IIBEC 2020 Virtual International Convention and Trade Show

Look Out Below – A Curtainwall Case Study

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM

Curtainwall systems have been used in commercial construction since the 1970s. Though the performance of these systems has improved, there is still much to learn about how design choices affect service life resilience. This presentation will discuss the fundamentals of commercial fenestration system types, performance, and proper detailing followed by a case study illustrating how these concepts were applied. The case study of Clements University Hospital, a fully operational 12-story healthcare facility, illustrates how typical detailing of newly incorporated elements could have adverse long-term effects.

Beauty caps on a typical captured glass curtainwall system were falling and posed a life safety risk to the public. Walter P Moore was engaged to perform a peer review of the construction documents to identify possible causes of failure, as well as a visual survey to identify additional falling hazards. The Challenging Access Team mobilized to conduct the visual assessment of the tower curtainwall system by rope access. By implementing quality control processes for the repairs, performing hands-on observations, and examining the installed repairs, repair solutions would mitigate future falling hazards, as well as reduce risks for the owner and building patrons. These and other challenges encountered throughout assessment, design, and construction oversight will be discussed.

Jacqueline Byndas Prakhov

Walter P Moore & Associates, Inc. | Dallas, TX

Prakhov is a graduate engineer in the Diagnostics Group of Walter P Moore. She has more than three years of experience in the field of forensic engineering. Her expertise includes evaluating and designing repairs for distress related to clay masonry, stone façades, concrete structures, building enclosure moisture management, roofing systems, and below-grade waterproofing on concrete substrates. She has also developed work scopes, repair details, repair procedures, and technical specifications for waterproofing, restoration, and rehabilitation projects.

Jason Siwek, PE

Walter P Moore & Associates, Inc. | Washington, DC

Jason Siwek is a project manager in the diagnostics group of his firm. With more than eight years of experience in the building enclosure field, Siwek has gained expertise in unitized curtain walls, punched windows, storefronts, canopies, skylights, and handrails. His experience involves formulating test procedures to determine material properties, evaluating performance conditions, and recommending efficient processes for repair. Siwek has special insight into international building codes, standards, and market trends based on his work with global design teams. In the building enclosure industry, he specializes in enclosure fabrication and rope access assessments.

Performance Analysis of Aged TPO Membranes

9:00 AM  – 10:15 AM

New thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roof membranes have been extensively analyzed in laboratories, roof farm fields, and under accelerated weathering conditions. The ASTM International material standard for TPO membranes has been improved since its inception to incorporate more demanding tested-product performance, including requirements for accelerated weathering and aging.

Industry data on the aged performance of TPO roof membranes to date have largely been based on laboratory work, regional studies (such as the 10-year study by the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), and anecdotal case studies of field-installed TPO roofs—predominantly those that have been improperly designed and/or installed, and membranes with formulations that resulted in premature failure.

Today, there are TPO roofs in the United States that have been in service for nearly 20 years. This paper will review the long-term performance of a large sampling of field-aged TPO roof membranes installed throughout the United States by evaluating thickness, flexibility, inspection under 7X magnification, and aged seam and repair weld adhesion. The intent of this study is to evaluate 1) field-aged TPO roof membrane performance and 2) the ability to repair field-aged TPO roof membranes.

Jennifer Keegan, AAIA

GAF | Parsippany, NJ

Jennifer Keegan is the director of building and roofing science for her firm, focusing on overall roof system design and performance. Keegan has over 20 years of experience as a building enclosure consultant specializing in assessment, design, and remediation of building enclosure systems. She provides technical leadership within the industry as the chair of the ASTM D08.22 Roofing and Waterproofing Subcommittee, and as an advocate for women within the industry as the educational chair for National Women in Roofing and a board member of Women in Construction.

