SHAPING OUR INDUSTRY
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WDP performed a comprehensive on-site survey and field investigation at the GSA Federal Complex in Erie, Pennsylvania, to document relevant dimensions for the development of repair drawings and to assess existing conditions and known façade and building enclosure issues with three of the four buildings at the complex, each of which are listed on or eligible for the National Register for Historic Places.
The investigation included diagnostic water testing to identify potential sources of interior infiltration, exploratory probe openings to investigate underlying construction, materials sampling, and laboratory testing, and other methods, such as infrared thermography and the installation of interstitial temperature and relative humidity dataloggers at various depths through select exterior walls. Due to the historic nature of the buildings, a hazardous materials assessment was conducted with the support of a subconsultant to sample suspect materials at all locations of anticipated work. Materials containing both lead and asbestos were located, and specifications were developed for the repair design programs to regulate work near hazardous materials and abatement if required.
Based on the results of the investigation, WDP worked closely alongside the GSA to develop a scope of work and cost estimates for the repairs to address problematic conditions. Having identified additional deterioration to be addressed by this program, flexibility was necessary for the design process in creating a phasing program to design to the funding available. WDP and the GSA split the repair project into multiple bid packages and each bid package into sub-phases to prioritize critical repairs without sacrificing construction efficiency. Construction bid drawings and extensive project-specific technical specifications were developed for the repair design packages.
After the initial repair design package had been bid, a large, glazed skylight system in the judge’s chambers of the historic Library structure was noted by facility maintenance staff to have deflected. WDP was notified of the condition, and a structural engineer from our New York City office was mobilized for a site visit within one week to perform an emergency evaluation of the structural stability of the skylight support structure. The structure was not found to be an imminent risk to life safety. However, recommendations were provided for temporary protection, and eventually WDP would be engaged to perform a comprehensive structural investigation and long-term structural repair design.
The primary goals of the various repair programs included:
Repairs to deteriorated masonry facades included limestone patching and crack repair, brick crack repair, lintel replacement, bluestone parapet coping replacement, soapstone spandrel repair, slate sill replacement, glass block reconstruction, and complete repointing for limestone and brick facades. Through our extensive experience investigating and repairing building enclosures ranging from historic mass masonry to modern cavity wall construction, we are intimately familiar with the water management mechanisms of each category of construction. Repairs and alterations to mass masonry systems must always account for the presence of moisture stored within the exterior portions of the material. WDP recognizes the need to respect the original design intent and water management strategies, and our staff are adept at performing building science analysis and WUFI modeling to verify a repair assembly has the ability to provide long-term durability problems. The vapor permeability of masonry patch materials, coatings, and even repointing mortar was carefully evaluated for design to permit assemblies to continue to dry to the exterior so as not to accumulate moisture. ASTM C1324 and other similar material-specific testing procedures were performed during the investigation to verify material properties and compatibility of repairs.
A complete window replacement program was developed to upgrade existing steel window systems including iconic multi-story fenestrations with thermally broken aluminum systems and insulated glazing. Because of the historic nature of the facilities, it was necessary to replicate the intricate decorative elements of the existing windows. Typically, replication of a window system with this level of detail requires a very costly, fully custom window system. WDP was able to work closely with the window manufacturer to creatively save cost by identifying a stock hung window system that could be adapted with the use of custom panning, simulated muntins, and unique jamb inserts to substantially replicate the critical features of the historic windows. As an essential component of preservation, extensive prototyping and preconstruction testing was performed to verify the concept and to ensure the thermal performance of the window systems was sufficient, and provide the required level of improvement for the extreme cold weather experienced in this climate zone.
WDP remained engaged through the construction of the repairs to the courthouse building, providing construction administration (CA) services and anticipates providing CA services for the repairs at the remainder of the complex. Through our extensive experience performing building retrofits, we understand that providing CA services for complex repairs requires responsiveness and creativity in addressing unavoidable, unforeseen conditions. During the initial demolition of the parapet cladding on the courthouse building, it was discovered that much of the masonry backup was deteriorating and that the limestone cladding was inconsistently anchored to the backup. Having an in-depth knowledge of the building construction and history, WDP was able to provide direction for reconstitution of the masonry backup and re-anchoring of the loose limestone panels.
General Services Administration (GSA)
Erie, PA