MLK, Jr. Fed Bldg. & US Courthouse

As requested by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), a systematic analysis of the existing plaza and pavement conditions at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Newark, NJ was conducted to address pedestrian safety concerns and related maintenance issues. This analysis is compiled in a comprehensive “Plaza Surfaces Repair Analysis” that addresses existing conditions at the site, observed problem areas, identified causes, available solutions and final conclusions and recommendations. The team developed contract documents to repair and replace the damaged areas of the plaza.

SJH provided inspection, testing, and development of plans, specifications, and estimates for the $1.2 million reconstruction effort. The design included the replacement of plaza pavers, a new drainage system, reconstruction of the sidewalks, and the installation of new bollards to comply with K-12 crash loading and anti-terrorist force protection criteria which relates to the impact force of a vehicle approaching at a speed of 50 MPH. The paving system was evaluated and the design team selected a compatible replacement system that is consistent with the existing appearance of the building and plaza. We developed repair details for the footings to support retaining walls, monuments, planters, benches, and other appurtenances. Our team also provided grading plans and drawings for a new drainage layout and connection to the existing sewer, and electrical work for plaza lighting. Construction Inspection services included shop drawing review, responding to RFIs and attending field meetings.

Two ADA ramps providing handicapped access to the main entrance on either side of the building entrance exhibited broken, tilted and loose pavers. The misaligned, larger pavers were in need of replacement, with some pavers on the west ramp completely broken, and others showing settlement and cracking. During repair, railings were removed, and recommendations for stainless steel railing replacements were made. Non-slip mats were also installed on the sidewalk adjacent to the parking lot in compliance with ADA regulations.

As an additional concern to GSA, we inspected the Pedestrian Tunnel connecting the Federal Courthouse to the General Post Office across the street, to investigate the water leakage in the tunnel. The water leakage was observed at the tunnel wall joints. Due to the leakage, the parging was damaged and bulging. The joint material at several locations was loose and peeling off the joints. Further investigations were recommended to estimate the water table outside the tunnel and to develop details to arrest the water leakage in the tunnel. On this project the construction activities had to be accomplished without any interference to the operations of the courthouse, and therefore, our contract documents had specific work windows, and phasing requirements for the contractor to adhere to during construction.  The work involved replacement of the plaza concrete panels, and repairs to the leakage in the tunnels at the basement level.  Also included was the rehabilitation work at the sidewalks around the courthouse.  In order to provide pedestrian access at all times, the sidewalk work around the building had to be phased.

RELEVANCY POINTS:

• At grade concrete pavement design
• Design of sidewalks and curbs
• Drainage design and design of bollards
• Preparation of contract documents and construction support services
• DCA approval, NJDOT coordination