Verifying Enclosure Performance for a Specialized NASA Research Facility

Technical Assurance partnered with Heapy Engineering to provide building enclosure commissioning (BECx) services for NASA Glenn Research Center’s new Aerospace Communications Facility in Cleveland, Ohio. The $33.8 million project encompassed approximately 54,000 square feet and included approximately 25 research and development laboratories supporting the facility’s specialized mission. Construction began in 2019, with occupancy in 2022 and final project completion in 2023.

Supporting Enclosure Quality During Construction

Technical Assurance reviewed exterior building envelope drawings, shop drawings, and technical submittals for continuity among enclosure systems and participated in pre-construction and pre-installation meetings with the project team and enclosure-related subcontractors. The team also supported the RFI and submittal process for special conditions involving wall and interfacing systems.

During construction, Technical Assurance completed 15 technical quality observation site visits focused on critical enclosure installations. Observations included air and vapor barriers, curtain walls, windows, roofing systems, and other project-specific building enclosure components.

Testing Installed Building Enclosure Systems

Performance testing provided objective verification of installed enclosure systems and included roof and building insulation infrared scanning, water hose testing, pressurized chamber water infiltration testing, qualitative air infiltration testing, and air barrier adhesion strength testing.

Technical Assurance’s commissioning involvement continued into occupancy and operations with a 10-month post-occupancy review of the building enclosure. The project also carried a minimum goal of achieving LEED Silver certification.