September 2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Engln..Mg & Consultlnp R. JERRY FROST, PE, MS, MBA TROY A. MADLEM, PE, MLSE August 22, 2012 St. Joseph County Public Library Aft: Mr. Dave Woodcox 304 South Main Street South Bend, IN 46601 RE: St. Joseph County Public Library 307 South Michigan Street Dear Mr. Woodcox: Frost Engineering and Consulting (FEC) has completed the preliminary inspection of the terra cotta facade on the building located at 307 South Michigan Street in accordance with our proposal dated August 13, 2012. Included in this letter is a summary of the general findings and observations made by our team during the inspection. In addition to the general observations, conceptual designs and preliminary cost estimates for a concrete and steel backup structure are provided for the Library's use in guiding the direction of the overall project. Building Fagade Inspection FEC was contacted by the St. Joseph County Public Library (SJCPL) to perform an initial facade inspection on 307 South Michigan Street. Attached to the buildings east exterior wall, the terra cotta facade has extensive deterioration from years of apparent neglect and environmental wear. SJCPL requested the facade inspection over concern that ongoing deterioration of the existing facade could become a public safety hazard should pieces of the fagade fall on the sidewalk below. On Friday, August 17th 2012, FEC completed an arms -length field inspection of the building's facade using a 40 foot man lift. The inspection included a sounding of the fagade to determine the general location of delaminations, inspection of the size and length of cracks in the terra cotta, spalling and cracking of the terra cotta's glaze, and the general layout of the facade support system. A summary of findings from this inspection can be found on SK1 in Appendix A along with photos depicting the deterioration in Appendix B. In general, the facade was found to be in fair to poor overall condition as follows: • Approximately 10 to 15 percent of the terra cotta's surface area is showing extensive structural deterioration with more minor deterioration noted throughout the remaining terra cotta • Extensive areas of delamination, particularly near the windows and in areas where items had been previously attached to the facade. • Note: Three areas have delamination so severe that it has caused the terra cotta to separate from the existinc brick wall behind. These locations present a potential falling object hazard and should be considered for either removal or re -attachment to secure them and prevent additional dislodging of surrounding tiles.