Past Meetings

As the complexity of building geometries and façade systems grows, consultants may have reservations about the applicability of code-based methods for design. The performance of novel façade systems may be better understood through a performance-based wind design (PBWD) approach.

Application of PBWD requires wind tunnel generated building-specific wind loading inputs. The measurement of wind loads on façades of buildings can be carried out with a high degree of accuracy in boundary layer wind tunnels, and when incorporated properly into the design these data will lead to more efficient and economical outcomes.

Topics related to the prediction of facade design wind loads are examined in this presentation, including a thorough review of the wind tunnel testing and analysis process, integration of wind tunnel data with local wind climate, internal pressures considerations, and application of the wind tunnel technique to novel façade features and systems. A brief overview of the recently released Prestandard for Performance-Based Wind Design developed by the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) will also be provided.

John Kilpatrick, Ph.D., P.Eng., C.Eng., F.ICE, is the Wind Engineering Practice Leader at RWDI and a Principal of the firm. John is a former Chair of the UK Wind Engineering Society, and is a contributing author to the ASCE/SEI Prestandard for Performance-Based Wind Design and ASCE 49 Standard for Wind Tunnel Testing for Buildings and Other Structures.

The Portland Building is an internationally recognized work of Postmodern architecture by master architect Michael Graves. For decades, the building suffered from multiple performance issues leading the City of Portland to initiate a project in 2016 that would comprehensively address existing building performance issues and modernize the building. The project included the addition of a new skin over the existing exterior, creating a weather-tight enclosure with improved thermal comfort and increased daylighting. This case study will explore the challenges related to applying a new envelope system over an existing façade from both historic preservation and structural perspectives.

Erica Ceder specializes in the restoration and rehabilitation of historic properties and has served as Project Architect for a variety of projects listed on the National Register of Historic Places for both public and private clients. Her depth of knowledge in the physical properties of historic building materials is a significant asset, as is her experience in performing condition assessments and making treatment recommendations. Erica brings additional value as an expert in navigating the complex historic approval process.

For more than a decade, Ian Eikanas has worked on a wide variety of projects, from seismic upgrades of historic structures to complex and eye-catching new athletic facilities. Ian genuinely enjoys the collaborative process between the architect and engineer, blending creativity with finite logistics. Recently, Ian managed the structural engineering of the unitized curtain wall design on the 73 story Wilshire Grand Center Tower located in Los Angeles, California. Ian earned both his BS and MS degrees in civil engineering from Washington State University and became a LEED accredited professional in order to bring a deeper understanding of sustainability to the job.

Seismic base isolation is a technology that is used to enhance the seismic performance of buildings and renovate existing buildings. The use of base isolation will be discussed as well as its benefits to new and historic structures. As a case study, the historic Oregon Supreme Court renovation will be discussed and it's use of base isolation to improve the seismic performance and save this historic structure from significant damage.

Geoff is a Principal and licensed structural engineer with Forell/Elsesser Engineers in San Francisco, California. He has over 17 years of experience in the structural engineering design and implementation of seismic design and renovation of existing structures. His experience includes various projects across all market sectors including historic renovation using seismic isolation. Geoff’s involvement with architecturally expressive structural designs that have unique forms provide additional experience and knowledge for his projects.

1 AIA LU/HSW

Review the building drift from wind and seismic loads. Discuss the new various return intervals for wind storms, and how that affects the various components of the building facade. Review new code provisions for solar, pavers, ballast, etc. Review char formation in mass timber, and how that may affect the connection of facade elements to the mass timber frame.

With more than 20 years of Structural Engineering experience, Scott Nyseth has worked in the design of multi-story mixed-use and residential buildings, commercial and industrial structures, rehabilitation of existing buildings, contractor design support during construction, post-earthquake investigation and evaluation of commercial and marine structures.  His passion for engineering, and inventive nature are evident by his quest to provide the most economical structural solutions and to ensure optimal building performance and safety of each structure.  Mr. Nyseth has consulted in the evaluation, analysis, design, testing and retrofit of a multitude of building types.  He also provides legal consultation services as they relate to structures and building envelopes.  Mr. Nyseth is well versed in smart design approaches for sustainability and net zero energy efficiencies.

This presentation addresses the movement characteristics of vertical masonry wall systems. Focus is on best practice for design and construction of expansion and control joints to accommodate and/or restrict masonry material movement. It does not address sealant or backer rod selection.

