A Reverse Osmosis facility near Miami, Florida, was under construction in 2025 when low concrete break strengths were reported to the EOR. Construction was halted pending resolution of the issue. The contractor was facing possible demolition and re-pouring, which would have delayed construction and involved significant expenses. GES Tech Group was retained by the contractor to evaluate the significance of the concrete strength issue in light of complex geotechnical loading criteria due to the proximity of heavily loaded footings. The EOR eventually accepted the GES Tech Group recommendation that demolition and re-pouring was not necessary.
GES Tech Group evaluated the loading on the foundations using non-linear FEA and concrete materials properties. It was determined that the applied loading did not exceed the capacity of the concrete when lower than specified concrete strengths were considered. Non-linear models considered control joints that opened under load and other complex reinforced concrete parameters.