documentation

Computer screen snapshot of a digitized conditions drawing in AutoCAD®.
Computer screen snapshot of a digitized conditions drawing in AutoCAD®.

The 1999 and 2004 surveys utilized a defined set of conditions to objectively quantify the types of deterioration patterns found on the exterior marble. (See the Glossary of Masonry Conditions for definitions and illustrations of the conditions surveyed.) The conditions were indicated on existing architectural drawings using a specified array of colors and graphic symbols grouped according to those requiring intervention (red), those requiring monitoring (green), and those requiring routine maintenance (blue).

For surveying purposes, the team divided the conditions into groups and assigned one group to each team member. This decision was made in order to ensure consistency across the survey and in an effort to address the sometimes subjective nature of conditions recording despite detailed glossaries. Documentation in the form of digital photography was also made during time spent in the field. When an exemplar condition was found, it was photographed for use in the conditions glossary. Unique conditions and complex deterioration patterns were also photographed, along with construction details that could only be seen with the aid of the high lift or scaffolding.