Masonry Solutions

Diamond Bar

News and Insights on the Masonry Repair and Maintenance of Institutional, Commercial, and Condominium Buildings in Eastern Massachusetts   
 
 



Vol.7 No. 7

    September 2015     




In this issue of Masonry Solutions, our Case Study article describes Abbot's emergency repairs to a debonded cast iron section of a 10-story mixed-use building in downtown Boston. Our Masonry 101 article the safe use of aerial lifts for high rise access. 

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.

 

Case Study 

Abbot Completes Emergency Repairs to Debonded Cast Iron Section of Downtown Boston High-Rise Building  

Abbot recently completed emergency repairs to a 10-story mixed-use building located at the corner of Devonshire and Milk Streets in downtown Boston. Constructed primarily of limestone and ornamental cast iron on the first and second floors, the high-rise building offers retail space on the first floor and offices on the upper floors.

 

85 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA 

85After a section of the ornamental cast iron dislodged and fell to sidewalk from an area adjacent to the second floor windows, the owner's agent, K & S Partners (Woburn, MA), immediately contacted their engineering consultant, D. M. Berg (Needham, MA) and Abbot to troubleshoot the dangerous condition.

 

An aerial lift was immediately brought on site for the consultant who, along with Abbot, performed a comprehensive inspection of the area from where the cast iron section had dislodged. Following the inspection, Abbot was directed by the consultant to remove any more debonded metal to temporarily stabilize the situation.  

 

It was determined that the deterioration that led to the debonding was caused by water intrusion through the limestone gutter trough situated on the horizontal shelf of the third floor ledge. The trough was designed to collect the rainwater running down the face of the building that drains through the building's plumbing system. Over the years, the trough had deteriorated and caused leaking through the joints eventually penetrating the cast iron and rusting the attachments.

 

After making the temporary repairs to the ornamental cast iron, Abbot was contracted to cut and point all of the limestone joints from the ground level up to and including the third floor. Abbot also stabilized some limestone cracks and resurfaced the ledge and trough with an elastomeric waterproofing system.

 

Masonry 101

Safe Use of Aerial Lifts for      High-Rise Access   

Aerial lifts are vehicle-mounted, boom-supported mobile working platforms that are elevated mechanically or hydraulically to provide temporary access to high-rise job sites. They are typically designed to lift limited weights, and capable of being set up and operated by a single person.

  

Aerial work platforms may provide additional features beyond transport and access, including being furnished with electrical outlets or compressed air connectors for power tools. They may also be equipped with specialty equipment, such as to carry frames for window glass.  


To ensure the safe use of aerial lifts, the following
safety guidelines are recommended by OSHA:
  • Make sure that workers who operate aerial lifts are properly trained in the safe use of the equipment.
  • Maintain and operate elevating work platforms according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Never override hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices.
  • Never move the equipment with workers in an elevated platform unless permitted by the manufacturer.
  • Do not allow workers to position themselves between overhead hazards, such as joists and beams, and the rails of the basket.
  • Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet, or 3 meters, away from the nearest energized overhead lines.
  • Always treat power lines, wires, and other conductors as energized, even if they are down or appear to be insulated.
  • Use a body harness or restraining belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket to prevent the worker(s) from being ejected or pulled from the basket.
  • Set the brakes and use wheel chocks when on an incline.
  • Use outriggers, if provided.
  • Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment. Allow for the combined weight of the worker, tools, and materials.

  

abbot logo
 

Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.

 

28 Allerton Street, Boston, MA 02119
Tel: 617-445-0274  � Fax: 617-445-0277

[email protected]

www.abbotbuilding.com  

Featured Articles  

 

Case Study

Abbot conducted emergency repairs to a debonded cast iron section of a downtown Boston high-rise building. 

 

See full article below 

 

Masonry 101

Safe use of aerial lifts for high-rise access. 

 

See full article below

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