UW-Madison called on Engineered Construction (EC) for catastrophe recovery expertise almost immediately after a fire caused smoke, fire and water damage at a 9-room Dermatology laboratory suite in the Medical Science Center  at 1300 University Avenue on February 28, 2013.  After EC and the team cleaned up the worst of the water intrusion and ensured a safe site for personnel access, the fire department and university investigated the fire’s cause for several months.

During the investigation, EC and the team cleaned and replaced smoke and water damaged surfaces in the offices and labs on the floors above and below the fire as well as the stairwells, hallways and labs surrounding the lab suite involved in the fire.  EC coordinated the work schedule and temporary system shut-downs with University officials to minimize disruptions to students and research.  There was no structural damage to the building from the fire, but many systems were damaged and had to be replaced, including compressed gas, data and electrical distribution.  This work was completed around the end of June, when the investigation was finished and the laboratory suite was opened up for reconstruction.

The deconstruction and removal of burnt and damaged furniture, lab casework, piping, HVAC ductwork, walls, ceilings, flooring, doors and electrical wiring from the laboratory suite took three weeks in July.  Every piece had to be replaced according to existing as-built plans and documentation.  Some sections of spalling concrete floor also had to be replaced in order to protect the underlying reinforcement.  The rebuild was completed and UW has a brand-new lab for the New Year.