Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Public Library Modernization and Expansion
Services: Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Materials Testing and Special Inspections, Nondestructive Testing
Completed: Fall 2020
Location: Penn Quarter, NW Washington, DC
GFA: 575,000
Project Overview
Completed in Fall 2020, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library underwent a transformative modernization, featuring the renovation of 465,000 square feet of existing space and the addition of 110,000 square feet above the original structure. Developed to enhance the library’s historic character while expanding public offerings, the project introduced major new features including monumental stairs, an auditorium and conference center, a rooftop event space and terrace, exhibition spaces, co-working areas, a double-height grand reading room, a children’s room with a playground slide, a café and patio, and a creative lab for music, technology, and dance. MTI Engineering and Testing provided comprehensive construction materials testing (CMT) and special inspections throughout the multi-year modernization and expansion effort.
Challenges
The sprawling project presented a set of complex challenges for MTI, including the following:
- Complex Structural Additions: Adding new structural steel and cast-in-place concrete floors atop a historic, operational
library required precise quality control and sequencing. - Concrete Scaling and Spalling: Extensive scaling and spalling of existing concrete was discovered across multiple garage decks and building floors, posing risks to structural integrity and safety
- Specialized Materials and Systems: The project’s diverse range of materials—including grouted CMU walls, cold-formed steel framing, and spray-on fireproofing—required specialized testing and inspection expertise.
MTI’s Approach
MTI addressed these challenges through:
- Structural Integrity Assurance: MTI performed comprehensive testing of concrete, inspections of reinforcement steel, formwork and shoring, and evaluations of load-bearing grouted CMU walls.
- Concrete Soundness Testing and Repair Validation: MTI inspectors climbed scaffolding and used chains to determine conduct soundness tests against concrete surfaces to identify the extent of delaminated areas in the garage and oversaw repair efforts to restore the integrity of affected floors and decks.
- Specialized Testing Services: MTI conducted non-destructive testing (UT, MT, PT) of structural steel welds, inspected cold-formed steel framing, and evaluated waterproofing and spray-on fireproofing applications.
Outcome
MTI’s rigorous materials testing and field inspections helped ensure the successful modernization of this landmark facility. The renovation preserved the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library’s historic architecture while dramatically expanding its public spaces and functionality. Today, the library serves as a dynamic civic hub, featuring vibrant event spaces, creative labs, reading rooms, and recreation areas—supporting the cultural and educational growth of Washington, DC’s diverse community.