22_0623_MS8_Bldg_Exist_Cond_Rpt.pdf

REPORT OF EXISTING CONDITIONS

MEDIC STATION 8, CITY OF PITTSBURGH

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

Summary Background Observations Findings and Recommendations

First Floor Ambulance Bay Slab Hose Tower Access Stair Base of First Floor Stair Concrete Driveway Slabs Concrete Foundation Walls General Exterior Maintenance

Conclusion

SUMMARY

H.F. Lenz Co. (HFL) provided onsite services for the purpose of performing a visual condition assessment of the structure located at 212 Walter Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

15210. The intent of our assessment is to determine if the building appears to be in a condition capable of supporting its intended use. More specifically, attention was given to the structural concrete floor slab supporting the medic response apparatus.

In general, the building appears to be in good condition and well maintained. Although there are no visible signs of eminent structural failure, we did identify several areas of concern and are described in the "Observations" portion of this report.

BACKGROUND

The original building is believed to have been constructed in the late 1920s (Record Drawings are dated 1928). The building is a two-story structure with a full basement. The first and second floors are constructed of concrete and tile encased steel girders respectively, with the girders spanning the short direction of the building. Cast-in-place concrete Tee beams with structural concrete slab on tile void forms span between the girders. The Hip roof is constructed of wood trusses supported by multi-wythe brick bearing walls on cast-in-place concrete foundation walls. The building façade is clay brick. The hose tower extends approximately a half story above the roof ridge and is also clad in brick.

It was noted the roof was replaced within the past few years and appears to be in very good condition.

OBSERVATIONS

A visual observation survey of the building located at 212 Walter Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15210 was performed on May 20, 2022. Overall the building is in good condition. The basement area houses the heating system boiler and hot water tank. As noted by onsite personnel, the basement area is not used by employees and is rarely accessed. The first floor includes the ambulance bay, Call Room/Lounge/Kitchen area and a restroom.

Except for slab concerns related to the ambulance bay, the first floor appears to be well maintained. The second floor includes a recreation area, two restrooms, lockers and miscellaneous spaces. The second-floor areas are well maintained and show no signs of structural movement or distress. Although the building is in good condition and well maintained, we identified and documented several areas in need of repair and are outlined as follows:

• First floor ambulance bay slab

• Hose Tower access stair

• Base of first floor stair to second floor

• Concrete driveway slabs on either side of overhead door

• Concrete foundation walls

• General exterior maintenance

The Findings and Recommendations portion of this report will detail information related to the outlined items above.

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

First Floor Ambulance Bay Slab: Based upon record drawings, which we were able to visually verify (dimensionally) during our site visit, the first-floor slab is constructed of cast-in-place concrete Tee beams. The Tee beams have 5-inch wide stems 8-inches deep and 3-inch thick flanges which make up the structural slab. Noting the existing Tee beam slab construction is parallel to the vehicle wheel loads and based upon our experience, we questioned the Tee beam slab's ability to support the vehicle weight due to the light construction of the existing slab assembly. It is noted there were no signs of structural deficiencies, only our observation of the existing slab construction. Having the dimensional details of the original slab construction and assuming the reinforcing noted on the record drawings is accurate, we performed a load analysis as related to supporting the ambulance weight, details of which were provided by the City of Pittsburgh. It is noted, we assumed concrete strength and reinforcing bar strength to be what was the standard of the era as this information was not provided on the record drawings available. Based upon our analysis, we find that the first slab span (the longest span in the ambulance bay) which is from the front of the building to the first girder and measures 10'-8"± between supports is approximately 30 percent overstressed in strength under the vehicle wheel loading. Of the three remaining slab spans in the ambulance bay, two are slightly overstressed but within acceptable limits and the last is not overstressed. Based upon our analysis results, we are recommending reinforcement via a steel post and beam arrangement of the first floor Tee beam slab span as depicted in the below sketch. Generally, the single beam overhangs the support post on either end and the beam should be braced to the slab via periodically spaced post installed anchors into the tile portion of the slab.

If the City of Pittsburgh elects to install the suggested reinforcement, H.F. Lenz Co. can provide the design, details and specifications necessary for installation.

Saw-Cut Saw-Cut

Tile Removal Area

Saw-Cut Saw-Cut

Tile Removal Area

After completion of the tile removal and concrete topping slab installation, the surface should be sealed.

Hose Tower Access Stair: During our site visit we entered the Hose Tower via a stair accessible from the second floor. During our assent, at approximately the fourth landing, it was noted that the wood framed floor and stairs were spongy, had signs of staining due to water infiltration, and the wood construction was delaminating and dry rotting. At this point our assent was halted for safety reasons. We recommend closure of the Hose Tower access stair until a complete structural testing and evaluation of the stair and landing framing can be performed which was beyond the scope of our services. Following are annotated photographs taken during our site visit:

Water Staining and

Rot

Fallen Wood Debris

Dry Rot and Wood Debris Dry Rot and Wood Debris

Water Stains, Dry Rot, and

Wood Damage

Water Stains, Dry Rot, and

Wood Damage

Base of First Floor Stair: The first-floor base of the second-floor access stair is deteriorated and a previous floor patch is cracked and dislocated which may present a tripping hazard. We recommend cleaning and repairing the stair metal base to ensure uniform bearing on the floor slab. The previous floor slab patch should be completely removed and patched with a non-shrink grout.

Deteriorated Stair Riser and Floor

Patch

Deteriorated Stair Riser and Floor

Patch

Concrete Driveway Slabs: The driveway slabs nearest the building on either side of the overhead door have settled and are directing water to the face of the building. These slabs should be raised by foam injection or replaced on new compacted subgrade material to direct water away from the building.

Settled Slabs Settled Slabs

Slab Settlement

Settlement

Settlement

Water Infiltration

Due to Settled Slabs

Above

Concrete Foundation Walls: Several areas of the concrete foundation walls have cracked.

These cracks allow water infiltration which will result in further damage due to freeze/thaw cycles, as well as, water entry into the basement. Some of the cracks can been seen from inside the basement area. We recommend cracks in concrete greater than 1/16" should be routed 1/4" X 1/4" and filled with non-sag sealant. Following are photographs of some of the concrete foundation wall cracks observed during our site visit:

Cracks Cracks

Cracks Cracks

Crack

General Exterior Maintenance: Several areas of exterior general maintenance were noted.

We recommend removing the growth around the building base perimeter and sealing to prevent water infiltration along the foundation walls. We also recommend removing growth between the driveway slabs and sealing the joints. The left (when viewed from the front) side of the building was not accessible due to vegetation growth. The vegetation should be cut back to allow air and sun light to dry the area.

Remove Growth and

Seal Joint

Growth and

Seal Joint

Remove Growth and

Seal Joint

Remove Growth and

Seal Joint

Cut Back Overgrowth

Remove Vines

Remove Vines

Vines

CONCLUSION

Based on the above observations, it is our opinion that the Medic Station 8 building is in good condition; however, considering the calculated overstress of a portion of the ambulance bay slab, the poor condition of the hose tower stair framing, and the water being directed to the front of the building, we classify the structure as "Critical issues, recommend course of action within one year".

With implementation of the above noted repairs and maintenance items, this building will have many years of reliable use.

We hope this information is useful in determining the next steps for this important project.

Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely, H.F. LENZ CO.

David A. Blackner, P.E.

Vice President