Tracing Chronic Water Infiltration to Its Source in a Newly Constructed Parking Garage
Playhouse Square Foundation engaged Technical Assurance to investigate chronic cracking and water infiltration at the Lumen Parking Garage in downtown Cleveland. The six-level, approximately 104,000-square-foot structure was relatively new. Despite its age, active leaks at Level B1 and the Ground Level were affecting vehicles below and showing evidence of ongoing deterioration.
Technical Assurance performed a forensic assessment to determine why the cracking and moisture infiltration were occurring. The investigation combined visual assessment with a review of existing project documents.
Identifying the Conditions Behind Cracking and Water Migration
The assessment identified several types of cracking throughout the structure. These included plastic shrinkage, restraint, and radial or “sunburst” cracking at slab-column connections and across wider slab areas.
Technical Assurance determined that restrained slab movement, thermal cycling, and detailing conditions contributed to full-depth cracking and moisture migration. These conditions were particularly evident in reinforced slab areas without expansion joints.
Turning Forensic Findings Into a Targeted Repair Strategy
Following the assessment, Technical Assurance moved from investigation into repair design. The team developed design drawings, technical specifications, and construction documents for a targeted penetrating sealer system.
The repair strategy was developed to address identified conditions while reducing the potential for continued deterioration and chloride intrusion. It incorporated sealer, coating, and crack management measures to support the garage’s long-term performance.
Supporting Repairs Through Construction
Technical Assurance’s involvement continued into implementation with construction administration and quality observation services. This continuity allowed the conditions documented during the forensic assessment to directly inform the repair design and subsequent construction activities.
By connecting investigation, diagnosis, repair design, and construction-phase services, Technical Assurance provided Playhouse Square Foundation with a path for addressing existing water infiltration while helping protect the structure against further deterioration.
