- Efflorescence.
Salt and calcium deposits leach out of concrete and masonry when water is introduced into cracks. While these cracks may not be visible to the naked eye, the white, powdery substance that appears (efflorescence) is a clear indicator of water intrusion undermining the integrity of the concrete.
Efflorescence and cracking along underside of balcony. - Cracking.
By the time cracks in concrete become visible to the naked eye, serious structural damage is present and immediate steps should be taken to address the deterioration. Because balconies typically sit above other balconies in structures with three or more floors, it’s a safe bet that the structures above and below are also being impacted as water runs through the cracks and flows downward.
Cracking in concrete is an indication of serious structural issues. - Delamination.
Caused by impact and stress, delamination is when the top layer of concrete pulls away from the material below. This can show up in small patch-like sections or larger sheets. You’ll want to catch and address these deteriorations as soon as they occur to avoid the potential for more widespread damage. If you see large areas of delamination, the structural integrity of the entire slab is at risk.
An example of concrete delamination. - Water Staining.
Water stains on your concrete balcony mean that water is dropping directly onto the slab. This usually means a water leak or run-off from the balcony above. If not addressed, the continuous flow of water will begin to work away at the concrete.
Water staining and efflorescence along the underside of balcony. - Spalling.
When small, pebble-like pieces appear in the concrete, it’s called spalling. Spalling shows up when the top layer of concrete erodes to show the aggregate below. This can occur due to stress or extreme temperatures and is one of the more serious issues that should be addressed as quickly as possible.
Evidence of concrete spalling.
Falls from heights and on a working surface are among the leading causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. In recent years, OSHA has updated its rule on Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems (OSHA 1910.27(b)(1)(i) to better protect workers from these hazards—clarifying standards and adding training and inspection requirements. This rule is closely tied to another OSHA regulation requiring that a leading edge 6 feet or more above a lower level be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems. To ensure worker safety and protect people and objects attached to the building from […]
Some structural engineering projects are just a little more interesting to work on than others. This was the case when K2N Crest was called in to evaluate flood damage impacting the foundational supports for a large water pipe crossing the ‘Iao River in Maui, Hawaii. The ‘Iao River flows through one of the state’s most beautiful parks. It is also the site where one of Hawaii’s bloodiest battles took place when Kamehameha I from the island of Hawai’i fought to unite the islands under his rule in 1790. There were so many slain from both armies during the battle at […]
“As our business continues to grow, we’ve increased staff to provide additional expertise in structural engineering and architectural design,” said Don Kimball, co-founder and President of K2N Crest. “Our most recent new hires allow K2N to continue to maintain high levels of service as we engage with a growing client base and participate in more expansive projects.” Kyle A. Cunningham attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned his Master of Architecture-Structures Option. He is an experienced project manager who previously provided asset and construction management support to a large, regional real estate development company. An engineer-in-training at K2N […]