Simplifying the Complicated Process of Wind Design for Roof Systems

3:00 PM – 4:15 PM

Wind design for roof systems is rather complicated, and with the latest version of ASCE 7, it has become that much more confusing. Different editions of building codes and, therefore, different versions of ASCE 7 are used in different parts of the country. The three versions that are currently in use are ASCE 7-05, 7-10, and 7-16. While each provides a method to determine the wind loads acting on a building, the specifics of each method vary. There are also groups (e.g., FM, NRCA) that provide methods to determine the wind loads acting on a roof. Once loads are determined, a roof system with a tested resistance greater than the loads is chosen for use. If it were only that simple!

The presentation will discuss the similarities and differences between the three versions of ASCE 7 and the roofing industry-developed methods to determine loads. The presenters will provide insights regarding the application of the traditional Factor of Safety in various design methods, as well as design enhancements for improved long-term performance. Lastly, the presentation will take a deep dive into the numerous listing services that provide wind-uplift-rated roof systems, such as FM, UL, and SPRI.

Joan P. Crowe, AIA

GAF | Northbrook, IL

Joan P. Crowe holds a bachelor of science degree in architectural studies and a master of architecture degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In 1988, she began her career at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. In 2000, Crowe joined the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) working in the technical services section. Starting in 2016, she joined GAF as manager of codes and regulatory compliance. Her responsibilities include monitoring building codes, standards and regulations; providing technical assistance to the sales and marketing departments; and producing technical documents. Crowe is a licensed architect in Illinois and a member of the American Institute of Architects.

James R. Kirby, AIA

GAF | Wilmette, IL

James R. Kirby is a building and roofing science architect with his firm. He has a master of architecture degree with a “structures” option. With over 25 years of experience in the roofing industry, covering low-slope, steep-slope, metal, SPF, vegetative, and rooftop photovoltaics, he understands the effects of heat, air, and moisture on a roof system. Kirby presents building and roofing science information to architects, consultants, and building owners, and writes articles and blogs for building owners and facility managers and the roofing industry. He is a member of AIA, ASTM, ICC, MRCA, NRCA, IIBEC, and USGBC.

Air Barriers Meet NFPA 285 – Burning Issues

3:00 PM – 4:15 PM

The relationship between the air barrier/water-resistive barrier and NFPA 285 (Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components) compliance is often misunderstood. We propose to add clarity by going beyond the standard misconception that one must consider NFPA 285 requirements only if the building is taller than 40 feet. While not necessarily new, the issues are broadly misunderstood, and assemblies not compliant with the building code are too often specified unknowingly.

Based on the authors’ in-depth synthesis and analysis of information from a wide array of sources and experts, they will examine in detail the effects of insulation and cladding choices as they relate to selection of the water-resistive barrier (WRB), as well as the membrane’s location within the wall system. This will be supported using real project detail drawings and specifications. In addition, manufacturer NFPA 285 compliance documentation, which can be difficult to interpret, will be examined for design and field use.

Peter Barrett

Dörken Systems, Inc. | Beamsville, ON, Canada

Peter Barrett is the product manager and marketing manager for his company, where he has been employed for over a decade. His involvement with the design community and building materials industry spans over 25 years. Barrett holds a BA (Hons.) from Queen’s University and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, and currently serves on the board of directors for the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) and on its Audit Committee. He has also contributed to The Construction Specifier, Construct Canada, Tunnel Business, and Masonry Magazine.

Marcus Jablonka

Dörken Systems, Inc. | Beamsville, ON, Canada

Marcus Jablonka has been vice president of his firm for nearly 10 years. He is a voting member of the ABAA Technical Committee and the ASTM E06 Committee on Performance of Buildings. He is also a member of the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) and the Building Enclosure Technology and Environmental Council. Until December 2016, he served as president of the Building Envelope Moisture Management Institute (BEMMI). He holds a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Paderborn, as well as a graduate degree in business administration from the University of Bochum, Germany. Jablonka has contributed to many industry publications, including Interface.

