On December 18th I was invited to speak to the Western Massachusetts Building Officials about the crumbling concrete crisis in Connecticut and bordering communities in Massachusetts. Accompanying me was Linda Tofolowsky, the first Connecticut resident coming forth with their home’s deteriorating foundation. Linda shared a small part of her collection of photos and homeowner stories depicting this terrible phenomenon. Those in attendance were eager to expand their knowledge of the harmful effects brought about by concrete produced with pyrrhotite laden aggregates. The source of the crumbling concrete was a small concrete producer located close to the Massachusetts border in the north-central part of Connecticut who frequently crossed the state line to supply concrete for various projects. The talk also covered many issues related directly to the failed foundations such as the emotional nightmares the homeowners are facing, the loss of tax revenue for the municipalities and falling real estate values in the affected communities. I also expressed the need for training a group of licensed Home Inspectors and Professional Engineers to examine the homes for potential problems and assist homeowners in further testing. Presently there is only a small number of homeowners in Massachusetts with failing concrete that have come forward with their concerns. Certainly, the knowledge of the mineral, repair procedures and formation of a compensation program that was established in Connecticut could be beneficial to our neighboring towns. Your comments are welcomed.
Electric Boat Launches Major Groton Expansion
I have enjoyed working alongside Tilcon Connecticut, Inc. assisting with the design and placement of the concrete and grouts for Skanska USA’s underpinning contract on the Electric Boat Expansion Project. Read more about the project at: https://www.cbia.com/news/economy/electric-boat-launches-major-groton-expansion/ . As work progresses we will continue to post concrete related updates.
Disappointing News For Connecticut Homeowners
A recent Supreme Court Ruling affirmed the insurance industry’s position that failing foundations do not meet the companies’ definition of collapse. Read more about the decision in the following story: https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-news-connecticut-foundation-victims–20191113-7p7xosqqbndvrfhqpcctxwk7pm-story.html
Seasonal Concerns for Concrete Placement
With winter upon us we need to be certain to adjust our habits for successful concrete placements. Our focus should be on preventing the in-place product from freezing before adequate strength is achieved. The following article from the PCA offers some great advice for cold weather concrete: https://www.cement.org/learn/concrete-technology/concrete-construction/cold-weather-concreting