Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis, King of France

Project Background:

• The oldest continuously operating cathedral in the United States
• The cathedral’s hallmark three spire image is ubiquitous and considered a symbol of New Orleans
• Overlooking Jackson square, It is often the backdrop for everything from live musical performances to films
• Following a major renovation in 1851, the cathedral’s original 1819 bell was incorporated into the new design

Challenges Presented:

• One of St. Louis’ famous 3 spires had structurally declined to the point of great concern
• Affected in the deterioration was the housing of the original 1819 church bell
• The pilasters on the spire were pulling away from the rest of the structure, contributing to a shifting masonry shell and exterior cracking
• Throughout any potential repair program, technicians would need to leave the appearance of this symbolic structure unaltered and normal operations undisturbed

Services and Solutions:

• Masonry Solutions began by evaluating the spire and its pilasters to determine the extent of the separation and damage
• MSI technicians used fiber-optic borescoping and ground penetrating radar to non-destructively evaluate any underlying structural conditions
• Once a clear understanding of the situation was attained, MSI worked with the design team to develop a multipronged approach
• The first phase of the program called for pinning the separating pilasters back to the main structure
• Masonry Solutions designed, manufactured, and installed custom Gruenstark fabric anchorage that was both non-corrosive and non-epoxy based, tying the large stone pillars to the rear supports
• Masonry Solutions laboratory engineers then developed a customized, compatible CIF, one that would match the characteristics of the spire’s masonry and promote long term stability, breathability, and sympathetic performance
• MSI techs, utilizing a low pressure injection system, then carefully injected the spire, immobilizing the masonry shell to prevent future cracking
• Throughout Masonry Solutions’ work, the church bells continued to ring out from St. Louis Cathedral, an outcome not possible with the alternatives originally considered