Stuccometrics: Stucco Jointing – The Why, When, Where, and How

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM

Exterior stucco cladding can be categorized into one of two configuration types—either directly-applied to cementitious and masonry substrates (barrier walls), or applied over lathing that is mechanically fastened over a water-resistive barrier to steel- or wood-framed substrates (drainage walls). Both configurations often employ a range of stucco cladding jointing types serving different functional and aesthetic purposes. The objective facts of Why and When stucco jointing is needed or not needed, Where joints are needed, and How joints are designed and constructed are explored, including significant new information that promotes knowledge and understanding to improve the performance and quality of stucco claddings, which are often misunderstood.

This article is based on historical development, design, and installation requirements; building code and reference standard requirements; and the results of recent stucco jointing performance testing. Provided illustrations will depict stucco jointing construction detailing, lathing accessories, splicing, intersection and termination requirements, and plaster application methods used to configure stucco jointing. This presentation factually and objectively explains essential requirements and considerations for effective stucco jointing to assist stucco cladding designers and craftsmen. Jointing facilitates drainage, accommodating building substrate movement and cement plaster shrinkage movement, thus reducing cracking, while it terminates cement plaster panel areas and has decorative purposes.

Jeff Bowlsby, CCS, CCCA

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Inc. | San Francisco, CA

Jeff Bowlsby is an architect and stucco consultant with 35 years of construction industry experience. He leads the ASTM C1063 Installation of Lathing and Furring for Portland Cement-Based Plaster task group and founded and leads the ASTM C11 Stucco Work Group that develops all ASTM stucco-related industry standards. He has completed performance testing of stucco assemblies and components, published several stucco-related technical articles in national industry professional journals, is the author of the stucco information resource StuccoMetrics.com, and is a frequent industry presenter on stucco wall claddings. Bowlsby is skilled in building science issues and the integration of all building enclosure systems and components.

LIVE – Detailing Specific Cladding Requirements for Mid-Rise Wood-Framed Buildings

12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

Multistory, wood-framed buildings are ubiquitous in modern construction throughout North America, particularly for multifamily residential construction, but also for light commercial. Specific cladding problems can occur if special attention is not given to appropriately detail these building enclosure interfaces. This paper and presentation discuss the causes for these problems, the lack of existing development currently existing within the industry, and the need for such detailing for various cladding types. The current state of the industry does not formally recognize or address the issue of shrinkage and elastic shortening of the vertical members within these structures.

Warren R. French, F-IIBEC, RBEC, PE

French Engineering, LLC | Spring, TX

Warren R. French is a registered professional engineer in 20 states, as well as a Registered Building Enclosure Consultant (RBEC) through IIBEC. He has extensive experience with design peer reviews, as well as numerous forensic investigations pertaining to exterior cladding systems for hundreds of mid-rise, wood-framed, multifamily residential projects.

Copper Wall Cladding: Modern Testing for Time-Proven Systems

3:00 PM – 4:15 PM

Copper–due to its inherent longevity, adaptability, and beautiful natural weathering characteristics̶̶–remains one of the most proven and preferred roofing and flashing materials. With increasing adoption of light-gauge sheet metal as wall cladding, today’s design professionals are again looking to copper to provide a high-performance option for key buildings.

Until now, some specifiers were reluctant to specify copper; although time-proven, a lack of recognized system testing for common traditionally formed copper wall systems proved a deterrent for some professionals.

The Copper Development Association (CDA) recently completed an exhaustive testing program encompassing the battery of tests included within the American Architectural Manufacturer Association (AAMA) 509, Drained and Ventilated Rain Screen standard.

Completed test protocols include:
• Air infiltration (ASTM E283)
• Water infiltration (ASTM E331)
• Wind resistance (ASTM E330)
• Dynamic wind (AAMA 501.1)

Tested Systems:
• Standing seam (double lock)
• Standing seam (single lock)
• Flat seam (long panel)
• Flat seam (diagonal orientation)

This presentation outlines tested systems, performance characteristics with sample wind resistance in different regions, availability of test results, and concludes by proposing system modification, should a building require even higher performance.

