Chapman's Mill

Next Phase of Mill Stabilization Gets Underway

Window areas, corners and vertical wall areas will be strengthened via the use of Cintec anchors. This approach uses a stainless steel anchor rod inserted into a drilled hole and encapsulated by a fabric sleeve into which cement grout is injected under pressure. While curing, the sleeve and grout expand to approximately twice their original diameter to form a firm mechanical bond with the stone. This, in effect, fastens the steel anchor in place.

The chief advantage of this approach is that it allows walls to be reinforced without unsightly anchor plates visible on the surfaces. The technology was developed in Germany and licensed to Cintec International, Ltd in the mid-1980's. It has been used in a number of historic structures including the Empire State Building.

Depending on the particular side, the individual walls will receive between four and six vertical anchors each, running the full height of each.

Some of the deteriorated stonework around window openings will be rebuilt with masonry and timber shoring. Security bars will be installed on lower windows along with gates for the door openings.

This work is being accomplished by Cintec America Inc. American Restoration is managing the project and Scaffold Resources is installing the scaffolding both inside and outside of the east, west and north sides of the mill. This phase of the wall stabilization is expected to be completed early-to-mid summer depending upon weather and lack of engineering surprises. Monies for this phase come from individual donations and the Wrinkles in Time Foundation.

In upcoming weeks progress reports will be included on this site along with updated photographs.

Dennis Van Derlaske