Pat Conway, AIA is the Director of Industry Development and Technical Services for the International Masonry Institute. He is a registered architect in Wisconsin with expertise in masonry plan and specification review, designing and detailing durable masonry walls, air barriers, movement joints, rain screen walls, troubleshooting, adhered veneers, and high performing wall systems. He has a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Minnesota.

People who don’t know, don’t know that they don’t know. Discussion of issues in the industry where we don’t have the research and information on what is being done about it. We all want to have our buildings perform and we need better ways of determining how to address issue of air leakage and water intrusion into the building envelope. The presentation will cover research projects that have been done and projects that are on the list to do.

Mr. Laverne Dalgleish has been actively involved in the construction industry for over 35 years and has specialized in building envelopes, energy efficiency and building performance for both commercial and residential construction.

Starting as a builder in the 1970’s, Laverne constructed some of the most energy efficient houses in North America, including houses that were Net Zero ready with a focus on high levels of airtightness and insulation.

Since then, he has championed to transform the building industry to raise the bar in professionalism for building trades and focus on quality processes in construction to ensure long-term high performance buildings.

Over the years, Laverne has become a frequent presenter across North America on a variety of topics as they relate to building envelopes, energy efficiency, green building practices, and standards and quality of construction.

Laverne is actively involved in the standards development process and has been involved with International Organization of Standardization (ISO) for over two decades, travelling around the world and creating development standards for the industry. A big believer in scientific research, Laverne has been a leader and participated in a number of commercial and residential building research projects with groups such as Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Syracuse University, University of Waterloo and the National Research Council of Canada. Laverne has been involved in a number of utility demand side management programs and worked with various government departments across North American such as the U.S Department of Energy, Natural Resources Canada, Environmental Protection Agency, Environment Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

The course will cover the requirements for the 2019 Oregon Zero Energy Ready Commercial Code & 2019 Oregon Structural Specialty Code that apply to the building envelope. This session will explain how to interpret and apply these provisions in under varying site conditions, climate zones, and other design considerations.

Samir Mokashi has over 30 years of experience in regulatory requirements. He has successfully lead design teams through highly demanding programs, complex designs, challenging budgets, fast track schedules, and rigorous requirements. The clear advantage of having worked throughout US, Europe, Asia, and Middle East is evident in the projects, large or small, that Samir leads or consults on. He has been involved in code development at local and national levels and has authored several code alternates and variances that resolved multi-disciplinary issues simply and effectively. He has a unique ability to deliver simple and elegant solutions to problems that stump most others. The depth of his knowledge and strong communication skills have earned him wide respect from city and state officials, as well as designers, developers and architects. He is a sought after speaker, accredited educator and a highly valued mentor to young professionals.

1.5 AIA/CES LU/HSW

This course takes a detailed look at the basic decision-making process for walls in the pre-design and early design stages. Attendees will learn a design approach that quickly and systematically takes them through a series of micro-decisions on a small number (eight or fewer) of subassemblies of the wall, resulting in a well informed system design as well as reviewing The 2018 Masonry Systems Guide, Northwest Edition which standardizes best practices for masonry wall systems design and construction specific to the climate and building conditions in the nortwest. This presentation will introduce the guide's 8 primary masonry based wall systems which include anchored and adhered veneers and structural CMU walls as well as wood and steel backups for each. Also included in the guide and the presentations are costing and budgeting information, thermal requirements and weatherproofing and specifications.

This session will use examples of walls from real projects and walk the audience through the uniquely swift linear decision-making process. It will also discuss development of a wall taxonomy, the curation of a Wall Systems Library, and opportunities for BIM integration.

Tonia Sorrell-Neal serves as the Executive Director of the Masonry Institute of Washington, a statewide construction trade association representing masonry contractors, manufacturers and suppliers; working with brick, block, stone, marble, restoration, PCC and tile. Tonia has more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry as an association director and legislative liaison.

Tonia began her career in the construction industry in 1993 at the law firm of Brown Todd & Heyburn, LLC focusing on construction defect litigation. In 1996, she transitioned to association representation as government affairs director, legislative liaison and member services for the general contractor, subcontractor and homebuilding industries and served in this capacity until taking over as Executive Director of WSCMC in 2008.

She is past president of the Washington Construction Industry Council and a United State Green Building Council certified LEED AP. She participates in the Association of Washington Business Education and Government Affairs Committees and is a 2005 recipient of the AWB Heavy Hitter Award for leadership. She is also a masonry industry representative for the Western State Clay Products Association, the Masonry Executives Council and the Western Washington Masonry Trades Joint Apprenticeship Training Council.

Tonia is an alumnus from the University of Louisville, Ball State University; and Portland Culinary Institute.