IIBEC/AEI BES 2022 An American Gothic- BECx for Harvard University’s Swartz Hall ($95.00 Member/$110.00 Non-Member)

 An American Gothic: BECx for Harvard University’s Swartz Hall was originally presented at the 2022 IIBEC/AEI Building Enclosure Symposium.  This course includes the recording of the session as well as a summative assessment consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions.

Course Start Date: November 30, 2022

Course Expiration Date: November 30, 2025

Course Prerequisites: None

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Continuing Education Credit Statement: This course is approved for 1.0 IIBEC CEH.  This course is approved for 1.0 AIA LU HSW.  
A passing score of 100% on the summative assessment (unlimited attempts) is required in order to earn Continuing Education Hours and AIA LU HSW credit. After completing this course, learners will be able to download a Certificate of Completion.  Learners are responsible for self-reporting IIBEC CEH credit by uploading their Certificate of Completion to their IIBEC Portal.

Description
Originally constructed in 1911, Swartz Hall limestone facade underwent its first comprehensive renovation starting in 2019. This ambitious project included a stylistically modern addition, restoration of the building enclosure, compliance with current building codes, energy efficiency upgrades, and new structural framing while maintaining the building’s historical character.

Raths, Raths & Johnson Inc. (RRJ) was retained to provide building enclosure commissioning (BECx) services to assist in achieving LEED certification. RRJ’s scope included multiple design reviews, development of a BECx plan, preparation of BECx specifications, submittal reviews, quality assurance site visits, field quality-control testing, compilation of an issues tracking log, assistance with resolving nonconformance items, and a warranty-phase BECx summary report. Many lessons were learned both before and during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project team adapted to the work environment and schedule changes while providing a project-specific BECx process. This case study will provide valuable insight to BECx providers and enclosure consultants, as well as encourage discussion regarding best practices and options for process improvements.

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss the optimal timing of the BECx provider involvement to improve building enclosure performance.
2. Describe how the BECx process was successfully used to improve occupant comfort following the completion of the Harvard University Swartz Hall renewal project.
3. Restate strategies implemented during the Harvard University Swartz Hall renewal project to improve internal communication, advance construction quality, and meet goals related to sustainability.
4. Review means implemented to successfully combine historic and contemporary building enclosure features to achieve specified performance requirements.

Speakers/Authors

Gloria Frank
Raths, Raths & Johnson Inc. | Willowbrook, Illinois

Gloria Frank is a member of the structural engineering staff at Raths, Raths & Johnson Inc, and is enrolled with the state of Illinois as an engineer intern. She is engaged in condition assessment, field investigation and testing, litigation support services, and documentation of structural components and distressed structures. In addition to structural engineering projects, she assists with testing for building enclosure condition assessment and repair design of historic structures.

Patrick Reicher, REWC, REWO, SE
Raths, Raths & Johnson Inc. | Willowbrook, Illinois

Patrick Reicher is a principal with Raths, Raths & Johnson Inc. Reicher is a licensed Structural Engineer in the State of Illinois and a Licensed Professional Engineer in several states. He has considerable experience in forensic investigation, evaluation, and repair design of existing building enclosures; and building enclosure consulting and commissioning for new construction projects. He currently serves on several committees and task forces for the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC), the IIBEC Chicago Area Chapter, the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance, and the Construction Specification Institute Chicago Chapter).

Reviewer
Wendy Fraser, P.Eng
2022 Building Enclosure Symposium Committee Member

AIA CES Provider statement
IIBEC is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number G024. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3). This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.