Decelles building – HEC Montreal

SIMCO (formerly Cosgima) carried out a study on the capacity of the anchors for the precast concrete panels, an analysis of the concrete used in the façades, and the approval of repair products before preparing the plans and specifications and supervising the façade restoration work, as part of a team managed by Barin, architects. Since the building is located within the Mont-Royal protected area, the façade restoration project was reviewed by the urban planning advisory committee as well as by the Ministry of Culture. Special attention was therefore given to the appearance of the repairs, as the texture and color of the existing material had to be preserved. To achieve this, a characterization study of the different types of concrete was conducted to properly define the type of concrete to use for the repairs, both from a durability and aesthetic standpoint.

Balancing Aesthetics and Durability

The restoration process prioritized preserving the original appearance of the façades while ensuring the long-term durability of the interventions.
Key measures included:

• Selecting repair mortars compatible with existing concrete and capable of replicating surface texture and color
• Applying waterproof coatings to prevent water infiltration
• Using corrosion inhibitors and sacrificial anodes where necessary

The craftsmanship and judgment of the cement workers were instrumental in achieving a high-quality finish.

Managing Constraints in a University Environment

Because the work took place in an academic environment, noise control and work scheduling were carefully adapted to minimize disruption, particularly during exam periods. Access to the façades was primarily achieved using suspended scaffold, offering flexibility and efficiency given the site’s access limitations.

Our approach combining advanced structural engineering with material expertise ensured the rehabilitation of the building with respect to its architectural heritage while delivering long-term performance.