Lack of Grout Caused Texas Parking Garage Collapse

August 22, 2011

Experts have determined that the February collapse of an under-construction parking garage in San Antonio happened due to lack of grout.

Two workers were injured in the University Hospital parking garage accident.

Copies of the report, by structural and engineering firm Walter P. Moore and Associates, were released Wednesday to the University Health System board of managers and the San Antonio Express-News.

The review determined that workers failed to apply grout between sections of vertical columns. The garage had temporary braces, but those weren’t strong enough to stabilize the complex with ungrouted joints.

The report says representatives of Zachry Vaughn Layton, the consortium in charge of the project, are now observing all grouting, foundation and pier cap installation work and providing daily written reports.