Repairs continue on East and West parking ramps

After discovering the need for emergency repairs in both the East and West Ramp parking garages in September, the University of Toledo has completed portions of repairs, but is still working to finalize construction.

According to Dan Klett, university architect, UT has worked on portions of both

the East and West Ramp parking garages beginning on Sept. 20, 2013, when contractors conducting inspections as part of scheduled maintenance discovered the need for emergency repairs.

Temporary emergency measures were implemented immediately and resulted in partial closures for the remainder of the fall 2013 semester.

Phil Whaley, a structural engineer at Poggemeyer Design Group and a regional expert in the repair of concrete structures, coordinated the repair work on the East Ramp, according to UT News.

The West Parking Ramp and the lower three levels of the East Parking Ramp opened Jan. 6 while the top level remained closed for needed repairs.

According to Klett, additional testing of the structural members (columns and beams) of the parking ramps was also conducted due to safety requirements.

These tests, conducted by Toledo Testing Laboratories, examined the chemical composition of the concrete and the structural integrity of the reinforcing steel inside the concrete.

The top level of the East Parking Ramp was reopened Feb. 3 with ongoing maintenance and repair work continuing on lower levels.

Klett said the repair process has taken so long because “structural analysis and repair planning” were required prior to any permanent repairs being made on the garages as well as the recent cold temperatures.

“The extreme winter conditions and low temperatures slowed the repair process considerably,” Klett said.

Acording to Klett, UT committed $900,000 to “cover all costs for emergency temporary sharing, temporary stone parking lots, structural analysis, repair design and actual repairs.” He said both the East and West parking garages have been deemed safe for use by the engineering consultants hired by the university.

Though he does not know when the construction will be fully completed, he said those using the parking garages should be careful when walking or driving near areas where repair work is taking place and to never cross the barricades around construction zones.