Uncovering Building Failures. Delivering Lasting Solutions.
Pinney Hall is a 425-bed, six-story dormitory at Western Connecticut State University, constructed in 1999. Within a decade of completion, the CMU-clad building experienced significant water infiltration around its concrete balconies, and the grouted CMU columns supporting them began deteriorating and shedding masonry.
CWA investigated the cause through construction photo review, contractor interviews, and test cuts. The source was identified as a combination of porous CMU and concentrated water runoff from the balconies flowing along the façade — saturating the block, infiltrating column cores, and causing freeze-thaw deterioration.
At the university’s request, CWA evaluated the cost of full balcony removal versus repair, finding both options comparable in cost, and analyzed long-term re-cladding alternatives including thin brick, stucco, and full brick replacement.
Client
CT Department of Administrative ServicesType
Exterior Envelop ImprovementsSize
183,943 sf. 425-bed, six-story residence hallTEAM
Salas O’Brien MEP/FP and Structural Engineering
New England Masonry & Roofling Roofing Consultant
Before exterior improvements and removal of the balconies
