Project Details

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The Structures Group, Inc.  (TSG) and Construction Forensics, Inc. (CFI) performed a forensic analysis and building envelope study of the twenty-one (21) story residential building located at the intersection of Paca and Pratt Streets within the City of Baltimore, Maryland in response to a design/construction defect claim regarding the distress observed in the exterior masonry veneer walls of the building.  The cast-in-place concrete building frame had been designed utilizing a masonry veneer facade. The Owner’s dispute was that the distress observed in the masonry veneer was a result of either a design or construction deficiency. Our team’s forensic review and analysis included a review of construction drawings and specifications prepared by the Design Team for the building, as well as inspection reports prepared during the construction of the building.  Following a review of the design and construction documents, several site visits were performed to review the as-built construction. These site visits also included infrared imaging of the masonry veneer.  Additionally, our forensic analysis also included an evaluation of third party reports prepared for the parties’ legal counsel by engineering consultants Simpson, Gumpez, and Heger, as well as Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates.

TSG and CFI performed an independent analysis of the A/E and Contractor Standard of Care.  TSG also performed an independent structural analysis of the cast-in-place concrete frame of the building and the masonry veneer exterior to evaluate the effects of long-term concrete frame shortening combined with expansion of the masonry veneer.  The result of this analysis revealed the lack of critical design details and dimensions to accommodate this movement. TSG and CFI also prepared graphic exhibits and PowerPoint presentations to facilitate resolution of the dispute in mediation. The mediation concluded in the Owner’s favor with a shared financial responsibility accepted by both the Design Team and the General Contractor.

Client/Contact:

Charles Yumkas
Offit Kurman
Timonium, MD