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In the News

Point of view: From the top of the Washington Monument

After the August 2011 earthquake, engineers examined the cracked Washington Monument. In the process, they got some unique views. — Reporting by Michael E. Ruane

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Dan Gach of the engineering firm Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates descends the south face of the Washington Monument. This photograph combines two frames taken from a swing lens camera. For days last fall, engineers dangled from ropes while examining the exterior of the monument, which had been cracked in several places by a 5.8-magnitude earthquake Aug. 23, 2011.

Colin Winterbottom / Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates

Gordy Kito, left, of the National Park Service and Erik Sohn of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates lower vertical rope lines in preparation for an inspection. The 555-foot marble and granite monument has been closed for repairs since the earthquake and could remain closed until 2014.

Gordy Kito, left, of the National Park Service and Erik Sohn of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates lower vertical rope lines in preparation for an inspection. The 555-foot marble and granite monument has been closed for repairs since the earthquake and could remain closed until 2014.

Colin Winterbottom / Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates

The firm’s Dave Megerle adjusts lengths of anchor slings. The work was difficult and technical. ...

The firm’s Dave Megerle adjusts lengths of anchor slings. The work was difficult and technical. ...

Colin Winterbottom / Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates

... But the views were spectacular. “It was awesome,” said Emma Cardini. The 32-year-old civil and structural engineer with the Boston office of Wiss Janney Elstner Associates said: “You get out there and you’re like, ‘Hi, Washington Monument.’ And then you look everywhere. ... The city is just awesome.”

... But the views were spectacular. “It was awesome,” said Emma Cardini. The 32-year-old civil and structural engineer with the Boston office of Wiss Janney Elstner Associates said: “You get out there and you’re like, ‘Hi, Washington Monument.’ And then you look everywhere. ... The city is just awesome.”

Colin Winterbottom / Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates

Cardini adjusts a lateral tension line from the Washington Monument's tip, or pyramidion.

Cardini adjusts a lateral tension line from the Washington Monument's tip, or pyramidion.

Colin Winterbottom / Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates

Megerle confers with an associate as he prepares for an inspection.

Megerle confers with an associate as he prepares for an inspection.

Colin Winterbottom / Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates

Megerle makes a final check of anchor slings just below the pyramidion, which is surrounded by lightning protection. Members of the engineering firm’s difficult-access team installed temporary flashing to minimize water intrusion through cracking created by the earthquake.

Megerle makes a final check of anchor slings just below the pyramidion, which is surrounded by lightning protection. Members of the engineering firm’s difficult-access team installed temporary flashing to minimize water intrusion through cracking created by the earthquake.

Colin Winterbottom / Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates

Dan Gach collects a lateral line on the south face of the monument.

Dan Gach collects a lateral line on the south face of the monument.

Colin Winterbottom/Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates

Katie Francis of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates on the north face of the monument.

Katie Francis of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates on the north face of the monument.

Colin Winterbottom / Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates

Cardini emerges from one of the observation-level windows of the monument.

Cardini emerges from one of the observation-level windows of the monument.

Matthew Girard / Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates

Cardini inspects the east face of the monument.

Cardini inspects the east face of the monument.

Matthew Girard / Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates

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