Project Type: Construction Administration & Design

 The Vital Structure: 

Bio-Science Bldg. Reroof, Waterproofing and Enclosure

Issue

The building located in Cambridge, MA is a fourteen-story office building constructed in the early 2000s and is a LEED Platinum Structure.  The steel-framed building includes systems such as glass curtain walls, insulated metal panel cladding, low-slope main roof, with an inverted roof membrane system (IRMA).  Lower balcony roof systems extend around the perimeter at varied elevations.  Large cooling towers, and structural steel dunnage support systems, along with fall arrest/window wash davit systems supported upon reinforced concrete piers are located around the perimeter of the upper roof.  The tenant has moved out, and in combination with a building fit-out, the roof system replacement and associated work were coordinated to resolve a long history of a roof leak and related deterioration.

Diagnosis

The IRMA roof system was installed upon a flat (un-sloped) structural roof deck.  It was apparent that the flashing details between the roof system and wall panels was insufficiently terminated and transitioned, resulting in roof and wall leaks, with water infiltration into the building occupied space, and corrosion of metal flashing, wall panels and metal framing.  Steel dunnage support framing was found to be corroded.   Roof davit support bases were temporarily removed for the reroofing, and found to have insufficiently torqued anchor bolts, and de-bonded anchors requiring augmentation.

 

 

 

Solution

Although Vital Structures was only contracted for Construction Administration services, we were engaged for design support to resolve many structural deck repairs, roof deck slope and drainage improvements, upgrading energy efficiency and flashing transition/termination conditions with elevation modifications, and application of screed mortars at balcony roofs to achieve positive roof slope to drains.  Roof fall arrest davits required a structural design to retrofit galvanized steel plate sleeves with adhesive anchor shear lugs in order to fit over concrete piers and reestablish the needed davit anchor bolts to meet current OSHA and ANSI test standards.

Result

Vital provided review of the original engineer’s design documents and prepared documentation with improved approaches and materials to resolve unforeseen and problematic conditions.   The client experienced a dramatically improved positive roof drainage system with appropriately transitioned flashing to eliminate leaks.  Corroded steel dunnage was recoated to extend the serviceable life of the mechanical unit supports in lieu of framing replacement, saving them considerable funds.  Life/safety improvements were achieved with the resolve of Vitals davit base sleeve custom design, so that the existing davit cranes could be salvaged and reused. 

    Evaluate. Guide. Revitalize.

    Let's Do Something Vital Together!

    “An Objective Expert We Could Trust”

    We retained Vital Structures after finding our builder unwilling to help identify and rectify obvious bowing and waving to our accessory building.  The information provided by Vital was impressive as it was detailed and specific calling out nonconformance to building codes, industry standard construction practices and manufacturer specifications.  The reports were written in a way that was observational, with pictures and evidence.  Had we not hired an objective expert we would have been faced with serious structural problems unknown to layman.  The professionalism, expectation setting and follow-through on Vital Structures part was the due diligence we needed to protect ourselves in this endeavor.  It is well worth the time and expense to correct the issues in advance of accepting subpar construction.

    Jeanne Pagani

    Homeowner

    “Vital Structures Has My Highest Recommendation.”

    As the trustee for the Lois J. Lewis Trust, I contracted Vital Structures to oversee a project to evaluate and repair the foundation pilings of an 1880s lakefront cabin on Spofford Lake. The cabin’s piling foundations had deteriorated due to hillside erosion, age, and lack of maintenance. By the time Vital Structures took on our project, the foundation was close to failure.

    David Morand, who oversaw the project, was professional, meticulous, and flexible,- offering several well-considered solutions to our problem. He and his team were involved from start to finish, readily available for updates, and on site to address any issues that arose. David was also instrumental in connecting us with a contractor who could meet our unique needs, given the limited access and difficult site conditions.

    I can’t say enough good things about the way Vital Structures conducted the project and their professionalism throughout the process. They were a pleasure to work with.

    Kenneth Betts

    Trustee, The Lois J. Lewis Trust

    “Vital provided invaluable assistance and made our buildings healthy again!”

    Our Association hired Vital Structures to inspect our decks. David, Richard, and the rest of their team are very professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. As our relationship formed, Vital Structures became our Engineers of choice to develop a new design to replace all the decks in the Association.  Vital provided us with invaluable assistance in obtaining Contracting Bids, so we had verifiable Construction Company choices.  Once renovation began, Vital oversaw the project, holding Contractors accountable, ensuring construction was completed to our new design specifications and that the job was done correctly.  Everyone loves the new look and our buildings are becoming healthy again!

    Mike Labrecque

    Trustee, The Colonial Village

    “A huge value to our business!”

    We are a waterfront business operating in Provincetown for over fifty years. Vital Structures has been our valued “go-to” partner whenever we address issues relative to our building or property. Their comprehensive knowledge and ability to assess issues and provide solutions across the board is truly a unique expertise and of huge value to businesses like ours. They are service-oriented, extremely responsive, and know their business – and ours. Five-star excellence in all regards!

     

    Jill Botway

    Managing Director, The Boat Slip LLC

    “Highly Recommended! “

    Vital Structures llc has proven to be a top notch engineering firm. Beginning with a comprehensive and thorough review of the job scope, to the completion of a project with no details missed. All personnel involved with each project we have found to be excellent to work with and yet never willing to compromise details that would have any adverse effect on the project. Whenever unforeseen conditions arise, they are immediately back to the drawing board without any hesitation in order to keep the project moving. I would highly recommend Vital Structures llc for any structural or building envelope projects.

    Brett Emery

    Emery Construction LLC

    “An Eye for Detail”

    We have been working with David Morand of Vital Structures on a few different projects over the years.  We are completely impressed as he is professional, has an eye for detail, is very thorough, and always answers all our questions.  David & the Vital Structure’s team are very knowledgeable about the industry, very proactive with their approach, and always do a great job.  I would not hesitate to use David and his team on the future projects.

    Laurie Ferrari

    CEO, Peters Property Management
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