“Return to Glory”: Restoring Safety to Tampa General Hospital’s Brick Facade

This presentation initially took place at IIBEC's 2022 International Convention and Trade Show in Orlando, Florida.

Tampa General Hospital is an award-winning medical center serving Tampa Bay, Fla. The hospital first opened in 1927 and has since undergone various expansions and renovations. In 2015, facility staff observed near the West Pavilion’s main entrance that brick masonry units had fallen, presenting an overhead safety hazard for hospital patients and visitors. Walter P Moore was retained to evaluate the general condition of the brick facade and recent brick failure, provide repair recommendations, and perform construction administration services during the repair work. The investigative team used more than 30 exploratory openings through the brick facade to observe concealed conditions, and identified several unique issues that necessitated widespread repairs. Unforeseen conditions also surfaced during the repair work, presenting several interesting challenges. This presentation discusses the methods of assessment and repair at the hospital, and how the team overcame the challenges of performing repairs to a facility that remained fully operational during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Webb Wright, PE
Walter P Moore | Orlando, FL

Webb Wright is a senior associate and senior project manager in the Walter P Moore Diagnostics Group with expertise in forensic engineering. He has more than 20 years of engineering experience in diversified aspects of structural engineering analysis, investigation, and evaluation of distressed and failed materials involving a broad range of structural, civil and architectural systems. He has also performed assessments and repairs of various facade cladding systems, reinforced concrete, masonry, prestressed concrete, steel, and timber structures. He routinely provides expert witness services on behalf of insurance companies and property owners.

Amaris Beza, PE
Walter P Moore | Orlando, FL

Amaris Beza is an engineer in the Walter P Moore Diagnostics Group. Her experience focuses on the field of building enclosure consulting and repair of existing buildings. Amaris’s expertise includes evaluating and designing repairs for distress related to concrete structures, building enclosure moisture management, roofing systems, and waterproofing systems. She has developed repair details, repair procedures, and technical specifications for waterproofing, restoration, and rehabilitation projects. Amaris has worked on several building enclosure third-party reviews for clients, reviewing technical specifications and drawings for continuity of building enclosure systems.