Guardian Building – Historic Masonry Wall Performance and Restoration

18600 Haggerty Road,Livonia MI 48152

11 November, 2021

Description

A monthly BEC-GD continuing educational program AIA Continuing Education will be made available by AIA Detroit In-person Attendee: $5.00 at the venueVirtual Attendee: FreeDESCRIPTION: Restoration of the Guardian Building began some 12 months prior to removing the first unit of masonry. An assessment was performed that documented the physical condition of the façade, identified areas of work, and documented their locations on elevations that were later bid to local restoration experts. Terra cotta units are individually unique, and require samples and/or molds for procurement of replacement units. Corrosion of the structural elements meant rebuilding vast areas of masonry and complex rigging to gain access these locations. Early mid to high rise buildings used mass masonry over a structural frame with no active weather/air barrier nor through-wall flashings to manage water that infiltrated the façade. The problem with this approach is that the Guardian’s exterior walls were much thinner than traditional mass masonry walls that relied on their thickness and water diverting “water tables”. This case study follows the history, investigation, and restoration process. It analysis the areas of water infiltration which led to the corrosion of the carbon steel anchors, the structural frame, and eventually the widespread deterioration of the façade. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: A brief history of the technology/innovations that resulted in mid & high rise buildings.Water management in mass masonry walls. The consequences of taller and thinner mass masonry walls.Sources of water in mass masonry walls (Condensation vs Bulk Water vs Plumbing)The science behind condensation in exterior walls.Restoration of a mass masonry high rise building. From assessment to material procurement to restoration.Click here to read more about the speakers Jerome Misiolek, Ryan Asava, and Juan Arias-Hernandez from SmithGroup.