MJ Engineering Projects was appointed as superintendent and remedial engineering adviser for the rehabilitation of a three-storey, eight-block complex containing 52 apartments. Constructed with concrete columns and beams and brick-work infill, the building showed cracked driveways, insufficient balcony waterproofing, peeled render, façade seepage, non-conforming glass balustrades and widespread concrete spalling. Our client required a programme that would correct these issues, meet current safety standards and keep disruption low for residents.
Project background
An initial condition survey combined hammer sounding, cover-meter scans and moisture mapping. Findings confirmed the critical nature of inadequate waterproofing, concrete spalling and non-compliant balustrades. Accredited design practitioners converted the data into a National Construction Code (NCC)–aligned specification. The works package was tendered competitively to a specialist remedial contractor, with MJ Engineering Projects acting as superintendent to verify workmanship, track budget and certify progress claims. Rolling sequencing ensured residents retained balcony access where possible, while weekly bulletins detailed noisy tasks and driveway closures.
Scope of works
- Repair concrete spalling on the building facade
- Removal of asbestos eaves
- Recoating all concrete elements
- Removal and replacement of balcony balustrades
- Tiling of balconies
- Rendering slab edges with Quick-Wall
- Removal and replacement of concrete driveways.
- Application of low sheen acrylic paint
- Repainting timber and metalwork.
- Repair of construction joints.
- Application of face sealant
Key challenges and solutions
Concrete spalling repairs
Large patches of delaminated concrete threatened reinforcement durability. Loose material was broken out, steel cleaned and passivated, and polymer-modified repair mortar applied—following the methodology in our concrete-spalling repairs guide. Recoating of all concrete elements completed the protection system.
Balcony waterproofing and tiling
Balconies leaked into apartments below, damaging interior finishes. Our remedial engineering team removed failed toppings, installed a bonded sheet membrane and laid new porcelain tiles set to compliant falls. MJ Engineering Projects verified flood tests to confirm watertightness, referencing best practice from the remedial waterproofing unit.
Non-conforming balustrades
Original glass balustrades lacked safety markings and fell short of the NCC impact-load clause. All panels were removed and replaced with compliant, laminated glass systems that match modern appearance and structural requirements.
Asbestos eave removal and driveways
Inspection revealed asbestos cement sheets on eaves and deteriorated concrete driveways. Our remedial engineering team performed staged asbestos removal under SafeWork controls; driveway slabs were demolished and recast with 32-MPa concrete, restoring access and eliminating trip hazards.
Resident safety and scheduling
The site remained occupied for the project’s duration. Rolling balcony closures limited individual downtime to two weeks. Clear pedestrian routes were maintained when driveway sections were closed, and work hours were confined. Weekly bulletins, issued via the strata manager, kept residents and tenants informed of milestones and any temporary service interruptions while our remedial engineering team completed rectification work.
Quality management and cost control
MJ Engineering Projects monitored workmanship against the technical specification. Hold-point inspections, material data sheet reviews and sign-off sheets ensured each activity met stated tolerances. Early ordering of Quick-Wall render and low-sheen acrylic coating protected the programme from supply shortages, keeping the project on budget.
Conclusion
The Lane Cove rehabilitation demonstrates how a structured remedial engineering programme can reinstate safety, watertightness and visual appeal without major resident disruption. Concrete spalling is repaired, balconies drain correctly, balustrades comply with current standards and fresh coatings protect both concrete and brickwork. Driveways are renewed, asbestos is removed and façade sealant now blocks moisture paths.
With more than 25 years in remedial engineering, MJ Engineering Projects offers experienced superintendent services, NCC-aligned design and hands-on quality surveillance. To review other remedial engineering successes visit our blog or reach the remedial engineering team for advice on concrete repair, balcony waterproofing or façade upgrades.
