SOLUTION

WJE architects visually assessed the condition of the exterior facades included in the scope of work from ground and close up from an aerial lift. WJE’s observations were summarized in a report that served as the schematic design narrative for the repair design phase. Both routine facade maintenance items as well as discrete areas of significant brick masonry distress were identified. Due to the maximum-security environment, destructive exploratory openings to verify as-built conditions were not authorized during the assessment and design phase. Additionally, original detail drawings were not available. As such, WJE drew upon collective experience with similar vintage mass masonry buildings to develop repair details that could sufficiently convey the intent of the repair work to bidding contractors.

Following a competitive bid process, WJE provided construction period services. The team performed weekly site visits throughout construction to review concealed conditions and provide on-site documentation of the work in progress. Assumptions made by WJE during the design process regarding concealed conditions at embedded steel were found to be accurate, avoiding costly change orders in the work following exposure of these conditions and additional structural analysis by WJE engineers. The final scope of repairs included brick masonry repointing, brick and limestone replacement, steel lintel repairs and replacement, lintel flashing installation, sealant joint replacement, and limited masonry cleaning.