This project entailed the design of new replacement enclosures around two roof top HVAC support structures housed on top of the main academic building at the Community College of Rhode Island – Knight Campus (CCRI). The main academic building is a five-story monolithic concrete structure built in 1968. It sits on a hill in the town of Warwick and the roof top is one of the highest points in the state. The two HVAC enclosures on the roof were originally sheathed with interlocking sheet metal planks that began to deteriorate over time due to wind and weather. As these sheet metal planks failed and detached from the structure, many times they would perforate the membrane roofing, creating leaks into the building.

The repairs consisted of replacing the existing lateral bracing with a more robust X-bracing system along with new enclosure siding. The complete installation was analyzed and designed to meet the current wind load standards. An alternate design for a fiberglass enclosure siding was also prepared. This would give the college flexibility if in the future, a wireless carrier wanted to house a cell site within one of these enclosures.