Evaluation and Retrofit of Masonry Building Envelope

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With the possibility of higher internal thermal energy comes the possibility of moisture buildup. There seems to be evidence of “staining” around the window seals throughout the building due to inconsistency with internal relative humidity and moisture problems. The weather conditions outside the structure play a large role in this as well seeing that Philadelphia ranges in temperature daily, and it is common to experience long periods of time with really hot, humid weather, which could cause external and internal moisture buildup.

Sound & Vibration protection wise it can be assumed that the building is moderately soundproofed from an exterior standpoint considering the large amount of noise coming from the outdoor business of Market Street and the underground subway system running across part of the building site. For example, when students attend lecture in the main lecture halls, which are partially underground, the effects of the passing subway are greatly felt/heard, but students on the upper floors will not feel/hear as great of an effect. In regards to fire rating, the building can be assumed to have a rating applicable to the code set in place during the time of building construction. It can be assumed that for the brick veneer/CMU wall system that there is a 3 hr interior rating and a 1 hr exterior rating.

- QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF MATERIALS & WINDOWS

In terms of quality assessment of building components, based on previous explanations above, the overall quality of materials used for the construction of Disque Hall can be considered generic and of modest efficiency. These materials may have been “state of the art” in the 1960’s when the structure was built, but after 50 years of hot summers and cold winters it is clear that the building has taken its share of environmental beatings. Based on outside appearance alone it is safe to assume that the building has not been rehabilitated much if at all in the last 50 years, and in fact it seems to be one of the only Drexel buildings on campus yet to receive much needed façade attention. By today’s material standards the current building seems “outdated” and “in need of repair”, but the designer may have perceived this building to be one of iconic force on the Drexel skyline 50 years ago. Fenestration wise, Disque could use new windows with better thermal properties as well as possibly expanding the size of some of the windows to allow for more natural light to be let in the building as well as to allow for a better view of the surrounding classroom buildings. Currently the space gives off a cramped “atmosphere” therefore if the windows were expanded the spaces may seem more open to its occupants.

- REMEDIAL ACTIONS & CERTIFICATIONS

From the evaluation explained in the above sections it is clear that Disque Hall is not performing to its highest capacity. In its own defense, being 50 years old, it is most likely on the cusp of needing major remediation. Therefore, it is important that remedial action take place to allow the building to perform as close to current standards as possible. The easiest was for this to come to fruition is to rehabilitate the structure so that it attains a level of LEED Certification. LEED Certification requires that the structure exhibit 40 to 49 points of LEED criterion. From a basic analysis of the structure as it is currently standing the current LEED score is most likely negligible due to LEED not being a considered standard when the original construction took place. While the current structure may exhibit some LEED standards, it most likely is not LEED certified as of this moment.

Utilizing the LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Checklist, LEED Certification could be reached by the building if at least 10 points were scored in five of the eight possible categories through various remedial actions. These five eligible categories include:

- Sustainable Sites

- Water Efficiency

- Energy and Atmosphere

- Materials and Resources

- Indoor Environmental Quality

The following page shows the possible LEED Certification points that could be applied to the site if remedial action were to take place for the building. Based on these possible corrective actions, the possibility of receiving 47 points comes to light. This will ensure that this building is LEED Certified, but there are always categories above standard certification that can be strived for. In the meantime, it is obvious that if small and even simple rehabilitations are made following the checklist and done effectively, LEED Certification is not out of the realms of possibility for this project site. It would be interesting to see how Drexel would actually improve the existing structure and its surroundings so that it can catch up with the ever changing face of Drexel.

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