In this issue of Masonry Solutions, our Case Study article describes Abbot's two-phase restoration project on a mixed-use high-rise building in downtown Boston. Our Masonry 101 article describes what a "mastclimber" platform is and how it is used.
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 Two-Phase Restoration of Mixed-Use High-Rise Building in Downtown Boston
Abbot recently completed a two-phase restoration project on an 11-story high-rise retail and commercial mixed-use building located at 18 Tremont Street in downtown Boston.
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18 Tremont Street, Boston
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The building is constructed with a combination of brick, granite, and terra cotta stone. The lower two retail floors consist of granite columns. The center of the building consists of brick columns with ornamental iron metal bands above and below the windows on each floor. A terra cotta water table is set on the third floor above the retail space and below the top floor penthouse.
Phase 1 - Partial Front Elevation
An investigation of the building façade uncovered several areas of vertical cracks in the brick columns due to water intrusion. Based on this evaluation, the owner contracted Abbot to repair the damaged brick areas, inspect and repair any terra cotta, completely repoint the façade, and paint all of the ornamental iron metal bands.
Complicating the project was the glass penthouse at the top floor with a terra-cotta water table at the base and ornamental dental molding that protrudes several feet from the front of the building. The structure and configuration of the penthouse made it unsafe to use conventional two-point suspended scaffolding that normally would have been braced from the roof and posed a danger to the glass. To circumvent the problem, Abbot chose a "mastclimber" platform that allowed access to the building without the need to repel from the top. Using the mastclimber, Abbot was able to traverse sections of the building to perform its maintenance work.
Phase 2 - Balance of the Front Elevation, Interior Courtyard, and Rear Elevation
Consistent with the elaborate construction of the late 1800s, the building was designed with a U-shaped interior courtyard that allows natural light to penetrate the windows on that side of the building, as well as a view of the Kings Chapel Burying Ground at the corner of Tremont and Schools Streets below. The work on the courtyard consisted of minor repairs to the brick and painting of all the ornamental metal bays and ornamental iron areas above and below the windows similar to the front façade.
On the rear elevation in Court Square, Abbot repaired the cracked brickwork, replaced steel lintels and flashing, and painted the ornamental bands surrounding the storefronts and windows on the second floor.
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"Mastclimber" Platform
As discussed in our Case Study article, Abbot used a "mastclimber" platform in place of standard two-point suspended scaffolding to access and traverse the side of the high-rise building.
Scaffolding has been used by workers to scale the exterior of tall buildings for repairs, painting, or expansion. Over time, scaffolding has evolved through technology and material developments that have made these platforms stronger, safer, more efficient, and productive, to satisfy the increasing needs and demands of the construction industry.
However, when access to the building from conventional scaffolding is not practical, a "mastclimber" platform can be a safe, flexible, and efficient alternative.
A "mastclimber" is a vertical tower typically composed of modular stacked units resting on either a mobile chassis or stationary beams, a work platform that travels up and down the tower, and a power drive unit that moves the platform up and down. Mastclimbers have been used in Europe since the 1960s and in the U.S. since the 1980s.
The height at which "mastclimbers" are used varies according to their specific application and type of system. The equipment can be customized to suit specific building profiles and project needs, and requires a smaller footprint than conventional scaffolding. In addition, "mastclimbers" have a very large load capacity, allowing vertical transfer of large loads and workers together on a single platform.
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Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.
28 Allerton Street, Boston, MA 02119
Tel: 617-445-0274 · Fax: 617-445-0277
info@abbotbuilding.com ·
www.abbotbuilding.com
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Featured Articles
Case Study
Abbot recently completed a two-phase restoration of a mixed-use high-rise building in downtown Boston.
See full article below
Masonry 101
What is a "mastclimber" platform and how is it used?
See full article below
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