SOLUTION

After implementing elevation monitoring and provisional shoring, WJE developed structural repair options. The most straightforward required underside access. However, because the art galleries below the loggias would need to be closed and deinstalled to allow repairs from below, an innovative option was devised to repair from the topside only, thus saving the museum substantial disruption and associated costs.
 
The topside repair concept entailed removal of the clay tile between the corroded ends of the triple beams without allowing debris to fall into the gallery spaces below and without compromising the thrust in the clay tile arch. Afterward, new reinforced concrete was cast between the triple beams to strengthen them. Given its unusual nature, the repair was verified and refined through full-size mockups and load testing to failure.

To safeguard the nearby art collection areas from the vibrations caused by the repair construction, WJE performed vibration attenuation testing before construction by instrumenting the adjacent art collection areas and having the contractor perform trial construction activities under controlled conditions. Once vibration trials were successfully completed, vibrations monitors were installed and operated continuously during construction. 

The innovative design devised by WJE ultimately saved the museum millions of dollars and substantial disruption to its facility. Careful vibration control procedures protected the museum collection during the repairs. The project received a 2024 Excellence in Structural Engineering Award from SEAOI.