Strata Engineering
Strata Engineering Solutions (SES) is the remediation arm of CRC. The SES team specialises in structural diagnostics, project management, and forensic engineering and has been providing outstanding building remediation solutions to owners of strata properties and commercial premises for over 25 years.
HOW DOES IT WORKS?
Our teams are experienced and proven in the full range of Civil Engineering fields including Site infrastructure design and planning, Earthworks design, Pavements design, Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD), Stormwater drainage design and analysis, Road and siteworks design, Utilities coordination and relocation and more across Australia.
- Site infrastructure design and planning
- Pavements design
- Stormwater drainage design and analysis
- Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)i
- Utilities coordination and relocation
What is strata engineering?
Strata engineering deals with the maintenance, assessment, and management of multi-unit residential, commercial, and heritage properties under a strata title. These properties are typically managed collectively by a body corporate or directorship, which manages common property assets and amenities.
Key aspects of strata engineering include:
- Building defect identification
- Forensic investigation
- Structural assessment
- Consultation & advice
- Preparation of Scope of Works & detailed specification
- Tender management
- Preparation of regulated design
- Compliance & regulation
- Production of contracts between parties
- Project superintending
- Structural certification
Strata engineering is important to maintain the safety, functionality, and value of strata-titled properties by addressing the remedial engineering challenges unique to multi-unit residential or commercial buildings.
When is remedial engineering necessary?
Remedial engineering is necessary when a building starts showing signs of deterioration, structural damage, or fails to meet current codes and standards following initial construction. This can include issues such as water ingress, foundation settlement, concrete spalling, corrosion, and other building defects. It’s also required when addressing defects that have been identified in building inspections or reports, particularly in newer buildings where the contractor has not undertaken details in accordance with the design brief.
Why do strata properties need remedial engineering?
Strata properties often require remediation because of the lack of maintenance. Over time, these properties tend to develop defects such as water ingress, concrete spalling, façade deterioration, roof failure and structural cracking. Remedial engineering is necessary to maintain the integrity and value of the property while still adhering to building codes. Proper remediation helps manage long-term maintenance costs to enhance the amenity and habitability of the property.
What is the process for a remedial engineering assessment?
A remedial engineering assessment typically involves follows the following phase:
- Site attendance & reporting phase: We will arrange access and attend the site to visually inspect the areas. Additional inspections may be carried out as needed. After the site inspection, we prepare a detailed report that includes our observations, the cause of any damage, and recommendations for remedial actions.
- Further investigations: If necessary, we may need to conduct further investigations to accurately determine the cause of damage. We will obtain a quote from a specialist building contractor for these works and liaise with them as needed to complete the investigation.
- Scope of works & tender phase: We prepare a comprehensive scope of work and specifications for the remedial work required, detailing each identified defect.
- Contract: A contract is prepared in accordance with AS4905-2002 for signing by the owners and the contractor. We will also manage and coordinate the contract process to ensure agreement on the project methodology.
- Construction phase: superintendent role: In this stage, we act on behalf of the Owners Corporation (OC) as their agent to administer the contract, issuing instructions to the contractor regarding the Works Under Contract (WUC), variations, provisional sums, and responding to requests for information (RFIs).
Each job is always a little different and some steps can be more comprehensive while others run more smoothly.
How long does remedial engineering take?
The duration of remediation varies based on the scope and complexity of the project. A straightforward assessment and minor repair work might take a few weeks, while extensive investigations and large-scale remedial projects could take several months. Factors like the severity of the defects, the size of the building, accessibility, and weather conditions can all influence the timeline.
What do you specialise in?
The SES and CRC remedial team specialises in waterproofing, balcony failure, balustrade repair, retaining walls, masonry cracks, concrete cracks, concrete spalling/concrete cancer, and flooding/water ingress.
