural integrity concerns with the precast panels of the buildings due to water filtration on panel connections. Hands-on inspection of the building exteriors was not an option due to the building height. The work had to be completed quickly due to the upcoming school schedule.

Solution

Valdes Architecture & Engineering (Valdes) used a UAS to capture high-resolution images and video footage of all three buildings. They prepared a pre-flight plan, obtained authorization to fly, and completed UAS flights, capturing nearly two hours of video footage during a single day mobilization. Upon completion of the UAS flights, the Valdes structural team reviewed footage to help determine imperfections in the precast panels, as well as around all joints for the panels. To minimize disruption on the inside of the dormitories, Valdes structural engineers utilized a borescope and looked at a sampling of connections through strategically placed small holes on the inside of the structures.

Impact

Valdes’ efforts resulted in a safe, quick approach to gathering the data needed to provide the necessary recommendations for repair. Valdes was able to perform detailed calculations to show that while many of the precast panels and their connections did have varying levels of deterioration and damage due to water infiltration, the panels on the structures were not in jeopardy of falling from the buildings and needed typical maintenance. This was an important result from the structural evaluation as it saved significant cost to the university and alleviated huge safety concerns.

Services

Structural

Laser Scanning & Surveying