Description
Cracking the Case: Lessons from a Veneer Failure Investigation and Repair
(O'Donnell J., Shear A.)
Course Overview
This session was originally presented at the 2026 IIBEC Convention & Trade Show in Sacramento, CA.
This course includes the following required components.
- recording of the live session
- summative assessment consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions
- course evaluation survey
Description
This presentation will discuss the background, failure investigation, and proposed repair strategies at a residential complex in Long Island, New York, following a brick masonry veneer wall collapse during a winter storm. The forensic assessment of the veneer condition—including examination of veneer anchorage, material and construction deficiencies, and environmental factors—to uncover the contributing causes of the failure will be highlighted. A summary of the nondestructive evaluation and testing used to evaluate the condition of the remaining brick veneer conditions, development of the subsequent proposed repair strategies, and the methods that were undertaken to validate the feasibility and efficacy of the repairs will be presented. Participants will gain valuable insights into the practical aspects of conducting failure investigations, including the identification of inadequate construction practices and the application of effective repair solutions, as well as testing methods that can be incorporated into veneer assessments. Methods to assess and address structural vulnerabilities of veneer systems and enhance the durability of masonry veneer and wood framed structures will be reviewed. Structural engineers, architects, and construction professionals interested in failure investigations and masonry veneer repair techniques will benefit from this presentation.
Speaker/Author
Jordan O’Donnell, PE
Associate III, WJE Engineers & Architects, P.E.
Andrea Shear, PE
Murray Engineering, P.C.
Course Access
Courses are accessible in LearnUpon for one year from the date of purchase.
Course Recommended Prerequisite(s)
Attendees should have a basic understanding of structural engineering principles, particularly related to masonry construction and building codes. Familiarity with forensic investigation techniques and nondestructive evaluation methods will be beneficial. Additionally, knowledge of common construction practices and deficiencies, especially those prevalent in mid-20th century buildings, will help participants fully grasp the case study and proposed repair strategies.
IIBEC Core Competencies: Exterior Walls
Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in the session content at the 2026 IIBEC Convention & Trade Show are those of the content author(s)/speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC). IIBEC makes no warranty, whether express or implied, as to the completeness, accuracy or validity of the information provided.
Credit Start Date: 1/23/26
Credit Expiration Date: 1/23/29
Continuing Education Credit Statement
This course is approved for 1.0 IIBEC CEH
This course is approved for 1.0 AIA LU/HSW
AIA Course Number:CONV26_13_OD
AIA Provider Number: G024
Continuing Education Credit Claim Information
To claim IIBEC CEHs and download a Certificate of Completion, learners are required to complete all components of the course, including a passing score of 70% or higher on the summative assessment. Participants are provided unlimited attempts to complete the summative assessment with a passing score of 70% or higher.
- After completing the course requirements download a Certificate of Completion.
- Participants are responsible for self-reporting IIBEC CEH credit by uploading their Certificate of Completion to their IIBEC Portal. For assistance in self-reporting CEHs, please reach out to: cehs@iibec.org
- If you are a member of AIA and would like IIBEC to report your participation in the course to AIA, there is a place in the course evaluation survey to input your AIA member number.
AIA CES Provider statement
IIBEC is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider 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.
Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be able to:
1. Explain the purpose and methods of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques, such as the use of metal detection for veneer anchorage location, as well as plumbness measurements, to understand how these assessments help in evaluating the structural integrity of masonry veneer walls.
2. Identify the main factors that led to the wall collapse based on the data collected from the investigation and lab analysis.
3. Recognize common construction deficiencies found in 1950s buildings, such as inadequate veneer anchorage spacing, use of undersized materials, and poor anchorage methods, as well as to understand their impact on the building's structural performance.
4. Describe effective repair strategies for masonry veneer walls, such as helical pin installations and brick replacement, informed by the findings from NDE surveys, testing, and exploratory openings.
Certificate
By completing/passing this course, you will attain the certificate On Demand_AIA HSW and IIBEC CEH 2025
Learning credits
Shopping Cart
Your cart is empty