ICRI – GA Chapter August Luncheon

Presentation Title
Guardrail Post Anchorages: Case Studies of Common Failures and Fixes

Presented By
Nathan E. Reynolds, Associate Principle – Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
Eric D. Gross, Associate III – Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

Presentation Synopsis
Nate and Eric will discuss common types of distress observed at metal guardrail posts attachments to residential concrete balconies, and the types of repairs employed to address these conditions. Multiple case studies will be presented as examples of these repairs, including repair of guardrail post distresses seen in high-rise concrete framed and low-rise wood-framed construction, with a focus on guardrail post pockets at cantilevered concrete balconies.

Speaker Biographies
Nathan Reynolds has broad-based experience in the investigation, assessment, and rehabilitation of existing structures, and building envelope systems subject to water infiltration. He has been involved in numerous projects relating to the repair of the exterior wall systems of both historic and modern structures. As part of these assessments, Mr. Reynolds has also developed repair documents and provided construction administration services.

Mr. Reynolds focuses on the investigation of a wide range of building types constructed with masonry, EIFS, stucco, and plaster cladding, low- to high-rise condominiums, apartments, churches, hospitals, universities, hotels, and office buildings. His work has included prepurchase assessments, storm damage assessments, litigation support and expert services.

Mr. Reynolds has been actively involved with ASTM International Committees C12 and C15 on mortar and masonry. He is currently serving as the chair for several task groups within these committees.

Eric Gross has been with WJE since 2017 and has gained experience in investigations, condition assessments, analyses, and repair designs for a variety of new and historic buildings. These projects have involved multiple types of roofing systems, waterproofing systems, and facade materials, allowing Mr. Gross to gain a wide knowledge of building enclosure systems. He provides services for office buildings, multifamily dwellings, universities, major retail chains, and hotels across the southeast United States. Mr. Gross has also participated in multiple projects with construction administration services, allowing him to develop a comprehensive understanding of the construction industry.

As a graduate student at Auburn University, Mr. Gross assisted in the development of a mass concrete specification for the Alabama Department of Transportation. This involved field work at numerous bridge construction sites across the state and extensive concrete laboratory mixing, testing, and analysis to determine the material properties of ­­­structural concrete used in Alabama bridges.