As the tragedy of the condo collapse in Florida continues to unfold, several organizations are taking steps to try to prevent similar future tragedies.
The International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) is one organization well-positioned to contribute. According to a statement, ICRI is the only organization dedicated to advancing the restoration and repair industry. The organization and its members develop certification and technical guidelines, and provide education regarding all aspects of concrete repair.
The organization says it’s committed to advancing American Concrete Institute (ACI) 562, “Code Requirements for Assessment, Repair, and Rehabilitation of Existing Concrete Structures.” This code was developed to provide design professionals involved in the assessment of concrete structures a code for the evaluation of the damage and deterioration, and the design of appropriate repair and rehabilitation strategies. The code provides minimum requirements for assessment, repair, and rehabilitation of existing structural concrete buildings, members, systems and where applicable, non-building structures.
Specifically, regarding the Champlain Towers South collapse, ICRI issued a statement: “While the causes of the Florida collapse have yet to be determined, the ubiquity of concrete structures in the U.S. and around the world calls for greater awareness and education to help ensure that they remain resilient and durable.”
Further: “ICRI awaits the results of the full investigation into this terrible tragedy and stands committed to promoting the lessons learned to help maintain the integrity and resilience of concrete structures and make the built world safer and last longer. In the coming weeks, ICRI will be launching a series of free on-demand educational content and video presentations to provide general information about common concrete repair practices.”
Greg Zimmerman is deputy editor, Facility Market.