Larry E. Peters

Copper Development Association, Inc. | McLean, VA

Larry Peters is the CDA’s project manager for the testing component of its Wall Cladding Initiative. He has nearly 25 years of experience working with architectural metal wall cladding, roofing, and flashing systems. Over 20 years of this experience has been dedicated to copper systems. This includes technical assistance during initial design, as well as troubleshooting and forensic analysis of installed systems. Peters also manages CDA’s Installation Training Program and is thus skilled at hands-on techniques necessary to install traditional copper cladding systems and related flashing.

Frank V. Resso, PE

Resso Engineering, LLC | Sharpsburg, GA

Frank Resso has over 25 years of experience in engineering and design encompassing virtually every segment of the building construction industry. He is a licensed engineer with a special emphasis in the design, specification, product testing, and forensic investigation of building enclosure systems, exterior wall cladding, and roofing systems. He recently participated as a member of the ASCE 7-16 Wind Loads Subcommittee and various SPRI Canvas Groups, and was a longstanding member of the ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings. Russo has presented numerous short courses on metal cladding, building enclosures, and roof edge systems and is credited with nine U.S. patents on related systems.

Glass Breakage in Insulated Glazing Units in Spandrel Assemblies

3:00 PM – 4:15 PM

Curtainwall and window wall systems today commonly use insulating glass units (IGUs) for vision glazing and for spandrel panel cladding. A risk for IGU in insulated spandrels is higher thermal stresses on the glass lites, compared to older approaches with single glazing. When ceramic enamel (frit) opacifiers are used, there is increased stress from solar absorption. Thermal stress is generally addressed by heat-treating at least the opacified lite. Multiple incidences of thermal stress-related fracture of ceramic enameled spandrel glass in North America, Europe, and elsewhere have shown that ceramic enamel weakens glass, reducing the added benefit of heat treatment, so there remains a risk of in-service thermal stress breakage.

This presentation will give examples of breakage, describe causes, show results of a test program that shows ceramic enamel reduces the strength of heat-treated glass, and describe options to control the potential for in-service breakage. The discussion will be of interest to building owners, designers, and builders considering the use of curtainwall and window wall systems with opacified glass.

George P. Torok, CET, BSS

Morrison Hershfield Corporation | Ottawa, Ontario

George Torok is a façade specialist in the façade engineering team of his firm’s Ottawa, Ontario, office. He provides specialist consulting services to architects, building owners, developers and builders, and façade system manufacturers across Canada and the U.S. He has over 30 years of experience in new building enclosure design and construction and existing building performance failure investigation, rehabilitation, and renewal. His specialty is fenestration systems, including windows, doors, skylights, curtainwalls, window walls, sloped glazing, and glazed architectural structures. He is a past president of the Ontario Building Envelope Council and the Building Envelope Council Ottawa Region, and a director of the Building Science Specialist Board.

Defining the Ultimate Wall Through Testing

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM

The building industry is bombarded with new and improved materials with everybody saying they are the best. How do you know? How do you choose? Do you need the best material available? This presentation walks you through a new means to define what the ultimate wall is for your project. Every building is unique, and the old “one size fits all” does not work anymore. This new approach allows you to customize the ultimate wall for your project using anybody’s materials.

Laverne Dalgleish

Air Barrier Association of America | Walpole, MA

Laverne Dalgleish has been involved in the construction industry for over 30 years and has focused on improving the quality of construction, both on improving materials and the processes for installation. He spends a great deal of time in codes and standards and works with the building enclosure industry to produce standards that are useful to the industry and allow for choice of materials for a specific project.

