Restoration Of a Historical Courthouse With System Scaffolding

Posted on January 11, 2022 in Case Studies

historical courthouse building restoration in North Carolina

When completed in 1928, the Buncombe County Courthouse became North Carolina’s tallest local government building at 17 stories high. Over time, the landmark structure deteriorated and eventually required extensive restoration.

To get it done, remediation crews would have to work 195 feet above ground to mend the historic building’s exterior brickwork. This meant that safe and reliable scaffolding would be critical to the project’s success.

The county needed experts familiar with complex scaffolding design to provide safe access for the repair. They turned to Scaffolding Solutions, an experienced local supplier with an impressive safety record and a reputation for innovation.

Scaffolding Solutions provided the following solutions and benefits:

  • OCTO scaffolding- widely accepted as the safest scaffolding
  • The project allowed for continued business operation
  • Lack of original blueprints required innovative solutions
  • The ability for construction site crews to work in inclement weather

The Challenge

Erecting a rigid scaffolding against the courthouse’s delicate limestone without causing additional damage wasn’t easy. The team at Scaffolding Solutions had multiple challenges right from the start.

A building’s construction plan is used for load-bearing calculations to ensure structural stability and worker safety in a typical construction scaffolding design. But this wasn’t a typical project. Neither records nor blueprints for the 93-year-old Buncombe County Courthouse were available to help with the engineering.

The courthouse building’s shape also added complexity, as an eight-story portion of the scaffolding would have to be erected on a lower section of the roof. This load could endanger the structural integrity of the building.

Inclement weather also presented a challenge for the scaffolding design. Safe access had to account for slippery rain, ice, and snow. Any protective netting or plastic sheets had the potential to get caught in the wind. This would result in greater loads placed on the scaffolding.

historical courthouse building restoration in North CarolinaThe Solution

Scaffolding Solutions resolved every challenge using their extensive knowledge and expertise while working within the project constraints.

To overcome the lack of drawings and records, they used custom engineering solutions for the load calculations. Their approach to anchoring started with a third-party engineer to conduct pull tests on the courthouse limestone. 

By inserting anchors into the structure and measuring the force needed to pull them out, they created a solution specific to the Buncombe County Courthouse.

Scaffolding Solutions used OCTO scaffolding—recognized as a versatile and reliable system, adaptable to various industries and applications. OCTO offers ease of handling and superior strength.

Special cribbing ensured additional safety on the courthouse’s lower roof. The innovative design dispersed the scaffolding’s weight evenly onto the roof and walls, protecting construction workers above and below.

The Result

Scaffolding Solutions’ North Carolina office supported the restoration in nine phases. They installed scaffolding one step ahead of the work and took it down one stage behind. 

The team consistently delivered project deliverables on schedule and budget, demonstrating their commitment to excellence and professionalism. Repair crews could safely access the structure to complete their restoration tasks, including window repairs, fixing mortar joints, and waterproofing. The Buncombe County Courthouse restoration will continue into 2021.

This project is a prime example of Scaffolding Solution’s ability to overcome challenges and excel at very complex projects requiring major engineering and manpower.

“The project was a year and a half in the making. From coming up with the scaffolding design to six months of engineering, the installation, and the takedown, the Scaffolding Solutions team managed obstacles and found ways to address the many challenges along the way.”

~Brian Lish, Carolina Business Development Manager, Scaffolding Solutions

Thanks to Scaffolding Solutions’ commitment to relationships, the general contractor awarded them another extensive project.

Scaffolding Solutions Handles Projects Large and Small

No matter the size of your scaffolding project, at Scaffolding Solutions, we treat every job with professionalism and integrity. From design to takedown, we deliver safe and reliable scaffolding that fits your needs.

Partner with us and get our expertise working for you to overcome your most challenging scaffolding projects.

Want to know how Scaffolding Solutions can support your commercial scaffolding needs?

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rolando Tobarrolando Tobar ★★★★★ Great work & access to all kind of work ...The best in the DMVKevin TaylorKevin Taylor ★★★★★ The team at Scaffold Solutions really got me out of a bind this past week. Set-up scaffold on Saturday morning and came back Sunday morning to take it back down. Communication was great, speed and safety were excellent and price was fair. I appreciate the solid communication and follow-up from their team and they did a great job helping me get the steel installed in the elevator shaft. Thank you!Diana MiraldiDiana Miraldi ★★★★★ Giselle AllenGiselle Allen ★★★★★ I recently had my fourth floor loft terrace enclosed. Scaffolding Solutions, LLC is the only choice you need to ensure your project is successful! Frank Giuliano visited my home and assessed the area, then coordinated with the Patio Enclosure installation manager to build a custom design that was efficient for the project. Frank’s customer service was remarkable. He constantly communicated updates and I felt very comfortable contacting him with any questions. The scaffolding crew only took one day to assemble and disassemble the scaffold without incident. They were pleasant, professional and respectful of my property. Hands down this was the best experience and I definitely recommend Scaffolding Solutions, LLC.G Man PalenciaG Man Palencia ★★★★★ Joe PodgurskiJoe Podgurski ★★★★★ fernando santos sanchezfernando santos sanchez ★★★★★ el lugar luce muy bonito, la atención muy amableMichael MatiasMichael Matias ★★★★★ Ruff Ryder SincereRuff Ryder Sincere ★★★★★ Luis Jomar Rodriguez SanchezLuis Jomar Rodriguez Sanchez ★★★★★ Shannon WalkerShannon Walker ★★★★★ Charles AppichCharles Appich ★★★★★ Richard WhiteRichard White ★★★★★ Chad EssexChad Essex ★★★★★ Andi LopezAndi Lopez ★★★★★ Muy buenoDomonic ClardyDomonic Clardy ★★★★★ David BucciarelliDavid Bucciarelli ★★★★★ Fantastic companyMatthew AlemanMatthew Aleman ★★★★★ i love the work they did at DCJose PietriJose Pietri ★★★★★ Great company and innovative scaffolds!Diana DuVallDiana DuVall ★★★★★ The best service and competitive pricing!Tony BullockTony Bullock ★★★★★ I work hereJoel DiazJoel Diaz ★★★★★ Timmy WilloughbyTimmy Willoughby ★★★★★ Scaffolding Solutions... All I can say is "WOW". I was impressed with the professionalism, courtesy and efficiency of the complete experience.js_loader