3
reasons facades fail in new
buildings
On
May 2nd ASCE's
SmartBrief for Civil Engineers
reported that
"building facades, especially
the glass curtain wall type
facades such as those on many
high-rise buildings, are
complicated structures with many
components. Curtain walls are
constructed outside the slab
structure of each floor; they
are structurally independent.
Glass panes are built to “rack
in place.” Pressure from extreme
wind can make the panes move. If
the panes come off their setting
blocks, or if the setting blocks
move, panes can come loose from
gaskets. Many variables affect
this scenario, including what
sealants are used, how the
building has been maintained,
and how it was
constructed...Climate factors
may be contributing to the
recent frequency of facade
failures. Severe storms and
other climate-related events are
occurring in regions not
previously exposed to them,
meaning infrastructure and
building standards may not be
sufficient to withstand
them...Economics may also play a
role: widespread office vacancy
means outward signs of damage or
stress in window or facade
components go unreported. Vacant
buildings also may not be
maintained to previous
standards. Short of a facade
inspection, window washers are
often the only ones with the
vantage point to observe signs
of damage or stress in
windows...Finally, the shortage
of skilled labor that has
plagued the construction
industry over the last decade or
more may also be partly to
blame. While the pressure for
fast delivery of new buildings
has increased, qualified crews
have become harder to find. This
combination can result in
shortcuts and lower quality
construction”.
Andrew
R. Yarmus, P.E., F.NSPE,
as an OSHA certified Forensic
Engineering consultant, and as
a Past Chair of
the National
Society of Professional
Engineers PE's in Construction Interest
Group, has helped to facilitate
discussions between Professional
Engineers across the country on
important matters such as safety
in both industry and construction.
As a licensed
Professional Engineer, State
Certified Code Enforcement
Official, and OSHA
certified professional,
Mr. Yarmus is credentialed to
consult on site safety and
incident investigation matters. Yarmus
Engineering, P.C. is
available to consult with business
owners, operations managers,
property managers, real estate
developers, builders, attorneys,
contractors, insurance
professionals, adjusters, and
other related parties regarding
site safety issues. Please contact
our office if we can be
of assistance to you or your
clients regarding such matters.
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