Lowell, MA

University of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2)

Scope/Solutions

The Wannalancit Mills complex includes some original portions of the structure from when it was constructed for textile manufacturing in 1830.  As part of an adaptive reuse project in the mid-to-late 2000s, several portions of the building were renovated as office spaces and a large two-story section of the southeast wing was redeveloped for the Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2).  As part of the M2D2 renovation for the University of Massachusetts, SGH evaluated the adequacy of the heavy timber structure to support new office and laboratory space.

SGH’s work included the following:

  • Performed a structural condition assessment to identify deteriorated sections of brick masonry and decayed or broken timber framing components
  • Identified the wood species and visually stress-graded wood decking and heavy timber beams comprising the roof and floor framing
  • Evaluated the structural capacity of wood and timber framing elements and recommended base allowable stress design properties
  • Peer reviewed floor and roof strengthening details proposed by the structural engineer of record

Project Summary

Icon: completion-date

2011

Completion Date
Solutions
Repair & Rehabilitation
Services
Structures | Applied Science & Research
Markets
Education
Client(s)
Architerra, Inc.
Specialized Capabilities
Repair & Strengthening | Materials Science

Key team members

Jeffrey Langlois
Senior Project Manager
617.963.5410 jdlanglois@sgh.com
Joseph Zona
Consulting Principal
781.907.9333 jjzona@sgh.com

Additional Projects

Northeast

University of Connecticut, Wood Hall

SGH completed a hands-on investigation of the masonry facade to determine causes for masonry deterioration and apparent leakage into the building.  We designed comprehensive repairs to the facade including rebuilding the gable end walls as veneer walls with a back-up waterproofing system.
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