SPS boards.qxd

Waterproofing
Sutton-Kennerly & Associates, Inc.
Robeson County Courthouse, Lumberton, North Carolina
Point of Interest:
K New “historic” façade, watertight warranty, stucco,
cast stone, auger cast pile foundation, below grade
waterproofing, security improvements, noise restrictions
Project:
K Built in 1974
K Approximate Size: 153’ x 115’ x 50’ (4 stories above grade)
K Original Construction: steel frame with walls composed
of 4” brick veneer secured to 4” (and 8”) concrete
masonry walls.
Scope of Work:
K New façade (floors 2-4) consisting of Portland cement
plaster stucco with new windows and new steel stud
framing system
K New cast stone and concrete masonry wall at 1st floor
and foundation
K New lobby addition at front
K Auger cast pile foundation system (south and ½ east side)
K New thermoplastic membrane waterproofing at foundation
Waterproofing
Sutton-Kennerly & Associates, Inc.
Robeson County Courthouse, Lumberton, North Carolina
Problems Revealed
During Investigation:
Site Challenges &
Unforeseen Issues:
K Water leaked through walls (above grade) since 1974.
K Unsuitable soils requiring auger cast piles in the
foundation
K After severe damage in 1999 Owners requested bids
to “seal” the building
K Existing two-story exterior walls were not Code compliant
K Contractors refused to bid due to “watertight warranty”
requirements
K Design time was extended by USDA reviews
K SKA’s investigation revealed:
K New building code was enacted during extended
design time
K The head joints in the brick veneer were a primary
leak source
K After 9/11, Owner requested an addition to the building
K Noise restrictions were severe
K Windows leaked profusely
K Field conditions required redesign of foundation
K Flashing systems were deficient
K Narrow cavity behind brick veneer
K Full depth foundation waterproofing was added to
the project
K No water barrier on concrete masonry backup walls
K Price of steel escalated during construction
K Shelf angles and joint reinforcement were corroding
K Worked with three County Managers over 5 years
K Owner wanted to change the appearance of the building
Project Status:
K Prime Designer: Sutton-Kennerly & Associates, Inc.
K Architectural Sub-consultant: MCA Architecture, Inc.
K General Contractor: M&E Contracting, Inc.
K Investigation phase: 2000-2001
K Design phase: 2001-2003
K Construction phase: 2003-2005
K Budget (at start of design phase): $1,498,285.00
K Budget (just prior to receipt of bids): $1,905,000.00
K Contract at start of construction: $1,852,320.00
K Final contract: $2,161,879.00