REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT UNITED STATES CAPITOL BUILDING AND GROUNDS. OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT UNITED STATES CAPITOL BUILDING AND GROUNDS, July 1, 1915. SIR: In my last annual report reference was made to important improvements, provided for in the acts approved as follows: Resurfacing plaza, act approved August 1, 1914. Reconstructing central approaches, act approved August 1, 1914. Resurfacing terraces of the Capitol, act approved June 23, 1913. CAPITOL PLAZA. Since the date of my last report a contract for this work was entered into with the Cranford Paving Co., after competition, based on the specifications of the engineer department, District of Columbia. These specifications so aptly fitted the work, being based on long experience in this class of work, that I felt justified in taking them as a standard, as in 1892, when the last resurfacing was done. Those familiar with this class of work know what is required in the concrete-base work to sustain the surface coat of asphalt. Under the old formation were found curious combinations of base, some composed of clay and broken rock, some of hard clay and pebbles. As the surface was removed it appeared necessary to remove many square yards of this type of base work and replace it with more substantial concrete base. The old plan of drainage was changed by providing, first, the readjustment of grades for the plaza, roadways, and sewerage entire; second, all borders of the asphalt pavement were provided with suitable brick gutters, properly placed along the curbing, due reference being made to the newly established grades. This necessitated the readjustment of practically all of the curb lines in the grounds, involving recutting of the curb, resetting on concrete base, and a general overhauling. Some new curbing was purchased from the District to take the place of that which could not be used to advantage, owing to injuries or decay. At the east front of the Capitol Plaza are two plant cases (so called), now transformed into fountains. They flank the north and south sides of the East Capitol Street entrance. On either side are the two roadways, leading northeast and southeast; inclosed by these are the main east lawns, surrounded in somewhat semicircular form. The semicircular formation has a foreground of low wall, a sidewalk in front, and a special type of curb in front of that, bordering the east plaza. This curbing was taken up and reset to new grades and a new sidewalk of cement installed-including that for fountainsdoing away with a disagreeable condition existing for years. In connection with this work new concrete paving has been laid in the recesses between the Senate and House wings and the central building. Up to the date of this report 43,000 square yards of asphalt paving have been laid; 2,550 cubic yards of extra concrete base has been placed; 12,866 linear feet of ordinary curbing has been taken up, recut, provided with concrete base, and reset; 12,866 linear feet of gutter formed of vitrified brick has been installed; and approximately 7,280 square yards of new concrete paving put in place. CAPITOL GROUNDS. It must be apparent to everybody that the condition of the Capitol Grounds in general, during the past fiscal year, has been better than for several years. Barring the unfortunate condition of some of the trees, which will require further treatment, the rest of the trees, plantings, and lawns seem to be in excellent condition. Attention is called to the fact that the settlement of the earth over the railroad tunnel which traverses First Street has caused much inconvenience and expense. It is true that under former arrangements the company repaired the then apparent damages, but in future it will be necessary for this office to readjust walls, copings, etc., along the east side of the Capitol Grounds. In the resurfacing work heretofore referred to it was not possible to approach with safety within 50 feet of eastern limits of the Capitol Grounds. The underground steam tunnel from the power plant to the Capitol, Library Building, Senate and House Office Buildings has settled, as has the exterior surface lines. How far this will go in the future is hard to judge, but so far the steam and electric supply lines have withstood the change in level in an admirable manner, owing to certain expansion joints properly and originally distributed. The damage above named extended also to the House Office Building approaches at the corner of First and B Streets. They have already been reset and are again in the course of repair. No fear, however, need be felt for the House Office Building, for the foundations of that structure go down to the bottom of the tunnel foundations and no damage has resulted to the structure from the cause first named. RECONSTRUCTING CENTRAL APPROACHES. At the east front of the central section of the Capitol the condition of the steps has been the subject of criticism for years. An appropriation has been made for new steps and a subsequent contract made therefor. At this date the preliminary work has been started and before the meeting of the Grand Army of the Republic, to be held in September, the work will without doubt be completed. RESURFACING TERRACES OF THE CAPITOL. At the date of this report the work of waterproofing the Capitol terraces has proceeded to that point where 6,332 square yards of the total of 12,795 square yards stand completed. This work has been most interesting from the engineer's point of view, both as to method and quality of work done. |