Legal Import of Inconsistent Design Specifications and Manufacturer Warranties

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM

Various issues can arise when design specifications are inconsistent with or contradict warranty requirements on a typical design-bid-build (DBB) project. In the typical DBB project, there are contractual rights and obligations created between the owner and the architect and the owner and the contractor, but not between the architect and the contractor. This dynamic can often lead to situations where the design specifications actually void the manufacturer’s warranty.

This presentation will focus on three primary topics: 1) the delivery of warranty-compliant design specifications, 2) the legal rights and recourses available to owners, designers, specifiers, and manufacturers when the specifications are inconsistent with the warranty requirements, and 3) what courts have ruled when faced with situations involving inconsistent design specifications and warranty requirements.

How the legal system has treated ambiguous and/or uncertain terms between the project specifications and the warranties provided will be discussed. The potential impacts of unclear contract documents, including greater liability exposure and financial risk, will be presented. Best practices to avoid the potential consequences of voiding a manufacturer warranty will also be provided.

Joshua D. Baker

Metz Lewis Brodman Must O’Keefe, LLC | Pittsburgh, PA

Josh Baker has represented roofing manufacturers and contractors in alleged roofing failure and contractor error disputes. He also has experience with overall claims management, including policies and procedure development and writing effective warranties.

Brian T. Must

Metz Lewis Brodman Must O’Keefe, LLC | Pittsburgh, PA

Brian Must has spent the past 20 years representing manufacturers, building owners, design/build firms, engineers, and contractors in the commercial roofing industry. He has represented various roofing entities in claims or litigation involving hospitals, schools and universities, government buildings, and high-rise condominiums. His experience ranges from negotiating and resolving commercial roofing claims and lawsuits to trying cases before federal and state courts and commercial arbitrations.

Physical Testing for Wind Resistance of Retrofit Single-Ply Roof Systems Over Structural Metal Panel Roof Systems

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Retrofit single-ply roof systems (RSPRS) are increasingly being used to re-cover existing structural metal panel roofs. One of the primary concerns when an RSPRS is installed over a structural metal panel roof is wind uplift. Of significant concern is when an RSPRS is mechanically fastened into every other purlin instead of every purlin. The “every other” type of installation changes the wind-resistance load path of the metal building. This every other load path seemingly doubles the load on the purlin-to-main-frame connection for the purlins to which the RSPRS is attached.
ASTM E1592 physical testing has been performed on three test roof assemblies—each consisting of a mechanically attached TPO with flat stock and flute-fill polyisocyanurate over a 24-in.-wide structural metal panel roof system. Each RSPRS has different fastener patterns, which resulted in different wind uplift resistance values. The tests were heavily monitored to obtain deflection measurements and stress/strain information for multiple components within the assembly.

The results from an analysis of the three physical tests will be presented. The results from physical testing (small and large scale) were used to develop finite element analysis (FEA) modeling of alternative fastening patterns, and these conclusions will be presented.

Mohamed A. ElGawady, PhD

Missouri University of Science and Technology | Rolla, MO

Mohamed A. ElGawady, Ph. D., is a Professor and Benavides Faculty Scholar at Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly University of Missouri-Rolla) with 20 years of experience in extreme loading and sustainability.

James R. Kirby, AIA

GAF | Wilmette, IL

James R. Kirby holds a master of architecture degree with a structures option, and is a licensed architect concentrating on building and roofing science. He has over 25 years of experience in the roofing industry, covering low-slope, steep-slope, metal, SPF, vegetative, and rooftop photovoltaics. He understands the effects of heat, air, and moisture on a roof system. Kirby presents building and roofing science information to architects, consultants, and building owners, and publishes articles and blogs for building owners and facility managers and the roofing industry at large. He is a member of AIA, ASTM, ICC, MRCA, NRCA, and IIBEC.

