PROJECT OVERVIEW

Structure Evaluation Engineers, Inc. (SEE)  was retained to assess existing condition of four historic concrete statues on the John Pershing Memorial Bridge over the Fox river.

The four decorative architectural concrete statues (two at each end, in a mirror image) were built to commemorate the veterans of World War I. The statues were designed by Emory P. Seidel and dedicated in November 11, 1931. Each statue shows a female figure in a kneeled praying position with her eyes closed and her head bowed slightly. One hand rests on the tombstone in front of her holding a wreath and the other hand rests on her lap holding a helmet. The folds of her robe hangs down the supporting concrete piers, incorporating the statutes into the overall concrete structure of the bridge. The statues are made of concrete with exposed aggregate which are approximately 10 feet 6 inches tall.

After a thorough assessment SEE determined that the cause of deterioration of concrete statues was related to alkali-silica reactivity and freeze-thaw action. Although the historic statues were repaired locally by concrete patching to restore them, but the cause of deterioration was not addressed. To assure longevity of the statues the underlying cause of deterioration must be addressed. Considering the guidelines of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standard for the Treatment of Historic Properties. SEE determined that the "Standards for Rehabilitation" is the most appropriate approach for restoring the statues and pylons and recommended four different restoration options with estimated construction costs.