Understanding the Risks of EV Fires in Parking Structures

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has brought about a significant shift in the transportation landscape. While EVs offer numerous benefits, such as reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency, they also present unique safety concerns, particularly in enclosed spaces like parking structures. One of the most pressing issues is the risk of fire. This blog post will delve into the factors that contribute to EV fires in parking structures and explore strategies to mitigate these risks.

Unique Fire Risks of EVs

Unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs rely on lithium-ion batteries, which are highly energy-dense. While these batteries offer excellent performance, they can also be prone to thermal runaway under certain conditions. If a battery cell becomes damaged or overheated, it can trigger a chain reaction, leading to a rapid increase in temperature and the release of flammable gases. This can result in a fire that is difficult to extinguish and can spread quickly in a confined space like a parking structure.

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Utilize the IEI Advantage!

We’ve been a trusted resource to some of the largest property owners and managers across the United States for over 25 years. 

Our passion is showing real estate professionals how to self-inspect their facilities in order to reduce repair and replacement costs and know when to call in an expert. Our engineers are glad to walk your facility, including parking structure inspection, let you know the condition, what and when repairs or replacement are necessary, and provide reports with construction costs and recommend quality contractors to perform the work. 

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Preventing Water Intrusion

To protect concrete structures from water intrusion, it is essential to take preventive measures. These may include:

• Proper design and construction: Ensuring that concrete structures are designed and constructed to be water-resistant, with adequate drainage and waterproofing measures.
• Regular inspections: Conducting regular inspections to identify and address any signs of water intrusion.
• Repairing cracks and joints: Promptly repairing any cracks or joints that may allow water to enter the structure.
• Applying water repellent sealers: Applying water repellent penetrating sealers makes the concrete surface hydrophobic which water absorption into the structure. 
• Improving drainage: Ensuring that the surrounding area is well-drained to prevent water from pooling around the foundation.

By understanding the risks posed by water intrusion and taking appropriate preventive measures, building owners and managers can help to protect their concrete structures and ensure their long-term durability.

Hiring engineering professionals to investigate water damage is key. Water intrusion engineers have modern technology like thermal imaging, and equipment to detect excessive moisture or mold spores in the air.

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Investing in a Dry Future

Water intrusion engineering is an investment in the longevity and safety of your building. By proactively addressing water issues, you can save money in the long run, ensure a healthy indoor environment, and extend the lifespan of your valuable property. So, if you suspect water intrusion in your building, don’t wait – contact a qualified structural and waterproofing engineer today.

The Mechanisms of Water Intrusion

Did you know that 40% of all building-related problems are due to water intrusion?

Most structural deterioration in buildings is due to water, and water intrusion accounts for a whopping 70% of construction litigation. 

Concrete is often considered impervious to the elements. However, water intrusion can pose a significant threat to the long-term integrity of concrete structures. Many water intrusion problems are attributable to human error including detailing, specifications, or installation, so it’s important as a building designer to carefully consider the right system for the conditions, compatible materials, the right prep work and surface preparation, and quality materials. 

There are several ways in which water can infiltrate concrete:

• Corrosion: When water and oxygen come into contact with reinforcing steel within concrete, it can cause corrosion. 
• Deterioration: The corrosion biproduct is 5 to 6 times the volume of the parent metal. As the reinforcement expands, it initially cracks then spalls the concrete cover. This coupled with the possible section loss of the reinforcement weakens the concrete structure which can lead to structural failure.
• Freeze-thaw cycles: Repeated freezing and thawing of water within concrete can cause it to deteriorate.

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Investing in a Dry Future

Water intrusion engineering is an investment in the longevity and safety of your building. By proactively addressing water issues, you can save money in the long run, ensure a healthy indoor environment, and extend the lifespan of your valuable property. So, if you suspect water intrusion in your building, don’t wait – contact a qualified structural and waterproofing engineer today.

The Importance of Regular Building Envelope Inspections

Regular building envelope inspections can identify potential problems early on, when they are less costly and complex to address. A thorough inspection should cover:   

• Roof condition: Check for leaks and damage.   
• Wall integrity: Inspect for cracks, water stains, and deterioration of exterior finishes.
• Window and door performance: Assess for air leaks, water infiltration, and operational issues.
• Foundation stability: Look for cracks, water seepage, and soil erosion.

The frequency of inspections depends on factors such as building age, climate, and materials. For older buildings or those in harsh environments, more frequent inspections may be necessary.

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Don’t Put off a Building Envelope Inspection! Schedule Today

Need a building envelope inspection you can rely on? We use the highest standards to determine the safety of your building. 

