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The Dome is leaking

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Illinois

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.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:43 am

Comments

Eeeek. I wonder how strong the glass is underneath all of that concrete?

Comment by NIU Grad Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:44 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.

Comment by Flat Bed Ford Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:46 am
Cubs fans should feel right at home. Nothing like concrete falling on your head in a beloved building.

Comment by Rail Splitter 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.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:48 am
Those are more likely tears for the dysfunction in state government

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:51 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.”

Comment by Red Ranger 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.

Comment by Al Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:52 am
there’s our capital bill

Comment by Otown Beatdown Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:52 am
So many metaphors, so little time…

Comment by Montrose 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.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 10:54 am
I used a reference to Henny Penny a few weeks ago but didn’t think it was actually true!

Comment by Been There Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:02 am
Rich, if the Dome didn’t leak you wouldn’t have a blog

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:08 am
Michelle Flaherty wins.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:10 am
RNUG - does this open up the possibility that we could have a rainbow-colored dome?

Comment by Morningstar Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:15 am
At least its not the federal building, so the workers can actually be paid for the work.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:15 am
===what do they use to coat / waterproof the exterior dome===

Flex Tape! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xzN6FM5x_E

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:18 am
And that’s the difference between Chicago and Springfield.

City Hall is wired.
The Capitol leaks.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:19 am
Illinois: Kicking cans and taking names.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:23 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

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:40 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.

Comment by Old Shepherd Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:41 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

Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:53 am
The comments didn’t cease to amaze me with the Flex Seal recommendation!

Comment by Downstate Dave Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 12:28 pm
Old buildings take a lot of creativity and money to maintain them. The Capitol buildings should be kept in good condition.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 12:32 pm
Tim Mapes will be panicking about this when he reads it.

Comment by me Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 6:00 pm