UTMB Core Penetration Repairs
Engineered repairs for penetrations through post-tensioned concrete beams.
Delta Structural Technology completed a repair project addressing unapproved core penetrations at UTMB. The affected locations involved post-tensioned concrete beams, where coring had cut reinforcing bars and post-tensioning cables.
- Market
- Healthcare
- Services
- Engineered beam reinforcement
- Structural members
- Concrete Beam Strengthening
Project challenge
The reported damage occurred across locations identified on Level 8 and Level 9 plans, in Areas A and C. Because the cores passed through structural beams, the repair required more than closing the openings. The engineering team needed to establish which reinforcement had been interrupted and how the proposed strengthening should relate to the original beam design.
Project approach
Delta coordinated repair engineering with Garner Consulting Group. The design discussion specifically distinguished replacement of the contribution of cut No. 9 reinforcing bars from a broader analysis of the post-tensioned beams. The engineer requested clarification of the engineer-of-record comments and the intended design criteria before completing the repair drawings and calculations. This review provided a defined basis for the strengthening work around the penetrations.
Delivery and coordination
Dynamic Systems supplied the initial damage information and requested reinforcement of the affected cores. Hensel Phelps circulated marked plans with engineering comments, and Delta relayed the resulting design questions to the project team. Authorization followed for preparation of the repair drawings and calculations. Coordination across those parties was central to converting several field conditions into an engineered repair package.
Project significance
The project highlights the importance of treating penetrations through structural members as an engineering issue. A repair around a core must account for the reinforcement that was interrupted and the member’s role in the structure. Delta’s work connected field damage reports, marked plans and specialist repair engineering within a hospital construction project.
