Poorly installed flashings and failed waterproof membranes have plagued the building industry for some time. GMB Structural are experienced in finding the root of these problems and overseeing their restoration.

Durability & Corrosion Assessment

It is not uncommon to find that older buildings are insufficiently protected from wet weather. The accumulation of moisture can cause steel reinforcements to become corroded, leading to concrete spalling, or “concrete cancer”. Concrete cancer can also come about from the use of sub-par concrete. This can not only be unsightly but can have adverse effects on the structural integrity of the building. Having dealt with this issue many times over, GMB Structural can efficiently identify the source and implement procedures to overcome and prevent its repeat.

Damage evaluation and recommendations for remedial works to ensure durability, including:

• Development of testing programs to check the effect of leakage on the durability of reinforced concrete
• Assessment of concrete substructures exposed to groundwater due to construction delays
• Comparison of refurbishment options to demolition and reconstruction

Development of repair solutions, including:

• Maintenance plans for old buildings with structural issues, including short and long-term repairs and safety measures
• Repair specifications and strategies that account for building use and access restrictions

GMB Structural provide damage evaluation and repair solutions for reinforced concrete that has suffered serious distress or deterioration, compromising the safety and serviceability of the structure.

We conduct a survey investigation and put forward recommendations on remedial works for:

• Fire, impact, or blast damage to steel or reinforced concrete structures
• Leakage and water ingress from ground water, roof, or podium decks into building basements and other underground substructure elements
• Raised water tables and capillary rise damage to basements, paving, and service infrastructure in recently developed areas of the built environment
• Cracking at expansion joints and bearing pad issues at movement joints in bridges and buildings
• Cracking and de-bonding of screeds on suspended or ground concrete slabs

We develop repair solutions and strategies for deteriorated reinforced concrete, including:

• Cementitious patch repair techniques, such as hand-applied mortar, spray concrete, and poured or pumped micro-concrete
• Repair of cracking in concrete block walls by surface sealing, injection grouting, and use of strengthening mesh, accessories, and joints/features
• Repair of leakage using crack injection and crystalline waterproofing products

GMB Structural also provide recommendations for precast concrete and stone cladding on buildings with safety issues that have arisen from corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement, cracking, movement, or other structural distress.

Additionally, we develop design criteria assumptions and advice for structural load testing to assure adequacy and integrity when information on structural materials is limited, all while supervising contractors throughout the repair process.

During demolition, excavation and construction, the use of heavy machinery and disruption of existing land and structures can sometimes affect the sturdiness of the site and its surroundings. To assess this impact, GMB Structural will carry out a dilapidation report on adjacent properties before and after the works have been completed.

This report will include notes, measurements, photos and diagrams that indicate the extent of damage to building’s structure.

Access to new information and technology has led to improved engineering methods and standards. This has allowed GMB Structural to implement restorative works to old and heritage buildings, whilst preserving the authenticity of the design. We’re proud to have prolonged the life of some of NSW’s most distinctive structures and have gathered invaluable learnings about historical design along the way.