MANAGEMENT OF STOCKS OF BRIDGES STRUCTURES AND BUILDINGS

Management of Stocks of Bridges Structures and Buildings

Management of Stocks of Bridges Structures and Buildings

Requirements of a Structures Inspection and Maintenance Management System

In construction projects, activities are often divided into functional areas, which are made by different disciplines (e.g. architects, engineers and contractors) and therefore function independently. Invariably, each discipline makes decisions without considering their impact on others. The design and development of quality costing systems for construction projects has been limited to date due to the complexity associated with having to manage information from a number of organizations with different approaches to quality management.

Common Defects in Structures

Below is a list of defects typically found in residential construction and a brief description of how we investigate a particular defect.

Windows

Defects associated with windows most often have to do with leaks, which can be a result of poor installation.

Roofs

The most common defects associated with roofs generally have to do with the installation of the component parts and not the roofing material itself. In order to investigate a roof, we simply remove the roofing material in a few areas to understand the way in which the roof was installed.

Stucco

The defects associated with stucco are usually excessive cracking. Cracking of stucco can be caused by a number of issues. This is where the stucco was mixed improperly or applied in severe weather conditions such as on a day when it was 114 degrees. We will typically remove areas of stucco to investigate the causes.

Mold

Anytime you have water intrusion, you have a chance of mold being present. Most experts will tell you that mold can be present in as little as 24 hours after the initial water intrusion. Once we have documented the condition, the homeowner may then proceed with remediation.

Moisture through Structures

This is a relatively common complaint. Usually, we find that the concrete was not properly mixed and or the vapor barrier below the concrete is incomplete, pierced by a penetration or in some cases missing. Typically, we core at the affected areas to document the cause.

Shower Enclosures

The installation of a shower enclosure can be difficult. Most of the cases we have handled involve this issue in some form and usually stem from a poor or improper installation of flashing, waterproofing or tile installation. The shower doors also become an issue. Lack of caulking often causes leaks.

Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding Glass Door defects are very similar to what we find with window defects. They either leak because they were installed improperly or the door itself is defective. We perform some of the same tests we perform on windows to determine the cause.

Structural Issues

The framer is charged with installing the structural components of any structure. The structural plans set out exactly where these components are so investigating these defects are usually relatively simple.

Balconies and Decks

Balconies and decks have many of the same problems as roofs. Usually, there are installation problems involving the underlayment and flashing. Ponding of water on the decks is also an ...