Statewide
Massachusetts School Building Authority, Building Enclosure Commissioning
Scope/Solutions
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) requires commissioning on all of their self-funded projects to ensure the new building operates as intended. SGH performs building enclosure commissioning in a partnership with mechanical engineering commissioning agents to provide whole building commissioning for the MSBA construction projects. Our team has commissioned new schools for the MSBA, including Nelson Place Elementary, Beverly Middle, and Minutemen Regional Technical High, and is actively working on several others.
SGH focuses on the design and performance of below-grade waterproofing, wall assemblies, fenestration, and roofing. Our building enclosure commissioning work includes the following:
- Developing a commissioning plan and specifications for inclusion in project documents
- Performing design-phase reviews of the enclosure construction documents to verify that the Owner’s Project Requirements are met
- Reviewing submittals and shop drawings to verify proposed systems are consistent with design intent
- Participating in preconstruction meetings to discuss commissioning
- Visiting the site to compare enclosure installation to design requirements
- Witnessing performance testing of installed enclosure systems, including:
- Water/air leakage testing of windows, curtain walls, storefronts, and skylights
- Sealant and air barrier adhesion testing
- Flood testing of newly installed roof systems
- Performing infrared surveys of walls and roofs at project completion to locate any potential air or water leakage
- Preparing in a final commissioning report summarizing completed work and identifying any construction deviations, site observations, or unresolved issues
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Project Summary
Solutions
Repair & Rehabilitation
Services
Building Enclosures
Markets
Education
Client(s)
BR+A Consulting Engineers
Specialized Capabilities
Commissioning | Roofing & Waterproofing
Key team members
Additional Projects
Northeast
Boston College Schiller Institue
The new facility at 245 Beacon Street is Boston College's home for the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society, supporting collaboration between the sciences and humanities curriculums with laboratory and creative work spaces, classrooms, a vivarium, and gathering areas.
Northeast
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Vassar Street Residence Hall, Building W46
The 180,000 sq ft building includes clusters of dormitory rooms with shared spaces, such as lounges and study rooms, and houses a dining hall, student kitchen, and gathering spaces. SGH was the structural engineer of record and consulted on the building enclosure design for the project.