Services
Each architectural metal has unique characteristics that can impact its performance, design, and selection under different conditions. Retaining the assistance of a metallurgical engineer who understands the unique requirements placed on architectural metals can mean the difference between a successful application and an unsightly problem.
TMR Architectural
Metals Consultants provides objective, unbiased advice on the use of stainless
steel, titanium, nickel-based alloys
(nickel-silver, Monel®), aluminum, and copper-based alloys in architectural
applications.
Problem Solving
Forensic Evaluation and Problem Resolution
Assessment
of architectural metal problems can be complex because many factors can influence
performance. Problem resolution requires the specialized knowledge of a metallurgical
engineer who understands fabrication, metal production and specification,
and corrosion. Furthermore, the metallurgical engineer must understand architecture's
unique requirements, corrosion concerns, and failure mechanisms. Hands-on
experience with the specific metal(s) used is also necessary.
A consultant whose knowledge is limited to one area (e.g. only fabrication
or design) or a metallurgical engineer whose has experience is in other industries,
metals, or types of corrosion may not have the knowledge to correctly identify
the problem.
TMR Architectural Metals Consulting has the necessary experience and technical
understanding and a reputation for unbiased assessment of the facts. We specialize
in the use of stainless steel, titanium, nickel-based alloys (nickel-silver,
Monel®), aluminum, and copper-based alloys in architectural applications
and have consulted on projects throughout the world. If there is litigation,
we provide expert witness research, depositions, and testimony.
Fabrication,
Installation, and Handling
When problems occur in new construction, improper fabrication
techniques, installation, and/or handling may contribute to the problem. If
this is suspected, the consultant must evaluate the fabricator's capabilities
and procedures. Handling procedures during shipping and storage on the job
site and in the fabricator's shop must also be reviewed.
TMR Architectural Metals Consultants are familiar with the fabrication techniques
used to produce architectural components. Our consultants have visited fabricators
with a broad range of capabilities while evaluating shop conditions and fabrication
techniques. We also provide fabricators with in-house training and have written
and reviewed brochures, articles and other publications related to the fabrication
and handling of metals.
Cleaning and Restoration
Please see the description of our services for more information.
Site Evaluation
If corrosion has occurred, our consultants evaluate the site
to determine the presence and concentration of corrosive pollutants and chlorides
(swimming pools and coastal and deicing salts) and identify the cause of premature
metal failure, unsightly corrosion, and finish deterioration. This includes
reviewing pollution data, conduct analyses of surface contaminants when necessary,
and evaluate the performance of metals on nearby sites to determine the site's
corrosion potential.
Migrant pollution can be a factor in corrosion performance when there are no visible smoke stacks. Coastal salt exposure is determined by weather patterns. In some locations it is only a factor within a mile of a bay or ocean and in other locations measurable deposits can be found as much as 30 miles inland. Deicing salt can also be localized but it has also been measured hundreds of feet from busy roads and highways and as high as the 12th floor of closely spaced high-rise buildings. Indoor swimming pools can be extremely corrosive environments if adequate ventilation and pool chemistry are not considered. TMR Architectural Metals Consultants are experienced in evaluating all aspects of metal corrosion in architecture.
Specification Review
Whenever a problem occurs, it is important to review the project specifications and compare them with the mill certifications and finishes provided to make sure that the specified requirements were met. Our consultants are familiar with the relevant metal specifications and are actively involved in key ASTM committees. We also regularly write and review guidelines published by industry associations for use by architectural metal fabricators and specifiers and assist in writing and reviewing architectÕs project specifications.
Laboratory Analysis
Laboratory analysis of representative samples or surface deposits is sometimes required to determine the cause of corrosion or failure. It can also be helpful in determining the cause of other types of surface finish deterioration and in assessing possible corrective action. TMR Consulting has a small in-house laboratory, and, also, retains the services of nationally recognized laboratories when specialized analysis or independent verification is required.
