Client: Memorial Hermann Healthcare System (MHHS)

Location: Houston, Texas, U.S.A.

Markets: Construction | Healthcare

Challenges

Wind-driven rain from Hurricane Ike resulted in multiple areas of
water intrusion within this 30-story medical center tower that was
under construction when the storm arrived. Water intrusion was
exacerbated by hurricane force winds, which destroyed
numerous windows within a glass-walled “crown” of the building
and below.

Destroyed windows of the hospital tower ‘crown’

Water intrusion on surfaces of multiple floors of the hospital tower

Solution

Early work involved forensic investigation to identify multiple
causes of loss and areas of damage. TGE coordinated closely
with the general contractor and hospital personnel. TGE industrial
hygienists also:
  • Facilitated expedited removal of gross volumes of water and water-damaged building materials
  • Completed detailed moisture mapping of water damaged areas across 12 floors
  • Conducted expedited industrial hygiene disaster recovery assessments for other building hazards
  • The project required achieving rigorous hospital infection control standards prior to reconstruction of affected areas and ultimate facility opening for healthcare

Outcome

Through rapid assessment and implementation of TGE’s
remediation protocols, hurricane impact was successfully
managed, and possible ensuing damage reduced to allow
building construction to recommence.

Water intrusion on surfaces of multiple floors of the hospital tower

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Remediation required removal of wall and insulation materials prior to cleaning

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Infrared photograph depicting moisture intrusion beneath Window