Owner: J.L. Cook LTD
Client: J.L. Cook LTD
Completion Date: 2010-2022
Services: Existing Structures, Condition Assessment, Forensics Engineering

Summary:

J.R. Harris & Company (JRH) has provided structural engineering services for the Terminal Garage in Denver, Colorado, for over a decade, addressing critical structural deficiencies in the historic seven-story reinforced concrete parking structure. JRH was initially engaged to assess the structure due to large areas of exposed reinforcing on the underside of the slabs. After visual inspection, engineering evaluation, and selective destructive testing, it was determined that the top slab reinforcing at most columns required strengthening. Additionally, JRH identified areas of the slabs that required bottom-side reinforcing and designed shotcrete-based repairs to add new reinforcement at these locations.

Following the completion of the initial repairs, JRH has conducted periodic structural assessments to evaluate the garage’s performance over time. These assessments have identified ongoing aging effects, corrosion-related deterioration, and localized strength loss in slab and column elements. JRH has provided repair recommendations, including structural strengthening and temporary and permanent shoring in critical areas. The repair work, combined with proactive maintenance strategies, is aimed at ensuring the continued safe operation of the garage while extending its service life.