Infrared Thermography: The Detective in Your Toolbox

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Infrared thermography is a non-invasive testing method for detecting infrared energy radiated from building surfaces. Its ability to identify thermal patterns indicative of heat loss and trapped moisture enables the accurate location of compromised building enclosures and roof assemblies. This presentation will examine the capabilities and limitations of thermography, as well as the conditions required to attain useful results for scanning walls and roofs. The presenters will use case studies that exhibit the benefits of infrared thermography as an investigative tool, referencing images that show solid examples of challenges and eureka moments. Practical examples from real projects will help attendees learn how a thermographer’s ability to interpret images—and not necessarily the caliber of the equipment—drives a successful analysis. The objective of this presentation is to demonstrate how a comprehensive understanding of the equipment, thermodynamics, and building enclosure systems is required to generate quality results and how a lack of understanding can lead to completely different conclusions.

Harry W. Koyle, RRO

Wapiti Inspections | Calgary, AB, Canada

Harry Koyle is the owner of Wapiti Inspections, based near Calgary, AB. With over 35 years of experience in the roofing and building enclosure industry, he has extensive experience in all fields related to these important components of a building. Koyle is a Registered Roof Observer, an ARCA Approved Inspector, and a Certified Infrared Thermographer. He is a charter member of the IIBEC Canadian Prairies Chapter and has served on the executive committee of the Alberta Building Envelope Council for six years.

Stephanie M. Robinson, PEng

WSP Canada, Inc. | Ottawa, ON, Canada

Stephanie Robinson is the manager for the building sciences team of her company’s Ottawa, ON office. She has 11 years of experience in investigation, design, contract administration, and construction review of building enclosure components for new and existing construction in Canada and the United States. Robinson leads technical decisions for roofing and cladding projects across Canada and manages her firm’s Roofing Centre of Excellence, a national team that connects the roofing business by sharing knowledge, managing internal company processes and documents, and promoting industry reputation. She is a Level 2 Certified Thermographer.

A Decade of Change: Recent Revisions to ASTM Stucco Standards

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Although stucco has been in use for centuries, standards regarding its design and application were not developed until the early part of the twentieth century. Over time, these standards have been modified in response to changing needs, developments, and expectations within the industry. Revisions to stucco-related ASTM standards have accelerated over the past ten years in particular, changing the standards drastically. This paper will summarize the most significant of these changes and discuss the genesis and reasons for them. It will also examine areas of future progress on the standards anticipated over the coming decade.

Patricia M. Aguirre, REWC, PE, CDT

Bristow, VA

Patricia Aguirre a building enclosure consultant in northern Virginia. Her work focuses on forensic field and laboratory investigations; façade and building enclosure investigations; structural inspection, analysis, and design; architectural retrofit and repair; and development of design documents and repair recommendations. Aguirre is an active member of IIBEC, serving on the REWC Exam Committee and teaching several exterior wall-related courses. She also serves on ASTM C11 Committee on Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems.

Matthew Innocenzi, RBEC, PE

Nick Innocenzi & Sons Consulting Engineering and Associates, LLC | Warrenton, VA

Matthew Innocenzi is principal of his firm. He has 20 years of experience as an engineering consultant, with a focus on litigation support and expert testimony for building enclosure systems, particularly light-gauge metal framing, Portland cement stucco, brick veneer systems, steep-slope roofing materials, and waterproofing. Innocenzi is also an active member in ASTM C11 and D08 committees on Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Prepared Roofing Systems, serving as chairman and technical contact for ASTM C926, Standard Specification for Application of Portland Cement-Based Plaster and ASTM C1860, Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Tensile Strength or Bond Strength of Portland Cement-Based Plaster by Direct Tension task groups.

Why Fenestration, Why? Water Testing Problems and Solutions

1:45 PM – 3:00 PM

New construction and renovation projects provide their own set of unique challenges, especially during the installation and integration of new fenestrations systems (e.g., sliding glass doors and windows). The focus of this paper will seek to analyze both similar and distinctive modes of water penetration failure that have been observed during multiple sessions of water testing performed in general accordance with accepted industry standards. This paper will further analyze and discuss the water testing failures related to detail design and constructability issues associated with work performance and project management, using several case studies. Applying the learned knowledge of water penetration failures during the design and installation of fenestration systems of new or renovation projects will lead to improved performance and life expectancy of the building enclosure as a whole.

