rath Building Structural Assessment

JM Davidson Engineering, D.P.C. (JMD) was contracted by Popli Design Group to assist with the inspection, condition assessment, and construction administration of the basement parking garage level of the Rath Building in the City of Buffalo.  The Rath Building, located at 95 Franklin Street, houses the Erie County Executive’s office, Department of Public Works, Department of Motor Vehicles, and a number of other county departments.

JMD conducted hands-on inspections of the concrete throughout the parking garage, including all columns, beams, and slabs.  Hammer soundings, chain drags, and other assessment measures were used to determine the condition of the concrete and make recommendations for repairs.

The work performed included:

• Hands-on concrete inspection including hammering and chain dragging.
• Determination of areas of concrete cracking, spalling, delamination, etc.
• Documentation of the inspection including inspection sketches, photographs, and measurements.
• Preparation of schematic level defect mapping of the field inspection.
• Development of a destructive testing plan and oversight, including concrete cores and concrete encasement removal of select steel members.
• Assist Popli with construction administration as necessary.