Re-anchoring Cornice to Steel Beam

[dcStrucEng]

My situation is as follows: While working on a project involving interior renovation work on an existing commerical property (circa 1900s), the connection of the cornice at the front facade to the steel wide flange lintel appears to have issues. The lintel is approximately 20 to 25 feet long supporting two stories of brick masonry and windows above along with an L-shaped cornice attached to the bottom flange of the lintel (see attached sketch). The cornice (not sure if this is limestone, architectural precast, or another material) is in approximate 4-ft sections and connects back the the lintel with expansion anchors in tension through the bottom flange (2 per 4-ft cornice section) and lateral connections through the web.

Two of the cornice sections have dropped about an inch due to failure of the gravity anchor. I'm trying to figure out the best way to re-anchor the cornice to the lintel without removing the cornice. I'm apprehensive about installing additional epoxy or expansion anchors in tension (through the bottom flange) since much of the material from the major anchor manufacturers doesn't cover materials that aren't concrete, CMU, or brick.

Adding another structural member directly below the cornice for bearing isn't possible because a new ribbon window is being installed there. Any opinions on a remedial solution would be appreciated.

 

[ztengguy]

without a epoxy or insert to attach to, only thing you can do is thru bolt that I can come up with. Can you do that somehow, recess the nut and washer at the underside and patch?

I dont like mechanical anchors in tension, but epoxies in tension are ok in my ball park.

 

[hokie66]

Through bolting would be the answer. Prop the cornice, remove the failed anchors as well as those that haven't failed yet, drill a pilot hole from above, then ream the hole from below. Countersink as required, jack the cornices level, install new bolts, patch countersink positions.