Coordinating a Complex Roof Replacement Around Critical Medical Operations

Technical Assurance serves as the roof consultant for The Ohio State University Doan Hall Roof Replacement Project. Working closely with the project architect, the team is supporting the phased replacement of approximately 64,000 square feet of roofing across an active campus medical facility. The $9.6 million project includes nine distinct roof levels with varying existing assemblies, extensive rooftop equipment, and numerous penetrations that support hospital operations.

The complexity of the existing conditions required a performance-driven approach to design and construction planning. Technical Assurance began with a detailed predesign roof assessment to establish existing conditions across the facility.

Using Predesign Investigation to Inform Roof Replacement

Technical Assurance performed destructive testing and condition verification across the roof areas. The investigation confirmed existing assemblies, identified wet insulation, documented substrate conditions, and evaluated constructability constraints.

These findings informed roof system selection, detailing, and phasing recommendations. Technical Assurance also evaluated wind uplift requirements, drainage strategies, constructability, and compatibility with existing campus standards. The resulting design uses a combination of modified bitumen and single-ply systems based on roof complexity, access limitations, and anticipated service life.

Planning Construction Around an Active Medical Heliport

A significant project constraint is Doan Hall’s proximity to an active heliport serving the adjacent medical center. Roof system selection and construction planning had to account for ongoing air operations and the operational sensitivity of the medical environment.

The project team coordinated construction sequencing, material handling, rooftop access, safety planning, and vibration-sensitive activities around these conditions. This planning was incorporated into design development and construction to support uninterrupted emergency and medical services.

Carrying Design Intent Through Construction

Technical Assurance completed design-phase services in 2025, providing a coordinated roof replacement strategy based on documented conditions, operational requirements, and long-term performance goals.

Technical Assurance will continue to support the project through construction administration and quality observation as the roof replacement moves into implementation. This continuity will help connect documented roof conditions and design decisions with field execution while addressing the operational demands of the active medical environment.