WJE PROJECTS

Potomac Boat Club

 
CLIENT
Potomac Boat Club
LOCATION
Washington, DC

Structural Evaluation and Condition Assessment

WJE was retained by the Potomac Boat Club of Washington, D.C. to perform a comprehensive structural investigation and analysis of the historic and modern structural framing elements to determine the structural capacity based upon contemporary building codes as well as provide repair recommendations for observed deficiencies. In addition, water infiltration testing was performed at locations of reported interior leakage in order to identify water entry points and develop recommendations to reduce or mitigate the water infiltration.


BACKGROUND

The historic Potomac Boat Club houses a Washington D.C. rowing club of the same name that comprises two buildings. The main structure, the Potomac Boat House, was constructed in 1908 and features a cantilevered deck that runs the length of the second story. The addition was constructed in 1961, with additional construction at the upper story in 1991. The roof of the 1961 addition also features a paved roofing system that is used as a gathering space. The Potomac Boat House is listed in the Washington, D.C. and National Historic Registers.

SOLUTION

The client retained WJE to complete a full-scale structural evaluation of the second-story balcony and rooftop decks at the historic boathouse structure. We were asked to determine the structural capacity of each area’s structural framing. We visited the site to perform a condition assessment of the balcony and rooftop framing, including modern steel joists, girders, channels, and repair plates. The 1908 boathouse framing is primarily composed of historic timber with the inclusion of later metal repair elements. During the time on site, we also performed water penetration testing to determine the cause of water infiltration noted at isolated portions of the building.

For each deck or balcony location, we determined the capacity of location dependent on egress requirements and live load requirements of the 2006 International Building Code. From this analysis, we were able to determine which spaces met code requirements, advise on placement of heavy machinery and weights for proper distribution to floor joists within the building, and compile repair recommendations for noted areas of displacement, deficiency, and damage.

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