Wayne Butler, AIA

Applied Building Sciences, Inc. | North Charleston, SC

Wayne Butler’s architectural design practice focuses on building enclosure design, consulting, and diagnostic testing for a variety of architectural projects. The emphasis of his work has been in the hot/humid, high-wind/high-seismic zone of the Southeast. Wayne received both his B.S. and masters in architecture from Clemson University. Wayne is past chair and current board member of the Building Enclosure Council|Charleston, served on the Building Enclosure and Environmental Council – BETEC Material & Innovation Committee, is an active voting member of ASTM E06, Performance of Buildings, and a board member and mentor with Architecture, Construction, and Engineering’s (ACE’s) Mentor Program of America (Charleston Affiliate).

John C. Wylie, REWC, PE

Construction Science and Engineering, Inc. | Westminster, SC

John C. Wylie has over ten years of experience as an engineering consultant and engineering intern, primarily in the areas of deficient construction, structural analysis, and collapse/damage investigations. Wylie is licensed as a professional engineer in four states and a Registered Exterior Wall Consultant with IIBEC. He is responsible for the inspection and structural analysis of a wide variety of building enclosure and framing systems, including roof, wall, and guardrail systems. Wylie has provided deposition testimony during a litigation case, and has presented several technical papers at national and regional conferences. He is a member of IIBEC’s Interface Editorial Board.

Façade Access and Fall Protection – Designed Systems or Afterthought?

1:45 PM – 3:00 PM

The rules and regulations governing safety requirements for workers exposed to occupational hazards associated with walking-working surfaces are often misunderstood by building owners, design consultants, employers, employees, and third-party contractors. Owners are not always clear what is required, and traditional design consultants are often not comfortable specifying these systems. Due to this issue, façade access and fall protection systems frequently become an afterthought instead of being included in pre-design discussions and considerations.

This presentation will discuss the regulations and industry best practices associated with façade access and fall protection systems. It will also address the role of the design consultant in specifying these systems and recommended methods to streamline coordination challenges among the parties.

A façade access case study for the Las Vegas Convention Center project will be presented to demonstrate the benefit of early coordination. With 120-foot-tall curtainwalls at the 220-foot-wide porte cochere, 60-foot-tall curtainwalls along the remainder of the 600-foot-long building front, and a continuous undulating ribbon overhang that extends 8 to 12 feet from the exterior face of the building, designing systems for routine façade access and maintenance of the center was a challenge. The case study will highlight the successful processes used by the design and construction team to produce safe, efficient, and OSHA-compliant access at elevated building areas.

Kimani Augustine, PE

Walter P Moore & Associates, Inc. | Houston, TX

Kimani Augustine is a senior associate and senior project manager at his firm’s Houston office. He has been in the engineering industry since 2004 and has experience in diversified aspects of enclosure diagnostics consulting, including conducting field visits and assessments of existing structures requiring retrofit or renovation. He has led efforts on a wide variety of building enclosure, façade access, and parking restoration projects. Augustine has also managed several significant building enclosure renovation projects involving rope access and building façade maintenance unit assessments, certification, and retrofits.

Jeffrey Kobes

Walter P Moore & Associates, Inc. | Dallas, TX

Jeffrey Kobes is a senior associate and senior project manager at his firm’s Dallas office. Kobes specializes in services related to the assessment, repair, and expansion of existing and historical buildings, including the building enclosure issues associated with existing buildings. He utilizes his experience with historical buildings to develop thoughtful approaches to façade access and maintenance for both existing and new buildings. He is a member of the Association of Preservation Technology and Preservation Dallas and serves on the Structural Engineers Emergency Response Committee for the Structural Engineers Association of Texas.