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First National Bank of Chester County West Chester, Pennsylvania |
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Photo circa 1912
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Built in 1912, the First National Bank Building is located in the West Chester downtown historical district.
Four circular limestone columns, bearing on massive granite blocks, support an ornately detailed portico
above the main entrance. Over time, several cracks and spalls occurred in one of the supporting granite block.
Working with a mason contractor, RBA examined the granite base. Unable to perform extensive removals, various probe techniques and borescopic examination were used to determine that a large internal void had developed below the cracked granite base from erosion. |
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Cracks and spalls
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The cracks and spalls were a result of high stress concentrations due to limited bearing caused by the internal void. Based on field investigation and analysis, RBA recommended filling the internal void, along with mortar replacement. |
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Borescope investigation
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