Florida Atlantic University-University of Florida Joint Use Facility

Designed by architect Schenkel Shultz and built by Pirtle Construction, Pirtle retained GCI Consultants to provide building envelope consulting services for the Florida Atlantic University-University of Florida Joint-Use Facility, an 80,000 sq. ft., four-story LEED Gold-certified building located on 25 acres of land at Florida Atlantic University’s Davie campus. This state-of-the-art facility is shared between FAU and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) to support research on the restoration of the Everglades ecosystem.

The building features:

• First Floor: Classrooms and a 100-person tiered lecture hall
• Second Floor: Advanced research laboratories
• Third and Fourth Floors: Science labs and office spaces

Comprehensive Quality Assurance of Glazing Systems

Our team conducted a detailed review of glass and glazing shop drawings and submittals to verify compliance with local building codes, standard industry practices, and project specifications. A comprehensive written report was provided upon completion, detailing findings and recommendations for quality assurance.

Following ASTM E1105 standards, GCI performed water infiltration testing on the windows and curtain wall systems to verify their resistance to wind-driven rain conditions. The testing process included:

• Constructing an air chamber across the interior face of the assembly
• Creating a vacuum within the chamber while applying water to the exterior face
• Simulating conditions of a wind-driven rainstorm

GCI conducted a two-day test series, which evaluated six total specimens. Subsequently, detailed written reports were provided upon completion. Ultimately, our team documented the performance of each tested glazing system and confirmed their installation adhered to specifications.

Results and Impact

Although the facility was designed to meet LEED Silver certification, it achieved Gold. GCI’s expertise in submittals review and water infiltration testing ensured compliance with standards while providing quality assurance for optimal building performance. Key outcomes include:

1. Enhanced durability and water-tightness of glass and glazing systems
2. Compliance with local building codes and industry standards
3. Support for sustainable design principles in alignment with LEED goals

This project highlights GCI Consultants’ commitment to delivering high-quality construction consulting services that exceed client expectations while supporting environmentally responsible design. For expert building envelope consulting services, including water infiltration testing, contact our team today.