This is a picture of the US Capitol Dome's renovation, circa 1861.
Here is the Dome renovation nearing completion, circa 1863. The cast iron dome weighs nearly 9 million pounds.
This is the appearance of the US Capitol Dome today. It is one of the most recognizable and important castings in the world.
The cast iron of the Dome has multiple cracks. This was a badly cracked raised panel. Gary Reed is demonstrating the capabilities of the LOCK-N-STITCH metal stitching process in July, 1998.
Key persons involved in the major Dome renovation project are inspecting the repair that Gary is doing. The crack repair portion of the current renovation project is scheduled to start in 2001.
The cast iron filings will rust immediately in the humidity of Washington, DC. It becomes imperative to vacuum and clean as the repair is being done.
The lower right hand section of the repair is shown in progress. Clamping brackets are used to hold the severed section in place while the stitching is performed.
This is the lower left hand section of the repair in progress.
Here is the lower left hand section of the completed repair. LOCK-N-STITCH Inc.'s metal stitching has proven to be just what is needed to repair many of the cracks in the Dome. This project redefines the term "permanent repair." The US Capitol Dome must stand forever as a testament to the good that can be done by man.
