HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7766 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7766
T, eo To the Mayor and Members of the City Council October 19, 1993
Subject:
very
WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL CENTER FAILURE OF STONE FASCIA
AT MAIN TOWER
On September 24, 1993, the Transportation and Public Works staff was notified that a
piece of the fascia stone on the Main Tower to the Will Rogers Auditorium had broken
loose and fallen on top of the canopy roof covering the pedestrian walkway.
The staff inspected the site and made an initial review of the area from the ground and
the walkway roof. The area of spalling was determined to be at the fenestration strip
(decorative stone). A more detailed inspection from a fire department ladder truck was
made and it was concluded that the failure appears to be typical freeze/thaw spelling.
The anchorage system appears to be sound.
Several pieces of the fenestration strip about 40 feet up have spalled off the north face
of the tower. (The largest piece recovered was 12" x 6" x 1" and weighed about 5
pounds.) There are also several cracks in the large fascia stone and some evidence that
the stone has been separating from the underlying brick due to its age. It appears that
there is no imminent danger of any large pieces of fascia falling at this point,however,
the potential does exist. Deteriorated caulking and mortar in the stonework throughout
the Will Rogers complex is obvious and while this deterioration poses no danger, it is
resulting in increasing damage to the facility from water leakage.
It is the opinion of the TPW staff that only small pieces of stone are in immediate danger
of falling and that the canopy structures provide adequate protection for public access.
No restrictions on use of the Coliseum are necessary at this time.
Metro Structural Consultants have been retained to,evaluate the overall condition of the
stone -wm—k on the Will Rogers Auditorium, Coliseum and Tower, and prepare
recommend .ons cost estimates for immediate repairs and long range remediation.
B T y
11
H
T 11
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE C17Y MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS