Atlantic City, NJ
Owner/ Client:
Atlantic City Housing Authority & Urban Redevelopment Agency
Start Date: 2021
Completion Date: 2022
Building Type:
Cast-in-Place
Reinforced Concrete
Precast Concrete
Building Size:
Four Residential Buildings
6-17 Stories
Services Provided:
Structural Engineering
Structural Due Diligence Assessments
Existing Building Condition Evaluations
Building Envelope and Façade Assessments
Structural Deterioration and Hazard Identification
Repair Prioritization and Capital Planning Recommendations
O&S Associates was retained by the Atlantic City Housing Authority to perform structural due diligence assessments of four occupied residential buildings throughout Atlantic City, New Jersey. The properties, constructed between 1967 and 1981, range from six to seventeen stories and incorporate multiple structural systems, including conventionally reinforced cast-in-place concrete framing and precast concrete construction. The assessments were commissioned to evaluate the general condition of the buildings' structural systems, identify potential life-safety concerns, and establish recommendations for necessary repairs, additional investigations, and ongoing maintenance.
O&S performed visual assessments of accessible structural components throughout each property, including exterior concrete columns, beams, balconies, and slab edges; interior structural framing; stair towers; masonry façades; and selected mechanical spaces and residential units. The investigations included reviews of original structural and architectural drawings, coordination with building management, and photographic documentation of observed conditions. Particular attention was given to identifying signs of structural distress, concrete deterioration, moisture infiltration, and conditions that could compromise the continued safe operation of the occupied facilities.
The assessments identified varying degrees of deterioration among the properties. At Shore Park High Rise, Inlet Tower, and Altman Terrace, O&S documented significant localized deterioration of exposed reinforced concrete elements, including delamination and spalling that presented falling-debris hazards to occupants and pedestrians. O&S recommended immediate protective measures, removal of hazardous concrete, and development of prioritized façade restoration programs.
Beyond identifying immediate hazards, O&S evaluated the potential effects of deferred maintenance and recurring moisture infiltration on the long-term durability of the structures. The investigation at Shore Park High Rise also identified concerns regarding recurring plumbing failures and their potential to accelerate deterioration of structural concrete, prompting recommendations for further evaluation of the building's plumbing infrastructure.
O&S prepared individual engineering reports for each building documenting observed conditions, structural concerns, and recommendations for corrective action. The assessments provided the Housing Authority with an informed understanding of the condition of its residential building portfolio, allowing management to distinguish immediate life-safety priorities from longer-term maintenance needs and establish a framework for future restoration projects and capital improvement planning.