Council authorizes expanded repairs after tendon corrosion found in Lot C parking structure

Hermosa Beach staff told council Jan. 13 that significant deterioration of post-tension tendons was discovered during demolition work on Lot C, requiring expanded shoring and structural repairs. Council authorized a construction contract increase to address the findings and approved a change order to complete painting and additional repairs.

The structural investigation found compromised tendons—about 25% exhibited rust or were exposed due to insufficient concrete cover—and staff described a repair method involving splice repairs ("dog bone" method), encasement in concrete and re-tensioning. Because the structure was fully closed, staff also recommended taking advantage of the closure to complete comprehensive painting and waterproofing work.

Staff requested authorization to increase the contract by $240,873, noting $88,916 was already appropriated and asking for an additional $151,009.57 to complete the work; total current authorization would be $2,243,415. Staff said partial reopening (bottom level and half the top level) is expected in February with full reopening by March. Council approved staff’s recommendations and the motion carried unanimously.

What’s next: Construction will proceed with the structural tendon repairs, concrete and waterproofing work, and a phased reopening schedule. Staff said the repairs aim to prevent future deterioration by installing traffic coating and new waterproofing.