SOLUTION

WJE assembled a team of engineers with necessary expertise to safely and economically assess the structural condition of the clock faces after a century of exposure in a harsh northern environment, decades of deferred maintenance, and a variety of modifications implemented over the years. Using specialized rope access techniques, WJE’s Difficult Access Team (DAT) rappelled down the tower of the clock, documenting deterioration—including cracking and corrosion—and removing loose steel fragments that could become falling hazards. The DAT used electronic tables and WJE Plannotate—a proprietary software application—to efficiently collect and organize visual observations, photographs, measurements, and the results of nondestructive testing.

The results of WJE’s field work and analysis were compiled in a report that described the existing conditions and identified repair options, which considered the historic significance of the clock faces. After the desired repair option was selected by the Municipal Building Commission, WJE developed construction documents and served as the structural engineer of record for the restoration of the clock, which utilized cast and wrought aluminum for the primary structural elements. These materials were selected for their durability, cost, and constructability. Construction commenced in 2015 and was completed in 2017.