An impaired driver jumped my curb and ripped my square mail post out of the sidewalk concrete that it was anchored into. The bolts were all ripped out of the concrete. Bolts went through the metal plate into concrete, so when the post and anchor went, so did the bolts. I think a couple bolt grippers may still be in there.
I can get the same metal post anchor replacement so the holes will align and fit if I clean them out and work them a bit. All surrounding concrete damage is from the incident.
Is some repair going to hold long-term, like some concrete "caulk" and using the same holes? Or is it an eventual fatal wound, such as the holes will get bigger and start cracking around them?
Since water has gotten into them, will that cause any structural problems? Or will it eventually require the whole concrete sidewalk square (~3'x3') to be replaced, re-poured completely, to get it back to the condition it was in before?
Obviously cost is not a concern, but I need to know if a replacement is justified. Will a repair be good enough or a pad replacement is better/best?
Also want to clarify the sidewalk is slightly damaged. The surface streaks and has chips around it. If I drill new hole offset from old, will the old holes start to crack the concrete around them?
This isn't a legal forum but it is pertinent to know the driver had no insurance and he is in jail for the hit and run. He's being prosecuted by the city and I can get restitution from him. I won't have to sue in small claims. The point being, he'll be the one eventually reimbursing, but I have to justify a repour or if a repair is reasonable enough. My home insurance has a $500 deductible and will raise my rate so that's a no-go.
Best Answer
The concrete looks intact enough for re-use, I can't see if the anchor bolts are good or not, if they can't be reused getting old anchors out of concrete can be tricky: you might have to move your letter box one inch to the side so that new anchors can be drilled into virgin concrete.
If you do move it don't leave the old anchors protruding they are a trip hazard, if the can't be pulled out use an angle grinder to cut them and grind them flush.