TOWER OF PISA

Hokitika Guardian, 20 June 1933, Page 2

TOWER OF PISA

TO LEAN ON CEMENT. Long-threatened danger to the stability of the famous leaning tower of Pisa has led to the formulation of an extensive reinforcement scheme (says the Rome correspondent of the London “Mora.ug Work on this has begun, and the top of the tower now looks, over a heavy framework of scaffolding. Stanchions have been erected on the shorter side of the tower to take off some of the structural strain while!’work is being done at the base.

' The tower is built on clay soil/ and a subsoil survey lias revealed that slowly but surely the increase in the angle of the tower ha G formed pockets o,f water round the bntoj which in turn has. been lessening the 'resistance of the subsoil. During the' last ICO years the tower has moved lo centimetres.

The first alarm wliich'has led to the preyen b work was as far hack as 1913, and it is felt that not-'a moment more should be lost, although the engineers proclaim that there is no immediate danger. The first atngc of the work now undertaken consists in a gradual ■ cementing uo of the ring wall, forming the tower’s foundation.' The second stage is the scientific drainage of the ground, and its consolidation to a great depth below and around the tower, with reinforcement at all weak points by means of cement injected under high pressure. The work, which is being don© at the .expense' of the 'State, will last until next winter, and. the tolling of the great bell has been stopped, a B this vibration was 'causing perilorjs oscillation to th© fabric. Nearly £40,000 lias been earmarked to safeguard this architectural Renaissance gem from eventual danger.