The supporting steel structure was subject to significant corrosion, found at all kinds of profiles in corners, diagonal rays as well as contact plates in segment boundaries. The problem appeared to be a significant material shrinkage in places where atmospheric moisture accumulates. Not only the horizontal plates, but also the corner contacts and diagonal ray contacts displayed a clear onset of local or general corrosion, leading to thinner profiles of individual components and the consequent low static characteristics of the entire structure.
A specific categoryof problems is represented by supporting atmofix structures anchored by fusion with concrete bases and the corrosion in points of transition from steel to concrete, as well as damage to the concrete bases themselves.
This particular job included an initial examination and report evaluating the loads and static calculations categorizing the load and its distribution to individusal components of the structure. A hydrogeological survey was carried out in the area of the transformer building to correlate with damaged concrete base blocks anchoring in turn the steel structure. These two reports served as a basis for the final evaluation report.
The subsequent reconstruction included repair of the supporting steel structure of the 110/35 kV transformer room and its dehydration. This area had been subject to flooding by groundwater, which decreased the stability of the supporting concrete blocks. Water ocassionaly infiltrated cable channels as well.
