The upper section of the Filter Building was previously identified during WGI’s Climate Resilience Study of PBC Water Utility Facilities as being structurally deficient from hurricane-force winds. This building was identified as a possible source of wind-borne debris in the study.

The building had a number of windows and wall panels, which would have been breached and would possibly be further breached during an extreme wind event. Once breached, surface pressures at the roof edge would more than double in magnitude and thereby compromise the roof structure. The existing roof structure also had a removable section for the replacement and maintenance of the filter press equipment. The project included the analysis, design, and preparation of construction documents to correct the deficiencies of the breached walls, windows, doors, and overall building envelope.

The project entailed additional steel bracing of the walls and roof, securing the roof deck to the structural framing, new impact windows, and installation of hold down latches at the removable roof. Additionally, new roofing and flashing were installed.