"Independent structural engineer Steve Bongiorno told the New York Times that water could begin seeping into the cracks and compromising the $1.3-billion development's structural integrity from the inside out, which could pose a risk to pedestrians and the tower's residents, who have shelled out up to $20 million for some luxury units. "Chunks of concrete will fall off, and windows will start loosening up," explained Bongiorno, who was not involved with the project."
""You can't take the elevators, mechanical systems start to fail, pipe joints start to break and you get water leaks all over the place." ENR previously reported that the team behind the development went to great pains to develop its exterior face, which is part of the building's exterior concrete frame, with a specialty mix of Portland cement whose concrete will keep its white luster as it cures-"
432 Park Avenue exhibits significant cracking and crumbling of its white concrete facade that may render the tower uninhabitable without major repairs. Engineers estimate a roughly $160 million renovation could be necessary to address the exterior deterioration. Water infiltration through facade cracks could undermine structural integrity, threaten mechanical systems, loosen windows, cause falling concrete and endanger residents and pedestrians. Luxury units in the tower have sold for up to $20 million, increasing stakes for remediation. The building's exterior used a specialty Portland cement mix engineered for high compressive strength and white luster, creating complex repair challenges and legal disputes over defects.
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