Experts Blame $14 Million Lincoln Pool Peeling on Installation Errors, Not Coating
Updated
Updated · WBAL TV Baltimore · Jul 2
Experts Blame $14 Million Lincoln Pool Peeling on Installation Errors, Not Coating
3 articles · Updated · WBAL TV Baltimore · Jul 2
Summary
$14 million in Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool repairs may be failing because installers mishandled seams and joints, two independent waterproofing experts said after reviewing project documents, photos and video.
The experts said the spray polyurea lining itself was the right material, but feather-edged tie-ins and possible delays between coating sections could have left thin areas that did not bond properly.
Photos also suggest expansion joints may have been sprayed over; if so, normal temperature-driven movement could crack the lining, let water into joints and eventually cause leaks after a full seasonal cycle.
That assessment undercuts other theories, with the experts saying hydrogen peroxide, the presidential motorcade and knife vandalism were unlikely to explain widespread peeling on bonded concrete.
The National Park Service plans to drain the pool after July 4 for repairs, creating the first chance to inspect the tie-ins and expansion joints directly.