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Our extensive in-house laboratory and testing capabilities are second to none. With laboratories in our Austin and Cleveland offices as well as a 70,000-square-foot state-of-the-art testing and applied research facility at our Northbrook, Illinois, headquarters, we have the advanced testing and forensic capabilities to solve virtually any problem related to structures, construction materials, or manufactured components.

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We strive to make a positive difference in the world by consistently setting the standard in every key aspect of our business, starting with the extraordinary people we employ. Connect directly with an expert on our team.

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    Our team has investigated, tested, and innovated on more than 175,000 projects involving almost every type of construction material, structural system, and manufactured component. We take a hands-on, empirical, and investigative approach to every assignment. Although materials, technologies, and structures change, our basic philosophy doesn’t. Founder Jack Janney’s advice to “ask the structure” continues to guide our project work today.
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    Learn the “what” and “why” and “when” of facade and seismic ordinances in various cities throughout the United States. Find out if your building is affected, what upgrades may be required, and relevant deadlines for compliance.
    
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    A career at WJE means working alongside industry gurus to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems of the built world. Whether you'd bring years of experience to our team or you're just out of school, a career at WJE may be the right choice for you.
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    With hundreds of professionals in North America and Europe, WJE can respond quickly to assignments around the world. No matter where you are, we can help.
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EXPERTISE // PEOPLE

Mark K. Schmidt

Principal

Experience

Since 1982, Mark Schmidt has worked in several WJE offices—Denver, Dallas, and the Northbrook headquarters. During this time, he has focused on the assessment, preservation, remedial design, and implementation of restoration programs for various building envelopes. Mr. Schmidt has led investigations involving glass and aluminum curtain walls, architectural precast concrete panels, thin stone veneers, stone and brick masonry, terra cotta, door and window assemblies, skylights, composite panels, mosaic tile systems, and EIFS and stucco systems.

Mr. Schmidt has performed hundreds of building envelope investigations addressing operational concerns (such as water infiltration and corrosion), safety concerns (such as glass breakage, anchorage, and component failure), and aesthetic concerns (such as finish or surface degradation). He has developed a specific area of expertise related to the assessment of architectural glass components. Mr. Schmidt has also participated in a wide variety of investigations, structural analyses, and repair design projects involving concrete, steel, aluminum, masonry, and wood structures.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS

Facade Assessment

University of Phoenix Stadium - Glendale, AZ: Investigation of wind-related effects on composite cladding panels
John Hancock Building - Chicago, IL: Evaluation of corroded curtain wall components
National Institute of Health - Bethesda, MD: Investigation of aluminum sunshade failure

Glass Performance Studies

U.S. Federal Courthouse - Hammond, IN: Investigation of glass guard breakage
Eastern Illinois University - Charleston, IL: Investigation of interior decorative glass breakage
University of Chicago Medical Center - IL: Evaluation of glass distortion issues
Trump International Hotel and Tower - Chicago, IL: Investigation of reported insulating glass unit damage during construction

Historic Preservation

135 South LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL: Limestone, brick, and sealant repairs to landmark building
Miami-Dade County Courthouse - Miami, FL: Investigation of distressed historic terra cotta facade

Litigation Support

Des Moines Public Library - IA: Evaluation of spontaneous exterior glass breakage
Discovery Square - Reston, VA: Evaluation of insulating glass unit breakage
Sherwood Hotel - Tamuning, Guam: Investigation of damage to EIFS facade following Typhoon Paka

Repair and Rehabilitation Design

Schaumburg Corporate Center - Schaumburg, IL: Waterproofing repairs to glass and aluminum curtain wall systems
One Brickell Square - Miami, FL: Restoration of white precast concrete facade, window systems, trellis systems, and parking garage
Court House Center - Miami, FL: Structural, waterproofing, and precast concrete facade repairs
James R. Thompson Center - Chicago, IL: Waterproofing repairs and snow melting system for 165-foot-diameter skylight
Highland Place One - Englewood, CO: Waterproofing repairs to glass and lock-strip gasket curtain wall

Professional Affiliations

American Society of Civil Engineers
ASTM International

Registrations

Professional Engineer in FL
Structural Engineer in IL

Education

Valparaiso University
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, 1983

University of Wisconsin–Madison
Master of Science, Structural Engineering, 1987

WJE Northbrook
330 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, IL 60062
Tel: (847) 272-7400
mschmidt@wje.com

Practice Areas

Facade Assessment
Glass Performance Studies
Historic Preservation
Litigation Support
Prepurchase Surveys
Repair and Rehabilitation Design

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates is committed to helping our clients solve, repair, and avoid problems in the built world. Supported by unparalleled laboratory and field testing capabilities, our team of engineers, architects, and materials scientists brings an enthusiasm for problem solving and a hands-on technical approach to every challenge.

Ask the Structure and Solutions for the Built World are trademarks of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

© COPYRIGHT WISS, JANNEY, ELSTNER ASSOCIATES, INC., NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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