Publications

"Drone Inspection of Clay Tile Roof"

Inspections of most clay tile roofs are performed as a visual only inspection as the tiles are susceptible to damage if they are stepped on improperly. The use of a drone to inspect clay tile roofs has many benefits. There is no contact with the roof tiles, which eliminates the possibility of damaging good tiles, or further worsening the conditions surrounding an already damaged tile and/or roof. The drone can easily be positioned to get a photograph or video clip from almost any angle. It is also a lot safer for the inspector, as they do not need to physically access the roof surface. Finally, it is also quicker and less expensive to perform this type of inspection using a drone.

"When Should You Use a Drone?"

When should you use a drone? (Say “Yes” to the… Drone?) Your building needs repairs. You also know that you need expert advice. Depending on the types of repairs needed that advice may come from an Architect, or an Engineer, maybe even a Building Enclosure specialist. After hiring a professional they may inform you that they want to use their drone as part of their initial condition survey of your building. Is this necessary or do they just want to play with some new toy? Should you say yes?

Brick By Brick: Traditional And Unconventional Masonry Restoration Strategies

Exterior masonry wall design and construction practices have evolved to include mass, transitional, barrier, and cavity walls. As the inventory of these buildings age into the future, repair and/or restoration will be required. It’s not a question of if, but rather when and how.

Fiber-Cement Panel Siding Nail Head Pull-Through Resistance

A laboratory study on the effect of wall assembly configuration and nail installation variability by Jacob Arnold, PE, Colin Rueb, PE, SE, and Kurt Hoigard, PE, SECB, F.ASTM.

Designing Plaza Hardscapes

Considerations from insulation and waterproofing to structural support.

Holes in the Wall: Window Performance, Installation, and Field Quality Control Strandards

Holes in exterior walls enclosed with windows, doors, and other related components must be integrated with surrounding building envelope components to effectively separate the outdoor environment from interior conditioned space.

Roof Design and Preconstruction Considerations for Heat, Air, and Vapor Control

Historically, vapor retarders were often utilized as the means for reducing the potential for condensation and moisture accumulation in roofing assemblies. The article will discuss considerations for use by the project team prior to construction that can help to prevent future performance problems, as well as the impact of current guidelines, codes, and standards.

When to use cooling plant optimization controllers

Use of specialized controls packages can unlock cooling plant equipment efficiency for improved performance

Approaching Construction Cases as an Expert Witness

Kurt Hoigard, PE, SECB, F.ASTM, President of Raths, Raths, & Johnson, Inc. explains the various ways how construction goes wrong and how an expert witness can assist cases.

Wall Flashing: A Guide to Material Selection and Prevention of Water Leakage

Understanding how different types of wall assemblies manage rainwater and the associated advantages and disadvantages of the many available flashing materials are import consideration for avoiding a project that suffers from water leakage.

The Mystery of the Wandering Drip Edge

Our first reaction on seeing the photographs was disbelief. A seemingly ordinary five-story, recently-constructed office building, brick masonry veneer supported on shelf angles at each floor, and stainless-steel drip edge pieces sticking out of the building at odd angles looking like they were ready to fall off.

Delegated Design Done Right

Delegated design can be appealing due to reduced costs, improved schedules, and the expert knowledge possessed by specialty designers. However, lines between the design and contractual responsibilities of the licensed designer of record (prime) and delegated designers often become blurred.

The Curious Case of Pour 1B

Investigation of concrete strength and durability issues

Impact of Outdoor Exposure on the Performance of Insulating Glass Unit Primary Sealant: A Case History

This paper discusses contributing factors to the PIB flow phenomenon we observed. The data garnered from observations and analysis revealed a correlation of PIB flow with IGU solar exposure and consequential effects on material properties.

Protecting Against Water Intrusion

Features article “Put Penetrations to the Test,” authored by Sarah Flock, RRJ and Andrew Dunlap, Smith GroupJJR

Understanding Performance at Air, Water Barrier Penetrations

A discussion of current test methods and limitations related to fastener penetrations, installation practices and industry terminology, as well as future activities to better understand field performance.

Communication and Concrete Slab

When design and construction practices do not meet the owner’s expectations, disputes arise, often followed by legal action. It is therefore critical the entire construction team—design professionals, owners, construction managers, general contractors, and subcontractors—understand the limitations and potential pitfalls associated with concrete slab construction.

Peer Review: Effective, Efficient, and Educational

This paper explores peer review contracting, the exchange of complex yet minute ideas and concepts, the pace of modern design, deliverables, and final construction phase follow-up.

ASTM in Our DNA - The Standards Effect on an Engineering, Architecture, Forensics Consulting Practice

With a national client base and a reputation for problem solving, RRJ competes with much larger firms and “punches beyond its weight class” in addressing building material and performance problems. Part of what makes this possible is our recognition of the benefits and advantages offered by ASTM — the growth and development possible through participation in the ASTM process; the collegial sharing of experience and insights through committee work, symposia, and publications; and lasting friendships among peers manifested by committee week dinners together.

Exterior Facade Repairs at PNC Bank Building - Adjusting for Unanticipated Conditions

Kurt Hoigard, PE, SECB, F. ASTM and David Fortino, NCARB provide case study on the exterior facade repairs at PNC Bank building in the Central Springfield Historic District in Springfield, Illinois.

Understanding heat, air, and moisture control

Many designers and specifiers understand controlling air, vapor, and thermal transfer helps mitigate moisture problems within the building envelope. However, navigating fundamentals, code requirements, and industry trends related to these transfer mechanisms can be complex.

Inhibiting Condensation: Understanding communication between spaces, environment, and people

Healthcare facilities are unique in that one building houses multiple microclimates with different temperatures, relative humidity, air changes and/or pressure relationships. All of these varying conditions can impact the thermal and moisture behavior of the building enclosure.

Maintaining Masonry - Moisture Remediation in Single Wythe Masonry

Standards, testing and proven industry guidelines are key to performance.

The Complexities of Specifying and Detailing Air Barrier Systems

As the United States considers ways to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and conserve energy, the construction industry has been targeted as a market where considerable improvements could be realized. Since one design decision affecting energy use is effect air control, the proper specification and installation of air barriers can play a major role.

Water-Resistive Barriers: How do they compare?

The four grades (Grade A – high water-vapor resistance; Grade B – moderate water-vapor resistance; Grade C – water resistant; and Grade D – water-vapor permeable) have increasing water vapor permeability requirements and decreasing water resistance requirements, but no test . methods are specified for either property

Bonded Concrete Toppings

Tips for bonding slabs with precast concrete construction

Detecting mild steel hairpin anchors in stone cladding

Case study on The Nuclear Regulatory Commission Headquarters is an 18-story marble- and granite-clad building located in Bethesda, MD.