How Do Sidewalk Vaults Present Potential Risk or Liability?

Sidewalk vault slabs constructed in the 19th century lacked the drainage and waterproofing details in use today. If waterproofing membranes were used, they were typically poorly installed and/or not easily maintained. They also did not allow for drainage at the membrane level. Decades of slow water migration into the slab resulted in freeze-thaw damage and corrosion of reinforcing and support steel. With the decline in usefulness, sidewalk vaults have been neglected to the point that their structural integrity is in question.

Additionally, in the 19th century sidewalk slabs were built prior to modern building codes and were intended to support pedestrians. Today’s building code sidewalk loading criteria is intended to support parked trucks.

Sidewalk vault degradation is commonly out of sight and out of mind. They are not subject to ordinances similar to those for building facades and fire escapes. Often, the unsafe conditions are discovered by accident or partial collapse thus exposing building owners to tremendous liability and significant cost.

What can you do to protect your property?

Consider hiring a structural engineering firm with expertise in failure analysis and experience in the evaluation of sidewalk vaults to perform a structural condition survey.

The structural engineer should provide a condition assessment report including:

• Findings and recommendations for remedial work
• Methods used to conduct the investigation
• Photographic documentation
• Cost estimates for making recommended repairs, and
• A professional engineering seal, signature, and date
• Depending on the results of the structural survey, the engineer should also provide engineered temporary and/or permanent shoring of sidewalk and basement walls (if needed) to support any surcharge loading requirements identified during the assessment. Temporary shoring is only a short-term alternative (band-aid) to alleviate the most immediate structural concerns, while allowing more time for the development of other permanent solutions

Read the full article on our website!

IEI Provides Expert Structural Engineering Analysis

Our engineers are experts in structural engineering failure analysis and have extensive experience with inspecting and analyzing sidewalk vault conditions. We typically recommend a phased approach consisting of a cursory condition assessment followed by other phases that may include closer examination, analysis, or improvements as necessary. In this manner, building owners are able to better control their expenditures, risk, and liability. Contact us today to learn more.

Maintaining Your Historic Building: Sidewalk Vaults

Have you ever wondered what would happen if a project in your neighborhood or on your street affected the stability of your building? You may not even realize your building has a stability issue, especially if it’s outside under the sidewalk! Out of sight, out of mind.

If your city’s public works department is working on a street project, it’s very likely your sidewalks will be affected. Sidewalk vaults are often overlooked during the maintenance phase, which could mean costly repairs for you.

What is a sidewalk vault?

Sidewalk vaults are a partial extension of a building’s basement under the adjacent sidewalk. They can extend up to and sometimes beyond the curb under the roadway. Introduced in the 19th century in urban areas, the vaults allowed access to utilities and delivery areas without entering the building.

Common sidewalk construction consisted of a 4″ topping slab or brick pavers on a waterproof membrane on a 4″ to 6″ structural slab spanning between steel or concrete beams or masonry arches. Before electricity, cast-iron and precast panels were fitted with glass lenses to allow daylight to reach otherwise dark vaults. Another common top consisted of 6″ to 8″ granite panels without waterproofing. Curbs were often faced with steel plate to protect them from vehicles parked on or driven over them.

Read the full article on our website!

IEI Provides Expert Structural Engineering Analysis

Our engineers are experts in structural engineering failure analysis and have extensive experience with inspecting and analyzing sidewalk vault conditions. We typically recommend a phased approach consisting of a cursory condition assessment followed by other phases that may include closer examination, analysis, or improvements as necessary. In this manner, building owners are able to better control their expenditures, risk, and liability. Contact us today to learn more.

How to Deal with Frozen Pipes in Your Building

Are you prepared to deal with frozen pipes in your building this winter?

Most buildings have preventative measures – such as insulation in exterior walls, attics, and crawl spaces – which do a good job of holding in the heat and protecting water pipes, but if you have extended periods of long-term cold weather or widespread power outages, your pipes could suffer.

Here are the basics:

• Water freezes at 32 degrees (Fahrenheit) or colder
• Pipes in 20 degrees or colder for prolonged periods will freeze
• Exterior pipes freeze much faster than internal pipes

Water expands 9% when it freezes. There is no stopping it, so it can burst pipes, fittings, and valves. If you live in the southern United States or a warmer climate where below-freezing temperatures occur infrequently, your business may be at a higher risk of a burst pipe.

Many commercial property owners have experienced this issue. To avoid sharing in their misfortune, it is imperative that you take the necessary steps to prevent your own water system from freezing.

Read how you can save your property from total loss on our website.

The IEI Advantage for Structural Engineering

Innovative Engineering Inc. has been a trusted structural engineering, waterproofing engineering, and restoration engineering 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, 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.

Contact us today to get a quote!

Avoid Costly Repairs with Water Intrusion Engineering

Have you scheduled an inspection of your facility yet this year? 

Don’t put off inspections, especially if your facility has experienced a high amount of rainfall this year, or if you’ve had water intrusion issues in the past! 

