Architectural Terra Cotta Detailing for Restoration

Architectural terra cotta clad facades have been around for over 100 years. When the National Terra Cotta Society (NTCS) was created in 1910, they produced guide specifications and details in a folio first published in 1914 and later revised in 1927. This webinar will compare the early detailing for architectural terra cotta, along with other relevant industry standards and provide an assessment of the lessons learned and how that has translated into revised detailing, material production, and installation. Additionally, we will introduce new developments related to restoration of architectural terra cotta elements that have been developed in a collaborative effort between design professionals and terra cotta manufacturers. Specifically, revised details based on those shown in the NTCS documents but incorporating aspects of cavity and rainscreen wall assemblies. Finally, a new prototype terra cotta assembly that has been developed by design professionals at the Architectural Ceramics Assembly Workshop will be presented. These prototypes begin the process of evaluating alternative fabrication and support methods of architectural terra cotta.

Speaker Info

Rachel L. Will, PE
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
rwill@wje.com
612-237-4023

Speaker Bio

Rachel Will, PE is an Associate Principal and Executive Director of Knowledge Sharing with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois. Ms. Will received her Master of Science degree in Historic Preservation from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2007. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structures from Iowa State University in 2005. Ms. Will became a licensed professional engineer in 2011. She has over 18 years of experience related to the investigation and repair of existing building facades. She has performed numerous evaluations of historic masonry facades and prepared repair documents along with provided construction period observations for many masonry-clad buildings. She has authored multiple articles and given numerous presentations related to masonry. Rachel is currently involved in multiple industry organizations including the Association for Preservation Technology (APT) Co-Chair for the Preservation Engineering Technical Committee (PETC), the Masonry Society (TMS), Construction History of America (CHSA), and Landmarks Illinois (LI).