The Dome is leaking
Wednesday, Jan 23, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Finke…
Illinois officials are going to undertake a comprehensive study of the Capitol dome after secretary of state workers noticed small pieces of concrete fell from the inside portion of the outer dome.
Described as about the size of marbles, the pieces do not represent an emergency situation, said Harl Ray, senior project manager for Secretary of State Jesse White, whose office is in control of the Capitol. […]
There is space between the inner and outer domes, which is where the pieces concrete were seen. The metal skin of the outer dome is attached to lightweight concrete panels, which in turn are attached to the steel framework for the dome.
Ray said there is evidence of some leakage occurring in the outer dome, likely from places where the outer metal skin is bolted to the concrete panels. That probably has caused the pieces of concrete to fall. The last time the dome was patched for leaks was in 2000 or 2001, he said.
- NIU Grad - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:44 am:
Eeeek. I wonder how strong the glass is underneath all of that concrete?
- Flat Bed Ford - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:46 am:
The dome is held up with concrete? Who knew. Rather interesting construction technique isn’t it? Would have thought steel. Regardless, she is a grand old lady and a very beautiful building.
- Rail Splitter - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:48 am:
Cubs fans should feel right at home. Nothing like concrete falling on your head in a beloved building.
- Norseman - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:48 am:
NIU, there is a metal protective dome over the inner dome. The SOS folks may want to make sure the door on the metal dome allowing access to the glass is closed.
- Lucky Pierre - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:51 am:
Those are more likely tears for the dysfunction in state government
- Red Ranger - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:52 am:
“Hi, Gov. Pritzker, Secretary White here. Since you are paying for everything else these days, I have an invoice Ill be sending your way. A personal check will be fine. Thank you my friend.”
- Al - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:52 am:
I know a journeyman who was privileged to work on the dome 17 years ago. He said the craftsmanship was apparent and the artwork impressive.
- Otown Beatdown - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:52 am:
there’s our capital bill
- Montrose - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:54 am:
So many metaphors, so little time…
- RNUG - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:54 am:
My first thought was what do they use to coat / waterproof the exterior dome? I was wondering if some elastromeric paint would be a solution. The Ames brand lasts about 20 years and can be tinted various colors; light gray similar to the current color is an available color.
- Been There - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:02 am:
I used a reference to Henny Penny a few weeks ago but didn’t think it was actually true!
- Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:08 am:
Rich, if the Dome didn’t leak you wouldn’t have a blog
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:10 am:
Michelle Flaherty wins.
- Morningstar - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:15 am:
RNUG - does this open up the possibility that we could have a rainbow-colored dome?
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:15 am:
At least its not the federal building, so the workers can actually be paid for the work.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:18 am:
===what do they use to coat / waterproof the exterior dome===
Flex Tape! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xzN6FM5x_E
- Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:19 am:
And that’s the difference between Chicago and Springfield.
City Hall is wired.
The Capitol leaks.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:23 am:
Illinois: Kicking cans and taking names.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:40 am:
== does this open up the possibility that we could have a rainbow-colored dome? ==
Ames doesn’t offer many bright colors, mostly muted dull ones
- Old Shepherd - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:41 am:
I am grateful that, for the most part, everyone in state government seems to agree that we take care of the Capitol. With the exception of the copper door fiasco, we rarely hear of disagreements over spending money on this building. While the wheels may have fallen off state government the last 20 years or so, the main symbol of our state has remained rock-solid. I think our leaders deserve a pat on the back for that.
- Give Me A Break - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:53 am:
Hey that guy on late night TV sealed up his boat with that Flexi-Seals stuff, just put in a bulk order and send a Dunn Fellow up there with a ladder. DONE
- Downstate Dave - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 12:28 pm:
The comments didn’t cease to amaze me with the Flex Seal recommendation!
- Huh? - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 12:32 pm:
Old buildings take a lot of creativity and money to maintain them. The Capitol buildings should be kept in good condition.
- me - Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 6:00 pm:
Tim Mapes will be panicking about this when he reads it.