1999 Conditions Assessment Survey of the Exterior Marble:
~~ Recommendations for Future Phases

• Emergency Interventions:
  Correct all defective building systems, re-point all open joints, make temporary repair's to all spalls and areas of dimensional loss greater than 3" in diameter or as required.
  
  
• Use close range photogrammetry or laser scanning to monitor alterations and loss rates. Monitor cracks at key conditions to determine the relative rate of deterioration of the most fragile areas of the stone.
  
  
• Complete the survey of the south portico and east elevation. Simultaneously begin test pinning, patching and grouting methods to stabilize areas of deteriorated stone. Install a range of test panels to assess the performance of consolidants and water repellents as a follow up to the 1995 laboratory testing.
  
  
• Create a summary of all previous testing programs of Pennsylvania Marble done in conjunction with previous research projects at INHP, and determine the successes, the failures and the unknowns. Recommend which testing values can be accepted as a normal range for the performance of Pennsylvania Marble and outline any new testing programs that must be completed in future phases.
  
  
• Explore opportunities for improving survey methodology and the potential for additional decay mapping with ArcView® to determine deterioration patterns and rates.
  
  
• Pursue additional research and funding partnerships where appropriate. Develop a comprehensive plan for the exterior conservation and treatment of the Second Bank, the First Bank and the Merchants Exchange as needed. Explore this plan as an internal or external project both in terms of funding and staffing. Consider bringing the three projects together into one major initiative for NPS-INHP.