The brick veneer of this 1960s, 30-story coop exhibited cracks, spalls, and displacement. The board had retained a consultant who recommended installation of almost 70,000 post-installed helical veneer anchors at an estimated cost of $1.6 million. Their recommendation reflexively followed code-mandated anchor spacing over 100% of the facade.

SUPERSTRUCTURES was retained to perform an independent study. Via three 30-story drops, we performed non-destructive scanning to detect the presence of existing metal anchors. We followed up with minimally invasive probes at representative locations to validate the results of our initial scan and to visually evaluate the condition of the concealed anchors.

Based on our investigation, we concluded that anchors were required only in select locations, under certain conditions. We established criteria by which these locations were determined. Ultimately, only 10,000 anchors were required to secure the facade, at a cost of $400,000.

In addition to the anchors, other repairs were performed at discrete locations, as shown in the photos.