As a consultant to Hager Smith Design, A&O provided structural engineering services for the Veterans Life Center, formerly known as John Umstead Hospital Complex, Bldg. 71.

 Identifying areas of damage and deterioration, A&O made general recommendations for structural repairs to the building. We compared the current condition with 2012 North Carolina building codes.

Our field investigation included visual observations, field measurements, photos, and construction drawings to understand structural issues of concern.

A&O made recommendations to resolve standing water issues surrounding the building, including a new underground storm drain system to catch gutter downspouts, yard inlets, and basement sumps, as well as fill material to grade grounds around the building. We also recommended pumping water from the crawl space of the basement, installing a vapor barrier, and applying a painted waterproof sealant to the floor and walls up to the outside grade. Ω

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