Title:
Post-Tensioned Retrofitting Maintains Landmark’s Aesthetics
Author(s):
James Loper and Jason Hughes
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
25
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
59-64
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
4/1/2003
Abstract:
When selected by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to renovate Fallingwater—one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous architectural home designs—VSL (a post-tensioning contractor) became part of a team focused on saving the ailing structure. In 1995, the Conservancy retained Robert Silman Associates (an engineering firm specializing in the restoration of historical structures) to lead the efforts by providing a cutting-edge analysis of the existing structure and engineering recommendations for its restoration. Although the project had many special features—nondestructive testing, section enlargement, carbon fiber reinforcement, epoxy crack injection, and deflection monitoring—the feature that set this project apart from typical restoration projects was the delicate operation required during installation of the external post-tensioning.