Planning Rational
“Dever” type schools refer to a group of thirty-two elementary schools that were built from 1925 to 1927 with a similar reinforced concrete structure type. These schools were the subject of substantial controversy at the time they were built with alleged design and construction deficiencies. Remedial work was performed in the 1930’s and 1940’s and typically involved the installation of supplementary steel framing on the roof to support all or selected portions of the roof structure. The supplemental steel framing included steel beams exposed on the roof structure with secondary steel members in the attic space that are suspended from hanger rods that penetrate the roof slab.
In general, the remedial steel framing on the roofs of the Dever schools has created maintenance challenges. The roofs often have recurring leaks in many cases and are difficult to maintain due to the obstructions from the steel beams and penetrations from hangers. In addition, the exposed steel beams have also caused deterioration of the masonry parapet walls.
Beginning in 2005, structural repair projects have been performed at a number of Dever schools. The scope of the structural repair projects included the installation of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement, steel reinforcement and other structural repairs. The structural reinforcement was installed at various locations throughout the buildings, including on the top and bottom sides of the roof level, 2nd floor and 1st floor. Following the completion of the structural repair work, the exposed steel beams were removed from the roof level.
Two types of Dever schools remain in the portfolio: schools with the original exposed steel beams on the roof level and schools that have been repaired with no exposed steel beams on the roof level. Architects and engineers engaging in projects on Dever type schools should be cognizant of the need to not damage or remove the existing FRP or other structural reinforcement at the previously repaired schools. They should also be aware of the need to properly address schools with the existing original steel roof beams within the context of the proposed project. Consultation with the project design manager is required to coordinate the proposed project scope with any potential or legacy Dever scope.