Temporary Masonry Stabilization and Containment - How To Address An Unsafe Condition On a Building Facade

Typically unsafe conditions are discovered while completing the field work of a façade evaluation, unless a piece of material has already fallen to the ground. Safety has to be considered immediately, but professionals often require more assessment time and owners need time to obtain funding to begin the repair project. When an unsafe masonry façade condition is observed, design professionals and owners need to know the available options and how to react so the condition can be promptly addressed. There are several options available to address an unsafe condition, but choosing the correct option requires specialized expertise and field experience. Options will be discussed based on case studies of completed projects: including masonry removal or stabilization in place, containment netting installation, isolation of the safety concern by cordoning off the pedestrian area below, and installation of overhead protection to maintain pedestrian traffic flow. In most cases, the design professional has to discuss the options with the building owner in a way that allows the owner to make a decision that works for their specific requirements and building operations. Any delay in the process puts everyone at risk. This paper will discuss a logical approach to the options a building owner has when confronted with an unsafe condition, and the advantages and disadvantages.