Belt Courses, Bond Beams, and Brackets
While some unexpected deterioration was found high up on the tower, the restoration crew has been able to come up with solutions, and we are happy to report that the original timeline of competion is still on track for early 2027. Below are three areas where the crew has been hard at work over the last few months.
Belt Courses
The lower two marine-grade stainless steel belt courses have been installed and painted black, and the new masonry will soon be coated white. Protective scaffolding is in place to prevent damage from any falling debris as work continues near the top of the tower.
Three Bond Beams
This drawing below shows the location of three circular concrete bond beams. Each bond beam incorporates steel rebar into the form before the concrete is poured. The upper bond beam (A) is just under the lantern deck, at the top of the watch room wall. Bond beam B is at the top of the service room wall, just below the watch room balcony. The lowest bond beam (C) replaces the upper belt course and will be covered by a glass fiber reinforced polymer, also called GFRP, molded to mimic the original cast iron metal.
Brackets
Between bond beams B and C, the new stainless-steel brackets will be mounted. The bottom of each bracket will be welded to a steel plate embedded in C and the top will be slotted onto bolts in B. Later, the brackets will support the watch room gallery.
— Julie Barrow, Special Projects Coordinator
