Look Out Below – A Curtainwall Case Study (2020 Convention)

Curtainwall systems have been used in commercial construction since the 1970s. Though the performance of these systems has improved, there is still much to learn about how design choices affect service life resilience. This presentation will discuss the fundamentals of commercial fenestration system types, performance, and proper detailing followed by a case study illustrating how these concepts were applied. The case study of Clements University Hospital, a fully operational 12-story healthcare facility, illustrates how typical detailing of newly incorporated elements could have adverse long-term effects.

Beauty caps on a typical captured glass curtainwall system were falling and posed a life safety risk to the public. Walter P Moore was engaged to perform a peer review of the construction documents to identify possible causes of failure, as well as a visual survey to identify additional falling hazards. The Challenging Access Team mobilized to conduct the visual assessment of the tower curtainwall system by rope access. By implementing quality control processes for the repairs, performing hands-on observations, and examining the installed repairs, repair solutions would mitigate future falling hazards, as well as reduce risks for the owner and building patrons. These and other challenges encountered throughout assessment, design, and construction oversight will be discussed.

Jacqueline Byndas Prakhov

Walter P Moore & Associates, Inc. | Dallas, TX

Prakhov is a graduate engineer in the Diagnostics Group of Walter P Moore. She has more than three years of experience in the field of forensic engineering. Her expertise includes evaluating and designing repairs for distress related to clay masonry, stone façades, concrete structures, building enclosure moisture management, roofing systems, and below-grade waterproofing on concrete substrates. She has also developed work scopes, repair details, repair procedures, and technical specifications for waterproofing, restoration, and rehabilitation projects.

Jason Siwek, PE

Walter P Moore & Associates, Inc. | Washington, DC

Jason Siwek is a project manager in the diagnostics group of his firm. With more than eight years of experience in the building enclosure field, Siwek has gained expertise in unitized curtain walls, punched windows, storefronts, canopies, skylights, and handrails. His experience involves formulating test procedures to determine material properties, evaluating performance conditions, and recommending efficient processes for repair. Siwek has special insight into international building codes, standards, and market trends based on his work with global design teams. In the building enclosure industry, he specializes in enclosure fabrication and rope access assessments.