Author
JAMES C. MYERS Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc., Arlington, MA

Abstract
An 18h fire severely damaged the structure and masonry facade of a Philadelphia, PA high rise. The facade included solid granite components and granite veneer on precast concrete spandrel panels. The investigation of the damage to the facade found granulation of the granite due to temperatures in excess of 570’C, cracking due to restraint of differential thermal movements, and failure of spandrel panel-to-structure connections due to outward thermal expansion of the concrete floor slab. Away from visibly damaged areas, the fire did not reduce The flexural strength of the granite nor the pultout strength of the hairpin anchors.