University of Pennsylvania, McNeil Building Façade Investigation

overview

Built in 1970, the McNeil Building is an academic classroom facility that houses the Population Study Centers Library, the Social Science Data Center and the Career Services Library for the University of Pennsylvania.

In 2013, we were engaged by the University to provide façade investigation services for the five-story structure, which features a façade of brick masonry with limestone accents and copings. We performed a detailed investigation to determine the cause of severe water infiltration, and then we prepared a report and provided recommendations for rehabilitative construction to repair or replace damaged elements. We were engaged again by the University in 2019 to produce repair documents based on the original report completed in 2013.

highlights

• Our initial investigation revealed that the existing window head flashing at the first four levels was in poor condition and in need of replacement. In addition, the limestone sealant joints above the fifth-floor windows had failed and required a complete replacement.
• Repairs performed in 2019 included replacement of 100% of the window head flashing at levels one through four, replacement of 100% of limestone joints and localized repairs to limestone panels.
• Construction could not start until the day after graduation at the end of May and needed to be complete by the end of August prior to the start of the fall semester.
• We provided construction administration services for the project and made site visits twice a week to review work progress and verify it was completed in accordance with repair documents.