SOLUTION

WJE was engaged to commission the envelope as a whole; however, due to its complexity, a significant portion of WJE’s work focused on the custom curtain wall, which comprises the entire west facade. WJE participated in design-assist, laboratory performance mock-ups, and observed the construction and testing of the installed curtain wall. WJE also reviewed mock-up installation of air and vapor barrier, windows, and cladding as well as air and water testing of the window assemblies. WJE performed on-site construction observations on a periodic basis throughout the construction phase of the project, including observing third-party agency testing of the custom curtain wall, sloped glazing, and windows performed by Intertek.

During the project, issues arose with the installation of the structural sealant glazed (SSG) custom curtain wall. Specifically, issues arose with water infiltration, visual distortion of the glass, and glass breakage. WJE was ideally suited to expand our services and assist with these matters. In regard to the glass distortion, WJE was asked to perform additional services, including a visual survey along with nondestructive field measurements of the insulating glass units. After installation was complete on the curtain wall, a glass lite at the east facade broke, and WJE was asked to investigate the cause of the failure. The glass was shipped to our laboratory and analyzed.