Horizontal Restoration: Rush Oak Park Hospital

Horizontal restoration is the process of restoring horizontal concrete structures. This type of restoration encompasses the protection, rehabilitation, and/or replacement of damaged and deteriorated structural elements. These structures, such as parking decks, plaza systems and underground expanses, have a significant effect on your facilities appearance and functionality. Proper restoration and maintenance, although often overlooked, is essential in order for you to protect and preserve your capital investments.

StructureTec Group has a long history in the evaluation, design and restoration of horizontal structures. One notable project, that utilized the unique capability of StructureTec Group’s design build program for their horizontal restoration project, was Rush Oak Park Hospital in Oak Park, Illinois.  

Nearly completed weatherproofing installation.

Rush Oak Park Hospital had a long-term water problem in an underground unit of the hospital. The unit had been leaking for nearly 20 years, and the extensive damage had rendered the area unusable costing the hospital valuable space. The hospital had a tenant eager to rent the unit and needed a quick turn-around. With winter rapidly approaching, the client selected StructureTec Group’s design build program, Premier Engineered Systems, to fast track the project.

The cause of the leak was found to be improper below grade waterproofing. Deficiencies such as open seams, splits and cuts allowed water to travel under the membrane to any crack or opening in the structural slab. In addition, the existing drainage board that was designed to funnel water away from the unit was clogged with clay preventing it from functioning properly.

The unit was located directly below the Emergency Room entrance. To complete the construction, the entire parking lot and drive needed to be excavated, requiring the entrance to be at least partially closed to the public. The hospital management decided to close the Emergency Room entrance completely and re-route traffic around the site giving the team full access to the area for 45 days. 

Weatherproofing installation.

Once the lot was excavated and the below grade substrate was exposed, a new fully-adhered, liquid-applied waterproofing membrane system was installed with new a drainage system to effectively route water away from the structure. The team worked double shifts in order to meet the deadline.

The project was completed with a new redesigned driving surface and parking area with more space and an attractively updated look. Rush Oak Park Hospital now enjoys a best-in-class weatherproofed unit that will be leak-free for decades to come.

Finished project.

How are your horizontal structures holding up? Contact us to learn more about our unique design build capabilities and how we can help increase the lifespan of your capital investments.