Owner
St. Paul Public Housing Agency

Project Cost
$5M

After a 4m x 6m section of exterior insulated finish system (EIFS) tore off the exterior wall of 11th story of the 14 story Iowa High Rise building, in St. Paul, MN, the building owner decided to take immediate action.  Clark was hired to evaluate the extent of damage and deterioration to the EIFS anchored to the face of the structural masonry walls of the building. Using a 3D laser scanner, Clark scanned the entire building and analyzed the data.  Creating vertical relief maps of the EIFS, Clark’s team observed the vertical plane of the building faces and evaluated the in and out of plane dimensions of the EIFS.  We then quantified, on a percentage basis, an approximation of EIFS failure on the entire building. 2D elevation drawings and an existing roof plan were created at the request of the client from this initial 3D laser scan.  Swing stage work was required to review the wall conditions at the test openings, which were completed at areas predominantly where the EIFS were bulging the most.

Clark evaluated the existing steel lintels over the windows, which support precast concrete floor planks, and determined to what extent restoration or full replacement was required.  We also designed new steel frames to support the new windows, on the entire building, and transfer the lateral wind forces to the structural walls.  The window openings spanned up to 6m.  Clark provided construction observations to ensure compliance with the contract documents.