` West Virginia University South Agricultural Sciences Building, Morgantown, WV | WDP & Associates

West Virginia University South Agricultural Sciences Building, Morgantown, WV

The South Agriculture Sciences Building of West Virginia University consists of 40,047 square feet with a 250-seat lecture hall, eight research micro-biology/plant pathology labs, two teaching labs, as well as numerous faculty support areas, classrooms, and offices.  Failures of the existing below grade waterproofing and existing insulated metal panel system resulted in water infiltration and damage to the interior finishes as well as interior biological growth.

WDP performed hygrothermal and structural analyses to assess the exterior metal cladding of the existing facility constructed in 2005, which suffered from extensive water infiltration and interior biological growth, and also conducted a feasibility study that examined the energy code and hygrothermal implications of replacing the existing cladding.  We provided various veneer replacement options and a schematic design for new construction to outline the scope of work; ultimately, a brick veneer replacement was selected by the Owner.  As Designer of Record, WDP designed an innovative brick veneer and precast wall assembly replacement and developed the drawings, specifications, and other contract documents. Due to the need for continued occupancy of the building, we devised a “rolling repairs” approach to the removal and replacement of the various cladding components and monitored the construction at every stage.  In addition, we developed several construction phase repairs resulting from numerous unforeseen conditions with the excessive corrosion, mold, and other exterior framing related issues encountered throughout the building.