Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building

RRJ was retained to conduct an initial site examination to determine the cause of the exterior granite cladding and observed connection kerf failures a year after construction completion in 1992.  This federal building houses agencies that support the Unites States federal courts.

RRJ’s scope consisted of site observation of behaviors and failure conditions, including the exterior granite units, granite joint sealants, and the kerf grout and stainless steel connectors.  RRJ reviewed the granite shop drawings and specifications and documentation provided by the property manager and met with other consultants engaged to develop an initial investigation to correct and repair the kerf failures.

From the initial examination, RRJ identified the failure role of the kerf grout and proceeded with an investigative sampling and testing program to evaluate the kerf grout.  The grout sampling and testing included randomly selected locations and at each failed kerf on the building.  The intent of the investigation was to establish the role the kerf grout plays in the failures, the extent of the kerf grout problems, and provide information on other possible kerf failure causes.