[I wish the Washington Monument trials were declassified or leaked ] (OB)
Same here
For the [en]quire:
"Earthquake cracks washington monument?"
"The Washington Monument, a 555-foot stone obelisk in Washington, D.C., suffered damage from a magnitude-5.8 earthquake on August 23, 2011. The earthquake caused cracks and spalling in the upper levels of the monument, primarily in the stone exterior.
Initial Assessment
A preliminary inspection found the monument to be structurally sound, but further evaluation revealed cracking in the stones at the top of the monument. The National Park Service (NPS) temporarily closed the monument, along with other nearby landmarks, as a precaution.
Repair Efforts
Engineers conducted a secondary inspection using helicopter-borne equipment and recorded observations electronically to document the damage. A team of experts developed temporary repairs to minimize water intrusion and then performed a seismic study to assess the monument’s vulnerability to future earthquakes.
Recent Findings
In June 2023, additional damage was discovered inside the monument, including a four-foot-long fissure in the pyramid-shaped cap at the top. This indicates the ongoing impact of the 2011 earthquake on the structure.
Current Status
The Washington Monument remains closed for repairs and restoration. While the NPS initially expected a reopening, no estimated timeline has been provided due to the complexity of the repairs and the need to prioritize customer safety."