The Davis
Thayer Elementary School is an historic masonry structure with low-sloped roofs
and double hung windows. The multi-story masonry walls were aged and had not
undergone significant repairs in many years. During the summer of 2004, a piece
of the cast stone cornice came loose and fell to the ground adjacent to an
entrance door. Due to the dangerous nature of this condition, barricades were
put in place around the building to prevent unauthorized access to the grounds
below unstable masonry and an Emergency repair project was initiated. Peterson
Associates worked with the Owner to determine the condition of the building and
identify repairs necessary to stabilize the façade. A close inspection of the
masonry façade showed various areas that were cracked / spalled or otherwise
unsound. Drawings and a restoration design were prepared by Peterson Associates
to address the areas of deteriorated masonry. The project was fast tracked in
order to complete as much work as possible before school began in the fall. Peterson Associates completed the design drawings and specifications in a
period of two weeks to help expedite the project. The repairs included the
installation of steel rods and epoxy to resecure various elements as well as
replacement of cracked and broken brickwork including all of the brick columns
in front of the building. The repairs also included the installation of various
flashings to and waterproofing to help prevent water penetration that was found
to contribute to the masonry deterioration.
OWNER: Town of Franklin, Franklin, MA
CONTACT PERSONS:
Mike D'Angelo (508-541-2100)
FINAL CONSTRUCTION COST: $335,000
| 
Peterson
Associates
Consulting
Engineers,
Inc.
