2026 BES Session: Beyond the Wall: A Case Study in Innovative Brick Masonry Facade Stabilization and Systematic Deconstruction (Kosteva K.)

2026 BES Session: Beyond the Wall: A Case Study in Innovative Brick Masonry Facade Stabilization and Systematic Deconstruction

(Kosteva K.)

Course Overview
This session was originally presented at the 2026 IIBEC Building Enclosure Symposium in Indianapolis, Indiana.  This course includes the following components:

• recording of the live session
• a summative assessment consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions
• two surveys required to claim continuing education credit

Description

Lateral displacement of clay brick masonry facades is not unusual. Lateral displacement of both the outer and inner wythes in excess of 6” and complete inner wythe bearing loss, in an occupied high-rise apartment building in an urban area, are far from standard. This session explores a case study to review multiple unique measures implemented to assess, stabilize, and facilitate safe and systematic deconstruction of a multi-wythe brick and concrete masonry unit (CMU) composite wall assembly displaced at the 11th and 12th floors of a steel-framed high rise apartment building.  This session will discuss the causes and the extent of lateral movement of both the inner and outer wythe , and demonstrate how the lateral movement created a highly unstable condition that necessitated a unique and creative stabilization and demolition approach. Assessment, stabilization, and deconstruction were completed with intense focus on safety, including conducting exterior work exclusively from aerial lifts to ensure engineer and technician safety. Stabilization, constructability, and logistics were reviewed and coordinated with the repair contractor; they were designed and installed to facilitate safe deconstruction of the exterior walls, as well as temporary stabilization following each work day. This collaborative and meticulous approach resulted in a pragmatic approach that ensured safe demolition and reconstruction of the exterior wall.

Speaker/Author

Kenneth Kosteva, PE
Associate Principal
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc.

Course Access
Courses are accessible in LearnUpon for one year from the date of purchase.

Course Recommended Prerequisite(s)

• A working knowledge of brick masonry facade construction.

IIBEC Core Competencies: 

Exterior Walls

Knowledge Level: 

Intermediate (5–15 years)

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in the session content at the 2026 IIBEC Building Enclosure Symposium 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 August 17, 2026               
Credit Expiration Date  August 17, 2029

Continuing Education Credit Statement
This course is approved for 1.0 IIBEC CEH
This course is approved for 1.0 AIA LU ELECTIVE
AIA Course Number: BES26_20_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.