Boston, MA
Boston University, Law Tower
Scope/Solutions
This seventeen-story structure is one of several architecturally significant, mid-century modernist concrete buildings designed by Josep Lluís Sert for Boston University’s campus. The tower’s concrete facade deteriorated over time, leading to spalls and a risk that loose concrete pieces could fall from above. SGH performed a condition assessment and served as designer-of-record for the concrete facade restoration.
Initially working for the university, SGH evaluated the concrete facade’s condition. Our field work included visual surveys, hands-on sounding from suspended scaffolding, and obtaining samples and concrete cores. We performed petrographic analysis in our laboratory to determine the properties, quality, and condition of the concrete and identify internal deterioration mechanisms.
SGH collaborated with Bruner/Cott Architects on the tower’s concrete facade restoration as part of a larger renovation and addition project. Highlights of our work include:
- Designing details and writing specifications for the concrete restoration
- Developing custom-matched, site-mixed concrete repair mix designs for the various types of cast-in-place and exposed aggregate precast concrete on the project
- Overseeing and reviewing mockups of concrete repairs and cleaning procedures
- Conducting site visits to observe construction of the concrete facade repairs and cleaning, and help maintain quality and conformance with our design documents
Project Summary
2015
Award
Key team members
