Solving Persistent Water Infiltration at an Iconic Museum Exhibit

In 2021, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis engaged Technical Assurance to investigate persistent water infiltration at its Dinosphere exhibit. The distinctive spherical structure, originally constructed in 1996, had experienced recurring leakage despite previous remediation efforts involving precast concrete sealant joints and transitions between the precast concrete and vertical wall cladding.

Ongoing water infiltration had contributed to deterioration of interior substrate assemblies and finishes, requiring an investigation that went beyond addressing visible symptoms to determine how water was entering the enclosure.

Reproducing the Leaks to Identify the Source

Technical Assurance performed spray testing and destructive testing at targeted areas of the Dinosphere, focusing primarily on locations near previously reported recurring leaks. Testing successfully reproduced water infiltration consistent in location, severity, and character with the conditions previously observed inside the facility.

The investigation traced water entry to sealant-covered precast panel-to-panel joints and transitions between the precast concrete panels and flat-seam copper siding. The testing and observed conditions indicated that deterioration and failure of construction sealant, combined with detailing issues at transitions and terminations, had compromised the waterproofing assembly.

Turning Investigation Findings Into Targeted Restoration

With the primary leakage paths identified, the remediation program addressed the underlying enclosure deficiencies rather than continuing localized repair attempts. Existing horizontal and vertical sealant joints were removed to allow proper installation of new sealant, and the precast concrete façade was cleaned and treated with a water-repellent material.

The project was completed in 2022, providing a targeted façade restoration strategy based on conditions verified through on-site forensic testing.