Mar 11, 2024

The Challenge

Located in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington DC, this former media museum was acquired by our client in 2019. Soon after, the owners embarked on a massive, four-year interior renovation to transform it into a premier higher-education facility. Although the existing building envelope remained the same, there were several deficiencies on the exterior that were not corrected prior to the sale.

Chief among them was the lack of compliant fall protection systems. The building did not have sufficient anchors, the davit pedestals were not properly reinforced or certified, and there was no façade access in the atrium. Valcourt Safety Systems offered a turnkey solution and was awarded the contract which included structural evaluation of davits, davit reinforcement and certification, and the design and installation of compliant davit arms, monorail, and anchors.

The Solution

The initial planning phase involved many meetings over several months with the owner, architect, and Valcourt’s third-party engineer to coordinate the design and finalize the scope of work. During the first phase, rooftop anchors and the monorail were installed to enable access to the elevated glass in the atrium.

Nine months later, and after a change in property management, the Valcourt team was able to install new davit pedestals and arms. This installation allowed Valcourt to perform regular window cleaning maintenance, which was proposed and awarded shortly thereafter.

Now, in addition to its newly compliant façade access and fall protection systems, the academic center also boasts sparkling clean windows to reflect its iconic status.

Work Performed

• Design Engineering
• Installed Davit Pedestals and Arms
• Window Cleaning

Valcourt Safety Systems: Delivering Turnkey Solutions for Every Building

When it comes to accessing the exterior and interior of buildings, safety starts at the top. Each building has unique features, so effective and compliant rooftop safety systems require a specialized approach.

Valcourt Safety Systems maximizes safety for workers and ensures OSHA compliance for building owners by designing, installing, and certifying fall protection and rooftop anchorage systems.

Contact us today to request a quote.

Mar 11, 2024

The Challenge

Located on the National Mall in Washington DC, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture is the only museum dedicated to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture.  

Before construction on the museum’s building began, specific waterproofing precautions had to be taken, as the DC area is highly prone to below-grade water intrusion due to the large amount of water beneath the city — which has even been referred to as an underground river. In fact, prior to groundbreaking, the US Army Corps of Engineers spent over two years creating an underground wall outside the footprint of the property to hold back the water. However, when construction began in February 2012, the perimeter wall was unsuccessful, and water began pouring into the below-grade areas. 

The Solution

As the entire below-grade structure of the Museum was experiencing heavy water intrusion during construction, Superior Grouting & Restoration Services (SGS) was tasked with designing a solution to the failing waterproofing system. For over a year, SGS crews were on site daily to stop leaks from going into the building so the Museum could open.

SGS performed urethane grout injections to walls, floors, ceilings, joints, and conduits, as well as penetrations throughout the entirety of the below-grade portion of the museum. Ultimately, the project was a success, and the Museum officially opened in September 2016 as the 19th museum of the Smithsonian Institution. 

Work Performed

• Urethane Grout Injections and Penetrations  

Contact SGS for Your Specialty Grouting Needs

In addition to a comprehensive range of structural and soil grouting services, SGS specializes in concrete repair and restoration, concrete strengthening using Fiber Reinforced Plastic/Carbon Fiber (FRP) and other methods, and waterproofing for below-grade foundations.

With a reputation built on over half a century of experience, SGS is the right choice to ensure longevity and safety for your buildings or properties.

For more information or to discuss your project needs, contact SGS here.

Mar 11, 2020