Greetings!
In this issue, our Case Study article describes the fast track renovation of the brick facade of a South Boston condominium building by our Small Projects Division. Our Masonry 101 article describes spalling or the crumbling of concrete due to excessive heat and/or pressure.
We trust that you will benefit from the information provided in this publication. If you have any comments or questions, or would like an estimate on a masonry repair project, we can be reached at
617-445-0274 or at www.abbotbuilding.com.
Sincerely,
Michael Norman, President
Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.
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Abbot Completes Fast Track Renovation of South Boston Condominium Building
Abbot's Small Projects Division recently completed a fast track
renovation of a 3-unit condominium building at 157 West 3rd
Street in South Boston. Abbot was contacted by the condominium association to address a significant defect in the brick wall located at the center face of the bay portion of the building façade that required urgent attention. Abbot initially evaluated problem and determined that the anchoring of the brick at the left bottom corner of the bay below the large lower window had dislodged from the wall compromising the entire wall on all three floors.
 To validate the condition, the building owner brought in FTV Incorporated (Boston, MA), an engineering consulting firm. Following its evaluation, the consulting firm recommended that the center portion of the wall around the three middle windows be removed all the way from the ground to the wood coping at the top of the building, and be replaced with a new anchoring system. The complexity of the project involved the need for Abbot to remove the center portion of the bay without removing the two sides.During the demolition phase, Abbot carefully removed the brick wall, salvaging most of the brick, and acquired matching brick to blend into the wall. As the wall consisted of two wythes of brick, the replacement bricks were retied into the back-up wall and reinstalled.To complete the restoration, the brick details between and over the windows were reworked to match the appearance of the original materials. The entire project was completed before the winter weather set in and showed no evidence that the restoration had taken place. |
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Spalling: An Early Warning Sign?
Spalling is the breakdown of masonry surface layers in response to high temperature and/or internal mechanical pressure sometimes caused by corroding reinforcing steel. Spalling can often be warning sign of more extensive structural damage extending into the building.
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Concrete Spalling
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In concrete, the physical appearance of spalling may include striated lines, discoloration of the masonry, and pitting or rough texture to the concrete that remains attached to the slab.
Small spalls, or pop outs, can occur at edges where bar ends terminate near the concrete surface or at other localized areas of shallow concrete cover. Larger spalls occur near embedments and where long sections of reinforcing steel, with insufficient cover, run parallel to the concrete surface. | |
Brick Spalling
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In brick, spalling maybe be caused by mortar of excessive hardness. Any movement in the wall, from settlement, thermal expansion, or vibration, is deflected by the mortar, instead of being absorbed by it. This pressure then transmits back to the brick, ultimately leading to spalling. Spalling may also result from deterioration of the masonry structure's interior anchoring system. Water penetration can lead to metal reinforcements and anchorings to corrode, causing undue internal pressures. The only practical way to properly repair spalling masonry is to replace it. This may require removing individual bricks or even an entire window sill.
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Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.
28 Allerton Street, Boston, MA 02119
Tel: 617-445-0274 · Fax: 617-445-0277
estimating@abbotbuilding.com · www.abbotbuilding.com
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Featured Articles
Case Study
Abbot's Small Projects Division recently completed the fast track renovation of a South Boston condominium building.
See full article below
Masonry 101
Spalling can be an early warning sign of structural problems in concrete buildings.
See full article below
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