Every deficiency noted is analyzed to determine the root cause and severity. Most often this analysis is conducted during the inspection, and later documented.  Severity levels for deficiencies are classified as follows:

• Unsafe condition
• Requires repair/stabilization
• Ordinary maintenance

Our state-of-the-art techniques provide a very thorough condition assessment. The time to know the true extent of any deficiencies is now, not after the restoration contractor has started work – which would lead to change orders and damaged reputations. Contact us today!

Protecting Your Investment with Building Envelope Inspection

A building's envelope is its first line of defense against the elements. It encompasses the roof, walls, windows, and foundation, working tirelessly to protect the building's interior. 

Regular inspections are essential to maintain property value, energy efficiency, and occupant safety. But beyond these benefits, building envelope inspections also play a crucial role in mitigating liability.   

A piece of masonry falls off a building every three weeks. Unfortunately, it had to take serious injury, death, and property damage to cause 13 major cities to institute façade ordinances. Additionally, many major property owners have instituted their own façade inspection policies.

Understanding the Risks

Neglecting building envelope maintenance can lead to a cascade of problems, including:

• Water intrusion: This can cause structural damage, mold growth, and electrical hazards.   
• Energy loss: A compromised envelope allows heat to escape in winter and infiltrate in summer, increasing energy costs and reducing comfort.
• Safety hazards: Deteriorated components, such as loose masonry or failing windows, can pose risks to occupants and pedestrians.   

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Don’t Put off a Building Envelope Inspection! Schedule Today

Need a building envelope inspection you can rely on? We use the highest standards to determine the safety of your building. 

Every deficiency noted is analyzed to determine the root cause and severity. Most often this analysis is conducted during the inspection, and later documented.  Severity levels for deficiencies are classified as follows:

• Unsafe condition
• Requires repair/stabilization
• Ordinary maintenance

Our state-of-the-art techniques provide a very thorough condition assessment. The time to know the true extent of any deficiencies is now, not after the restoration contractor has started work – which would lead to change orders and damaged reputations. Contact us today!

Designing for Defense: The World of Blast Design Engineering

Imagine a security system that blends seamlessly with a building's design, deterring threats without sacrificing aesthetics. This is the realm of physical security design engineering, a field that merges engineering principles with risk assessment to create secure spaces.

Security threats come in many forms, from theft to vandalism to terrorism. Physical security design engineers conduct risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and design systems to mitigate them. This might involve blast-resistant walls for government buildings or secure storage cages for sensitive materials.

A prevailing myth about the Physical Security design process is that a consultant can begin their involvement with the project after 35% design of the project is complete. This is too late though, as by this time, sites have been selected and laid out, and the building structural and envelope systems have already been selected.

Risk assessment forms the basis for physical security and bomb blast design. Assets should be categorized and prioritized, threats should be identified regarding aggressors and potential tactics, and you must be aware of any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by these aggressors.

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Innovative Engineering Inc., Provides Blast Design Expertise

As technology evolves, so too does physical security design engineering. Integration with cyber security systems and the use of advanced surveillance techniques are becoming increasingly common. This field is constantly adapting to meet the ever-changing security landscape.

By combining engineering expertise with a keen understanding of security threats, physical security design engineers play a vital role in creating safe and secure environments for people and property.

We not only have in-depth knowledge of physical security and blast design criteria; we have access to interpretations and those who make them. Contact us today to learn more!

How Does Blast Design Minimize Damage?

We routinely conduct peer reviews of both structural and physical security designs on behalf of the federal government. A fundamental concept used in blast design is the Conservation of Energy Principal – energy cannot be created or destroyed. However, a blast can hit a building and transfer its energy, much like a bowling ball knocking down pins.

Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 04-010-01 identifies 21 standards that must be considered for physical security and blast design. 

These standards include but are not limited to standoff distances, unobstructed space, access roads, parking conditions, progressive collapse, and structural isolation. Standoff distance refers to the intentionally designed physical distance or means by which protection is integrated into facilities, personnel, or any other type of asset from a potential threat.

The UFC defines Progressive Collapse as “The spread of an initial local failure from building element to building element, eventually resulting in the collapse of an entire structure or a disproportionately large part of it.” Progressive Collapse can be prevented by adding redundancy and local hardening to the structural design of the building.

UFC 4-010-01 aim to reduce collateral damages and the scope and severity of mass casualties in buildings in the event of a terrorist attack. It encourages the use of cost effective, implementable, and enforceable means of protecting personnel if such an attack were to happen.

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We Provide Blast Design Expertise

As technology evolves, so too does physical security design engineering. Integration with cyber security systems and the use of advanced surveillance techniques are becoming increasingly common. This field is constantly adapting to meet the ever-changing security landscape.

By combining engineering expertise with a keen understanding of security threats, physical security design engineers play a vital role in creating safe and secure environments for people and property.

We not only have in-depth knowledge of physical security and blast design criteria; we have access to interpretations and those who make them. Contact us today to learn more!