WGI and Apogee collaborated on structural repairs for the VA Medical Center Garage A, located in Durham, North Carolina. The work scope included an engineering assessment of the overall garage, structural analysis, preparation of construction documents, and construction administration. 

During the engineering assessment, several of the post-tensioned cables (main slab reinforcing) on the garage’s top level were either damaged or broken due to the low concrete cover provided during the original construction of the garage. 

The repair approach consisted of exposing and repairing all the damaged or broken post-tensioned cables. In addition, a one-inch removal of the existing structural slab was completed on the top level of the deck at areas with low concrete cover. A micro-silica overlay was installed in the areas where the 1-inch removal occurred. The overall thickness of the overlay varies between one and three inches. The one-inch concrete removal limits the additional dead load from the new overlay and increases the new overlay’s bond strength. The new micro-silica overlay will address the low concrete cover and increase the garage’s long-term durability. 

Project Highlights 

• Engineering assessment
• Garage repair of broken post-tensioned cables and concrete overlay 
• Maintain garage occupancy