Expertise

Services
Markets
Clients from markets and industries across the built world rely on our interdisciplinary team of engineers, architects, and materials scientists to develop an all-around understanding of their needs, provide expert consultation on available options, and develop solutions that deliver lasting value.
Laboratories
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.

People

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.

Projects
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    WJE PROJECTS
    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.
Knowledge
- - Articles
    We’re passionate about our work and believe it is our responsibility to share our experiences and lessons learned for the enrichment of our clients and the advancement of our industry. We hope you learn something new that helps you better understand and address a challenge you face in your own work.
  - Webinars
    We regularly host webinars on interesting topics and challenges related to the built world. We encourage you to search through our library for subjects of interest to you. Watch, listen, and share with others.
  - Videos
    Experience our capabilities, project work, laboratories, and company culture as told by our staff and clients in this selection of videos.
  - Presentations
    Our professionals are leaders in key industry organizations and technical committees and regularly contribute to the ongoing dialogue of the built world at conferences and other educational forums. Check back soon to see where our experts will be speaking next.
  - Websites
    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.
    
    FACADEORDINANCE.COM
    
    SEISMICORDINANCES.COM
Careers
- - Careers at WJE
    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.
  - Job Openings
  - Benefits
  - FAQ
Offices
- - OFFICES
    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.
    AMERICAS
    
    Atlanta
    
    Austin
    
    Boston
    
    Chicago
    
    Cleveland
    
    Dallas
    
    Denver
    
    Detroit
    
    Doylestown
    
    Honolulu
    
    Houston
    
    Indianapolis
    
    Los Angeles
    
    Milwaukee
    
    Minneapolis
    
    New Haven
    
    New York
    
    Northbrook (Global HQ)
    
    Philadelphia
    
    Pittsburgh
    
    Portland
    
    Princeton
    
    Raleigh
    
    San Antonio
    
    San Diego
    
    San Francisco
    
    Seattle
    
    South Florida
    
    Washington, DC
    
    EUROPE
    
    London

KNOWLEDGE // ARTICLES

Fire Protection Tests and Building Enclosure Systems: A Brief History

Nicholas Ozog, Associate Principal, Chicago
Michael J. Rzeznik, Associate Principal, New Haven

In this article, fire protection experts Michael Rzeznik, Nick Ozog, and Elizabeth Mullin examine three standardized tests that are relied upon by building code organizations throughout the United States, perform a brief review of the origins and history of each test, and discuss critical aspects of each test as applicable to modern building design.

Read this article to learn more about the history of the ASTM E119, NFPA 285, and ASTM E84 tests. This article was originally published in the April 2019 issue of IIBEC Interface, the technical journal of the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants.

READ ARTICLE (PDF)

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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Architecture

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Forensics

Design

Buildings

Construction

Energy

Industrial

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FACADEORDINANCE.COM

SEISMICORDINANCES.COM

AMERICAS

EUROPE

KNOWLEDGE // ARTICLES

Fire Protection Tests and Building Enclosure Systems: A Brief History

Knowledge

SERVICES

MARKETS

Engineering

Architecture

Laboratory

Field

Forensics

Design

FACADEORDINANCE.COM

SEISMICORDINANCES.COM

AMERICAS

EUROPE

KNOWLEDGE // ARTICLES

Fire Protection Tests and Building Enclosure Systems: A Brief History

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