The VA Hospital in Decatur, Georgia was originally built in 1960. The 12-story
tower is comprised of a single wythe brick veneer and marble tiles with
windows at each level. Based on a structural report that included exploratory
openings, it was deemed that the brick veneer had inadequate anchoring to
the structure and that the expansion joints were undersized or non-existent.
Both of these conditions could result in veneer failure and were deemed
hazardous, requiring immediate repair.
United accessed the façade with multiple suspend scaffold platforms,
simultaneously working on a complete elevation. Construction operations
were modified daily, to adjust for the medical operations and surgeries on
specific building levels. The complete scope of work included; shelf angel
repairs and replacement, through wall flashings, replacement of damaged
brick, complete replacement of all exterior sealant joints, installation of helical
masonry anchors, and tuckpointing of masonry joints.