“To Be or Not To Be”_ A Case Study_ Wind Impact Analysis of an Aged Curtain Wall

This course was initially presented at the 2022 International Trade Show and Convention in Orlando, FL. 

As extreme weather events are becoming both more frequent and intense, essential facilities face a dual threat of increased wind pressures and airborne debris impacts, particularly at facilities with glazed curtainwall systems. Furthermore, the structural and waterproofing elements of these curtainwalls may have experienced age-related deterioration. This case study considers an existing medical office building with a 1960s curtainwall system. Investigators evaluated whether it could accommodate current code-level wind pressure impacts, and the evaluation was used to develop conceptual schemes to implement hardening retrofits or other appropriate restoration options that would better allow the facility to functionally remain operational during extreme weather wind events. The presentation addresses building codes and industry consensus standards used during this evaluation such as ASCE 7-16, Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures, and ASTM E1996, Standard Specification for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Impact Protective Systems Impacted by Windborne Debris in Hurricanes. Particular focus will be placed on current technologies to both understand and improve the resiliency and sustainability of existing curtainwall systems.

Presenters: Kimani Augustine, PE, Mallory Buckley, RRO

Kimani Augustine is a principal in Walter P Moore’s Diagnostics Group in Houston, Texas. He has been in the engineering industry since 2004 and has experience in diversified aspects of enclosure diagnostics consulting, including managing a wide variety of building enclosure projects and preparing design documents to address identified distress conditions. Augustine is a leader in Walter P Moore’s Enclosure Diagnostics Practice, which is dedicated to developing step-by-step processes for finding solutions to building enclosure issues. He is on the board of the IIBEC Gulf Coast Chapter, where he actively serves to enhance building enclosure knowledge in the Houston area.

Mallory Buckley is an associate in Walter P Moore’s Diagnostics Group in Dallas, Texas. Her experience focuses on the field of building enclosure consulting, and her areas of expertise include assessing and designing repairs for distress conditions related to façade systems, building enclosure moisture management, roofing systems, and below-grade waterproofing on concrete substrates. Her portfolio includes developing work scopes, repair details, repair procedures, and technical specifications for waterproofing, restoration, and rehabilitation projects.