Structural Review of Historic Perry Memorial Arch

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE) was engaged by the City of Bridgeport to perform a condition review of historic Perry Memorial Arch in preparation for a proposed restoration project. WJE performed an extensive field investigation to review the existing conditions at both the exterior and interior of the unreinforced masonry structure including a survey from an aerial lift and a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS/drone). Following the investigation of the structure, WJE used the findings to complete a structural analysis of the monument. The analysis included checks of overall stability when subjected to wind and seismic loading as well as shear and compression stress checks at the mortar joints of the masonry piers. WJE also utilized graphical methods to determine the stability of the unreinforced masonry arches. WJE’s analysis was simplified and conservative in nature with the goal of demonstrating to the client that the structure has adequate capacity to withstand the anticipated loads. Contrary to the findings of the previous engineer, WJE determined that the deterioration of the unreinforced masonry structure was caused by long-term water infiltration, saturated freeze-thaw cycling, and unaccommodated thermal movement of the masonry materials. WJE was engaged by the client to design repairs in accordance with the findings and recommendations of our analysis.