MacLeod Consulting, Inc.

structural engineering for architects and building owners

Phillips Academy Andover rebuilds the Fuller Memorial Bell Tower

October 20, 2006 In 1998 MacLeod Consulting, Inc. with the architectural firm of Bruner/Cott Associates carried out a condition assessment of this 1923 Memorial Tower dedicated to the Phillips Academy Andover men who fell in World War I.

The original architect, Guy Lowell, designed the lower shaft of the structure having a steel frame infilled with brick. The wood faced spire is supported on a steel frame. This assessment identified face brick breaking down from repeated cycles of freezing and vertical cracks forming at corners and along some of the encased steel braces. A structural analysis determined the tower would need to be rebuilt to achieve a long-term repair. The underlying problem causing cracking was due to moisture and freeze growth properties of brick. 

In 2004, Phillips Academy put together a design team which included MacLeod Consulting and Bruner/Cott along with Consigli Construction Co, Inc. to reconstruct this tower meeting modern building codes and historic preservation standards. The team evaluated strategies for the structure. Rebuilding the steel frame posed technical and cost challenges too excessive and was dismissed. The team  studied several methods of reinforced masonry construction and selected reinforced CMU and brick veneer as the most reliable and cost effective means of reconstruction. 

Consigli started demolition in February 2005. They hoisted the steeple off the shaft setting it on the ground for concurrent reconstruction. Then, they demolished the brick and steel frame but saved the granite facing. Following some alterations to the original foundation they constructed a reinforced (galvanized) CMU shaft. New brick veneer is supported on stainless steel shelf angles. Each brick corner has a vertical control joint staggered along mortar joints to camouflage its appearance but provided the necessary relief for movement. A heavier belfry frame replaced the old one and the bell carriage together. By early 2006, Consigli completed the project which included major restoration work to architectural finishes, the addition of mechanical systems, and a new replacement carillon system made by the Dutch firm Royal Eijsbouts.

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MacLeod Consulting, Inc.
29 Woods Road
Belmont, MA 02478-3805