ARCHITECTUAL RENOVATION
01.
Standard Bank Regional Head Office, Kingsmead, Durban
(Façade Upgrade and Remediation)
Standard Bank’s concern regarding the widespread discolouration observed on the sandstone tile façade was the reason DPA were first approached. An investigation phase, which is now complete, determined that high moisture levels within the affected walls was the major contributing factor to the discolouration. Further discussions confirmed that effective remediation of the discolouration would not be possible and that the facades would continue to deteriorate, in part due to the inherent properties of the sandstone tiles themselves. This undesirable situation led to a decision to re-clad all surfaces on the site where the sandstone tiles were present, using a high-spec engineered slab cladding system. Prior to installation of the new cladding system, concrete repairs, waterproofing and securing of the existing tiles is necessary.
DPA’s appointment as the Specialist Engineering Consultant, and as Principal Agent, required DPA’s involvement in all aspects of this multifaceted project.
02.
South Beach Garden Court Hotel, Durban, KZN
(Façade Coating Refurbishment – Spalling)
As a result of concerns that have arisen from paint failure and water stains visible on columns and the ceiling in the Breakfast Dining Hall at the Garden Court’s South Beach Hotel, DPA Specialist Consulting Engineers were appointed by Tsogo Sun, to undertake a forensic investigation to determine the source of the water ingress and identify the problem that had been going on for some time rather than to simply treat the symptom as had previously been attempted.
A structure configuration assessment was used to generate a conceptual model of the existing structure with relation to the waterproofing system used in the garden and the void above the dining area. DPA designed and developed a specification for the waterproofing system, remedial coatings, and spall repairs to the façade.
03.
Elangeni Hotel, Durban, KZN
(Façade Coating Refurbishment – Spalling)
In January 2012, a large chunk of concrete came loose from the East Façade at the 10th floor level and plummeted to the surface of the grassed lawn of the pool deck, narrowly missing several residents. As a consequence, Southern Sun, now Tsogo Sun, appointed DPA to investigate the extent of the problem and to determine the most appropriate remedial procedures with the intention of minimising the risk of further falling debris from the façade.
DPA’s design and specification of remedial coatings, and spall repairs, by applying migratory corrosion inhibitor on the reinforced concrete areas, mitigated future spalling of the façade. This project was focused on repairing of all damaged or spalled areas and the repainting of the entire building. The coating system engineered for this structure, dramatically decreased the likelihood of the building needing another coating within the next 7 years.
