AWARD OF MERIT: Low-Rise Category

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE HARMON HALL REPAIR PROJECT

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Submitted by Sika Corporation

Construction of the United States Air Force Academy began in 1956, with construction completed at the end of 1958. In 2004, the entire cadet area, including Harmon Hall, was declared a National Historic Landmark.

In 2005, the 90,000 ft² (8360 m²) building was slated for a complete renovation and modernization of the entire interior of the building; roof; and electrical, mechanical, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. Also, water leaking down through the plaza deck needed to be stopped. The entire building was vacated and the Air Force leased building space outside of the academy grounds for the Superintendent and his staff.

During the course of demolition of the plaza deck, it was discovered that the steel columns supporting the building were corroding, some with significant section loss. All other renovations to the building were halted until the engineer felt the support columns could be strengthened.

Carbon fiber strips restored the structural strength to the steel columns and allowed the original stainless steel sleeves to be reused. The sacrificial anodes employed will protect the columns from future corrosion. The epoxy coating applied to the columns from below grade to the possible high point of any future wicking of water will provide added protection. The fireproof intumescent coating will protect the carbon strips and columns from heat and flame in the event of a fire. Finally, the fast setting conductive repair mortar was used to allow for fast repairs in the winter.

Owner
United States Government
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Project Engineer/
Designer
S.A. Miro Engineering
Denver, Colorado

General Contractor
Weston Solutions
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Material Supplier/
Manufacturer
Sika Corporation
Lyndhurst, New Jersey

Specialty Contractor
Western Waterproofing Company
Denver, Colorado

Prime Subcontractor
Active Plumbing
Colorado Springs, Colorado