In 2006, the 79-year-old memorial’s white dome started getting covered in dark splotches and water began to infiltrate the portico roof. Years of research determined the building’s marble had an overgrowth of biofilm—a microbial community of cyanobacteria, fungi and algae.
The project’s primary intent was to remove this film and reduce water infiltration. The team replaced roofing, waterproofing and flashing systems above the colonnade and at the upper roof as well as performed the associated repairs to the stone along the architrave.
Work also included laser cleaning of the dome, portico roof and cornices—the first time laser ablation had been used against biofilm. Lasers were also deployed to remove gypsum crust. Low-pressure, high-temperature steam cleaning technology was also a first in the U.S. in terms of large-scale memorial projects, the team says.
Complex, massive scaffolding was required to achieve the restoration’s entire scope, which involved work at elevated areas— including the entablature, portico roof, multiple levels spanning from the dome down to two marble drum walls and column capitals—without anchoring into or damaging the stone.
Before putting up the scaffolding, the team conducted in-depth existing conditions surveys and installed extensive temporary protection to all marble surfaces to prevent potential damage. The $14.8-million project was completed on time and on budget.
Eydie Cubarrubia is a former ENR’s New York regional editor. She has spent more than two decades editing, writing and producing award-winning business news and features content for The Guardian News & Media, New York Daily News and other publications.
You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days.
Top Design Firms MidAtlantic Design Firm Revenue Remains Flat Across the Region
Click Here to Complete ENR MidAtlantic's Top Design Firms Survey
Top Contractors Revenue Bump Gives Hope to Region's Contractors
Click Here to Complete ENR MidAtlantic's Top Contractors Survey
Top Specialty Contractors Hit Hard by the Pandemic, Region's Specialty Firms Keep Punching
Click Here to Complete ENR MidAtlantic's Top Specialty Contractors Survey
Copyright ©2022. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.
Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing