This reinforced concrete design uses a grid of ribs to distribute loads efficiently while reducing material use. While it offers structural advantages, its complex layout poses challenges when retrofitting or coring is required.
As part of a server system upgrade, the client needed to install cooling turbines in the archive room. To do so, coring had to be performed through the waffle slab. But without accurate drawings, there was a high risk of hitting voids and weakening the slab’s load-bearing capacity.
We were engaged to carry out a structural assessment to determine the internal profile of the waffle slab. Scanning was performed at 4 turbine installation zones to locate the ribs and voids within the 500mm thick slab. Our non-destructive approach delivered precise imaging and rib layout mapping. All of this was completed within 1 hour and without disrupting ongoing operations in the building.
The data allowed the client to confidently proceed with their infrastructure upgrade while maintaining structural integrity and safety.
