YA Group was asked to investigate a $12 million claim involving a newly constructed, 1,000-space parking garage. The concrete contractor was responsible for both manufacturing and installation – there were allegations of widespread cracking throughout the four-story structure. Field observations confirmed the plaintiff’s claim: there was cracking evidenced throughout the four stories, especially in the garage’s spandrels. The impact of these cracks is that they allow for the accumulation of water inside the concrete wherein rust can wear away at the rebar and other steel underpinnings, thus impacting the structural integrity of the entire garage.
Initial evaluations argued that the only viable remedy was a full teardown and reconstruction of the garage. YA Group assessed the validity of these claims to help determine a technically sound and financially responsible path forward.
Challenge Overview
Evaluating structural defects in a large concrete parking facility requires highly specialized forensic expertise. The project’s complexity stemmed from the nature and extent of cracking observed in critical areas, including the garage’s spandrels. Such cracking can allow moisture intrusion, leading to corrosion of the rebar and ultimately jeopardizing the structural integrity of the entire facility.
After inspection, it was discovered that the allegations of structural defects also included decorative fiber-cement panels on the facility’s exterior. As these panels are decorative, there was no structural issue; only an adjustment to the attachment method was needed.
Beyond determining the cause, the team faced strategic challenges: the initial position assumed catastrophic failure and demanded a costly rebuild, while the contractor risked significant liability if the issues were found to result from improper pouring or curing processes. Any recommended path forward needed to balance technical accuracy, legal considerations, cost realities, and the safety of future users.
YA Group’s Area of Impact
YA mobilized a multidisciplinary construction defect team to conduct a comprehensive on-site investigation. Our analysis confirmed the presence of widespread cracking and determined that the damage could be effectively addressed without full reconstruction.
YA advised our counsel on a strategic approach that acknowledged potential contributing factors while focusing on remediation rather than replacement. Working collaboratively with concrete restoration specialists, YA’s engineers developed a targeted repair strategy that addressed structural concerns at approximately 10% of the initial demand.
This approach provided all parties with a clear, technically justified alternative solution that preserved structural performance, minimized cost, and significantly reduced legal exposure.
Through disciplined investigation, engineering precision, and strategic collaboration, YA Group delivered clarity, confidence, and a cost-effective resolution to a high-stakes construction defect claim – enabling all necessary repairs to be completed within just a few months.