People problems

Striking oil

Paul Hanratty reviews a thin-applied waterproofing failure where the waterproofing failed in random dime sized patches. The waterproofing only failed on the P1 level of the garage. The eventual cause became apparent only after chemical analysis of the material revealed something wasn’t quite right.

Playing with knives

Christopher Fulton, a project engineer at WSP Canada, talks about a restoration project where the spandrel panels on a high-rise condominium were showing signs of premature corrosion. During the course of the investigation, he found a number of significant issues during original construction. He ultimately comes up with a repair methodology for how to correct the problem.

Light bulb moment

Nick Dyachenko is an electrical contractor. He discusses a job where a brand-new heating cable installation had to be replaced due to damage during concrete operations. To avoid a repeat experience, Nick conjured up a real-time indicator system to let the concrete contractors know if they damaged the cables during concreting.

People problems

Trevor Hockley talks about a project where he, as the consulting engineer, was kicked off a construction site due to friction with the contractor over a concrete pour. The project eventually moved ahead, helped in-part by a construction manager, but not before tempers flared up.

To bond or not to bond

Imran Kahn reviews a hot applied waterproofing failure where the waterproofing was bonding well during morning application, but failing during afternoon application within the same day. The eventual cause became apparent only after several other jobs exhibited the same phenomenon.