This work entailed organizing probe locations and conducting field investigations to identify structural systems, as well as analyzing existing dome for current conditions and different step ring configurations from different periods of construction.
Thomas Jefferson's Rotunda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Thomas Jefferson's Rotunda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Completed in 1826, Thomas Jefferson’s Rotunda held classrooms and the university library for nearly 70 years before a devastating fire in 1895. Rebuilt to designs by Stanford White, the building served as the main University library for another 40 years. In the mid-1970s, the interior was removed and rebuilt based on Thomas Jefferson’s designs. Based on the design of the Pantheon, the rotunda is a cylindrical building with a raised entrance framed by Roman ionic columns and a triangular pediment.
In 2007, Silman prepared a Historic Structure Report that assessed existing framing and current conditions, provided recommendations for future use and potential modifications, and identified areas for repairs.
Working with Milner + Carr Conservation, Silman evaluated the ability of existing marble capitals to support portico loads and identified portico framing conditions.
The interior space of the Rotunda is crowned with a domed ceiling with a domed roof and glazed oculus. Silman provided structural assistance for roof repair and oculus skylight replacement.
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Roof Repair and Investigation
Roof Repair and Investigation
This work entailed organizing probe locations and conducting field investigations to identify structural systems, as well as analyzing existing dome for current conditions and different step ring configurations from different periods of construction.
Silman’s scope in the final phases of this restoration and renovation included complete exterior repairs, replacement of an interior elevator, and reconfiguration of the central stairs and reframing of the north entrance stairs.
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Underpinning
At the eastern half of the Rotunda, underpinning was required to create basement space for mechanical routing and a new access tunnel. There is a new underground mechanical and catering kitchen vault below the eastern courtyard. Silman also identified requirements for temporary shoring and monitoring during construction.
Underpinning
At the eastern half of the Rotunda, underpinning was required to create basement space for mechanical routing and a new access tunnel. There is a new underground mechanical and catering kitchen vault below the eastern courtyard. Silman also identified requirements for temporary shoring and monitoring during construction.
