Failure Investigations
When investigating a failure within a cladding and/or curtain walling system, a facade consultant is expected to undertake a series of activities to identify the root causes of the failure and develop solutions for remediation. The specific activities may vary depending on the nature of the failure and the project requirements, but some common tasks performed by a facade consultant in such investigations would include:
- Site Inspection: The consultant visits the site to visually inspect the failed facade elements, documenting the extent and location of the failure, and observing any visible signs of distress, damage, or deterioration of the materials, fixings, and associated components.
- Documentation: Detailed documentation of the failure is prepared, including photographs, sketches, measurements, and notes, to create a record of the existing conditions and to aid in analysis and reporting.
- Building History Review: The consultant reviews available “as built” documentation related to the building’s design, construction, maintenance methodology and access equipment, and previous repairs or alterations. This historical information helps provide context and identify any potential contributing factors to the facade failure.
- Material Sampling and Testing: When required, samples of the failed facade materials are collected and sent to a specialist laboratory for testing. This helps determine the properties, composition, and potential deficiencies of the materials, such as concrete strength, corrosion levels in metals, or coating adhesion.
- Structural Analysis: If the facade failure is related to structural issues, the consultant may employ the services of a structural engineer to carry out detailed structural analysis to assess the load-bearing capacity, stability, and integrity of the affected elements. This may involve calculations, computer modelling, and structural engineering assessments.
Environmental Analysis: The consultant evaluates the environmental factors that may have contributed to the facade failure. This includes assessing exposure to wind, rain, temperature fluctuations, solar radiation, and other climatic conditions that may affect the performance of facade materials and systems.
- Review of Construction Practices: The consultant examines the construction methods, installation procedures, and quality control measures employed during the initial construction or subsequent repairs. This helps identify potential construction defects or workmanship issues that could have contributed to the failure.
- Standards Compliance Review: The consultant reviews the relevant building codes, regulations, and industry standards (such as CWCT Technical Notes and publications such as the CWCT Standard for Systemised Building Envelopes)) to assess compliance with regards to the failed facade elements. This includes, structural design codes, material specifications, and other applicable standards.
- Failure Analysis and Reporting: Based on the data collected and analysis performed, the consultant prepares a detailed failure analysis report. This report includes an assessment of the root causes of the failure, recommendations for remedial actions, cost estimates, and a proposed timeline for repairs or replacements.
- Remediation Planning and Design: The consultant may be involved in developing a remediation plan and designing the necessary repairs or retrofit solutions to address the identified issues. This may include coordinating with other professionals, such as architects, structural engineers, or contractors.
- Construction Oversight: Depending on the scope of the project, the consultant may provide construction oversight during the implementation of the recommended repairs or improvements. This involves monitoring the construction process, ensuring quality control, and verifying that the repairs are performed in accordance with the design intent.
The above activities are typically undertaken by a facade consultant when investigating a facade failure to identify the causes, recommend appropriate remedial measures, and ensure the long-term performance and integrity of the building’s facade.
