University of Wisconsin Madison Pedestrian Tunnel

A pedestrian tunnel links the basements of the Engineering Centers Building and the Mechanical Engineering Building. The university retained RRJ to evaluate water leakage and concrete cracking within the tunnel, as well as cracking of the ground level elevated slab and south elevation foundation wall adjacent to the tunnel within the Mechanical Engineering Building. Additionally, the concrete paved area used as a pedestrian path only between the two buildings was deteriorating due to vehicular traffic use, including heavy construction traffic. RRJ performed thorough investigations to help the university decide on the next course of action.

Scope of services

• Review structural drawings
• Review university documents
• Coordinate with the geotechnical engineer
• Perform field investigation
• Perform a condition survey of elevated floor slabs and wall distress
• Perform analyses of the first floor elevated joint slab
• Calculate tunnel concrete shrinkage