Structural repair and reinforcement systems company Cintec has been appointed to grand task of preserving the Step Pyramid of Djoser after an earthquake in 1992 caused damage to the burial chamber. Here is how they’ll do it.
In some cases it uses stainless steel structural reinforcement anchors which are surrounded with a special fabric sock and inserted into the body of the structure to be secured. The anchor is then inflated using a special filling.
To support the partial collapse of the damaged ceiling, Cintec are using another technology it has developed, known as Waterwall, which consists of self-inflating water-filled bags.
Cintec’s team of experienced engineers will use a combination of both methods in order to temporarily secure the damaged ceiling while permanently repairing and protecting the Step Pyramid from further damage without altering the structure’s outer appearance. The overall value of the project is £16m Egyptian pounds (£1.8m).
Peter James, managing director of Cintec, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been appointed for this project and are always looking for new methods to support and maintain historical landmarks across the globe. We recognise the importance of both historical and religious structures to their cultures and hope to continue to develop advanced reinforcement systems that will preserve archeological structures for future generations.
“The Step Pyramid project is of particular importance to us as the entire structure could be destroyed at any point due to the damage on the ceiling and roof caused by the earthquake. We aim to work as efficiently as possible on this project without comprising the design or strength of the structure.”
Read the full story: Newport firm given job of saving oldest pyramid
Source: Talking Pyramids [December 31, 2010]