Author(s)

D.T. Biggs

Abstract

The Nott Memorial is a unique, 16-sided building constructed between 1858 and 1876 on the campus of Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., USA. It is listed on the National Register of Historical Structures. On June 17, 1989, 2 nf of facing stone fell from the building. This paper discusses the investigation and analysis of the masonry problems and the evaluation of the facing stone and mortar. These problems include a) deteriorated mortar and facing stones, b) lack of bond between facing stones and backup, c) excessive stresses, and d) inherent weaknesses in the walls. 1 Construction The exterior walls are masonry bearing walls. A cast-iron interior framework supports the floor joists, the roof, and the dome. At each corner, a chimney was built integrally with the wall. The 16 exterior walls, each approximately 5.2 m, rise 16.2 m to the eave of the roof. The w

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