Marble - Colorado Geological Survey

Mr. John W. Rold 2 Sept. 27, 1989
I mentioned on the phone the controversy among architects and
engineers on deterioration of stone due to weathering. One example
frequently mentioned is the failure of Carrara marble panels on the
Amoco building, completed in 1973 in Chicago. About 30 percent of the
panels have bowed more than half an Inch, causing concern that they may
fall from the building. A decision was made this year to replace all of
the marble panels with granite from North Carolina at a cost of about
$80 million. There is no unanimity of opinion as to what is causing the
problem, but 15 years of weathering has caused a change in the stone's
physical condition.
A similar problem developed on the Indiana National Bank Tower in
Indianapolis. Here Carrara marble has been replaced with Danby Marble
from Vermont. The replacement took place only a few years ago, so not
enough time has elapsed to evaluate the new stone.
Please let me know of ways that I could be of further help.
Sincerely,
Donald D. Carr, Branch Head
Enclosures
h
Mineral Resources & Data Management