SITUATION:
The Kennedy Center, located on 17 acres overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., is America’s living memorial to President Kennedy as well as the nation’s busiest arts facility. This opera house is the largest in North America. The attic above the stage was in severe disrepair. A 30 degree floor slope had to be corrected without damaging existing hollow core precast planking. All 8,000 square feet of the floor was ground by hand to accommodate these requirements. Construction took place after normal business hours so the JFK Opera House could remain operational.
CHALLENGES:
- 8,000 square-foot installation area
- Two month installation time frame
- Complex installation in working theatre
- Cramped workspace and low-lighting job-site conditions
- Multiple trades working on site
- Dust-free installation required
SOLUTION:
ARDEX Sales Professional Michael Frey worked with Concrete Repairs Company to repair the attic floor. Sixteen ton electric chain hoists were used to move rigging equipment so new repairs, scenery and props were not damaged. In accordance with ICRI requirements, floors were cut 1/2” down but not through the hollow core precast planking. Planking joints were taped water tight and ARDEX P 51™ Primer was applied. ARDEX CP™ Concrete Patch was specified for cut repair areas. ARDEX CD ™ Concrete Dressing was installed on the two ramps, one cat-walk over the stage areas and over the main floor surfaces. The installation was a success and Concrete Repairs Company was very satisfied with the performance of the ARDEX Engineered Concrete Repair Systems products.
PARTICIPANTS:
Installer: Concrete Repairs Co.
General Contractor: Rand Construction Company
Architect: Richter, Cornbrooks, Gribble Architects
Engineers: Robert Silman&Assoc.
