Washington Monument Earthquake Repair

In August of 2011 an earthquake damaged the Washington Monument and other structures including the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.

Mr. Johnson was completing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool at the time and in November 2012 was selected as CMR with the Louis Berger Group for the repair of the Monument.

Mr. Johnson was the lead Construction Manager focusing on the major elements of the repairs particularly design intent. Mr. Johnson developed a professional relationship with the contractor via mutual respect in order to foster a positive, forward looking successful outcome for the project while keeping the best interest of the Government as first priority.

Mr. Johnson assigned responsibilities to his staff according to their strengths as he continued to focus on the respective elements and indicators of the big picture.

Mr. Johnson participated in the suspended scaffold training and regularly inspected the stone repairs at all elevations on the monument. Mr. Johnson prepared Independent Government Estimates and negotiating points for the NPS DSC. Mr. Johnson actively negotiated all work adds/changes for the Government.

Complexities: The Monument sits in the flight path of Marine Corps One’s approach to the White House.

The project was closely monitored by the USPP and the Secret Service. The security plan was strictly enforced resulting in no incidents, allowing the crews to continue working during fly-overs saving substantial man hours over the course of the project.

Other elements of complexity included: 32 different types of stone repairs, the use of epoxies and sealants on the historical structure, mortar patching, panel anchors, scaffolding foundation, decorative scrim and special lighting and the elevations at which the work was performed particularly the Pyramidian.

Repairs Included:

•  Sealants in the Pyramidian panels to prevent water intrusion

•  Saddle anchors in the interior support haunches-to prevent panels from falling

•  Dutchmen stone repairs at all levels-matching existing marble-using attic stock from the original quarry

•  Crack repairs with epoxy resin

•  Re-pointing joints and cleaning stone surface

Similar to the Lincoln Memorial Reflection Pool Renovation project – limited access, limited working area and staging area, historical elements and high pedestrian traffic area, VIP site visits.