Some water damage is visible to the human eye (discolored walls and ceilings; cracking roof, peeling paint; warped and rotten wood on floors; mold growth), but structural damage inside your walls and floors are harder to spot.

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.

IEI specializes in water intrusion inspection and repair for parking structures. Water is the number one cause of parking structure deterioration. Water-saturated concrete can freeze, expand, and spall.

Combined with oxygen, water can also cause corrosion of the concrete reinforcing. Exposure to deicing salts accelerates this process. As reinforcing steel expands as it rusts, this process also leads to concrete spalling. Spalled concrete provides less cover or protection of the reinforcing which leads to further (and accelerated) deterioration if not repaired in a timely manner.

Read more about water intrusion engineering on our website.

The IEI Structural Engineering Advantage

Our engineers at IEI specialize in water intrusion engineering in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. If you suspect you have water damage, give us a call. We’ll walk through your property and let you know of any conditions that require immediate attention and what maintenance activities you can perform now to extend the life of your facility. 

Why Careers in Structural Engineering are in High Demand

Have you been considering a career in structural engineering?

If you’re looking for a career with a high level of problem solving and using cutting-edge technology, this field may be for you.

Not only do engineering careers provide stability for you and your family, but you’re working on challenging projects that solve problems for the community you live in. Structural engineers work on projects with long-lasting community impact and ensure buildings are safe and structurally-sound.

According to Newsweek, engineers are in high demand because “Engineers are highly valued not only for their problem-solving and innovative abilities, but also for their capacity to visualize the big picture and design and facilitate forward-thinking solutions – vital for the creation of a successful knowledge-based economy.”

Getting your foot in the door at a great structural engineering company can be intimidating and challenging. What should you look for in an engineering company before submitting your resume?

1. Relationships with the community – Does the company you’re considering have partnerships with local government officials, state and federal reviewing agencies, or local elected officials?
2. Professionalism – Look for a firm that always treats their clients and projects with respect and professionalism. A company that strives to maintain a good standing in the community and that has a great reputation is a good place to start. 

Learn more about looking for a career in structural engineering on our website!

A Growing Team at IEI

We are privately owned and don't have a board of directors to answer to which means we can run the firm for the benefit of all. There are not many firms that can say this. This being said, we are very selective when adding staff which has led to a very cohesive and supportive team of professionals.

We also offer internships for those still getting their education and who want first-hand experience in the field.

“My first few months at Innovative Engineering Inc. have been my most valuable college experience. I did not have any experience with structural engineering outside of the classroom but with the help of the engineers at Innovative Engineering, I have come to have an understanding of the basics. […] The engineers are more than happy to answer any questions throughout the day, but encouraged the use of the available resources as a first resort. Though intimidating at first, this is a very rewarding system as it allows you to learn about everything you’re doing and provides a sense of accomplishment after completing the task on your own.” – former intern at IEI

If you can picture yourself as part of the future leadership of this growing firm and would like to be a part of our team of professionals, please see the opportunities on our careers page!

Looking for a Career in Structural Engineering? Read This First

Getting your foot in the door at a great engineering company can be intimidating and challenging. What should you look for in an engineering company before submitting your resume?

1. Relationships with the community – Does the company you’re considering have partnerships with local government officials, state and federal reviewing agencies, or local elected officials?
2. Professionalism – Look for a firm that always treats their clients and projects with respect and professionalism. A company that strives to maintain a good standing in the community and that has a great reputation is a good place to start.
3. Track record – Great firms promote quality in the workplace with every project, no matter the size. Projects should be completed on time and on budget. Look for a strong track record of experienced firms that have been successful in working with local contractors and have a reputation of helping their clients over a long period of time.
4. Stability – If there’s a lot of employee turnover at the firm you’re interested in, that might be a red flag. Consider applying to firms that maintain their core team of engineers, architects, and surveyors.

Innovative Engineering Inc. is a trusted structural engineering resource of facility owners and managers of all sizes, including those with the nation’s largest real estate portfolios. Learn more on our website!

A Growing Team at IEI

We are privately owned and don't have a board of directors to answer to which means we can run the firm for the benefit of all. There are not many firms that can say this. This being said, we are very selective when adding staff which has led to a very cohesive and supportive team of professionals.

We also offer internships for those still getting their education and who want first-hand experience in the field.

“My first few months at Innovative Engineering Inc. have been my most valuable college experience. I did not have any experience with structural engineering outside of the classroom but with the help of the engineers at Innovative Engineering, I have come to have an understanding of the basics. […] The engineers are more than happy to answer any questions throughout the day, but encouraged the use of the available resources as a first resort. Though intimidating at first, this is a very rewarding system as it allows you to learn about everything you’re doing and provides a sense of accomplishment after completing the task on your own.” – former intern at IEI

If you can picture yourself as part of the future leadership of this growing firm and would like to be a part of our team of professionals, please see the opportunities on our careers page!