This monument will be constructed as one would a swimming pool - only with great drainage!

The hole will be dug out, tamped down and vibrated until the earth is stable. The evacuated dirt will be used to grade the slope upward towards the pit.
The hole will then be reinforced with a layering of gunite or shot-crete and rebar to make a stable surface for the next layer (the concrete bodies) along with their drainage system.

Good drainage can be achieved using any or all of several methods. Surface drains can be installed at the low points in the bas-relief, hiding them among the bodies. Also, small diameter weep holes within the sculpture can facilitate conveyance of the surface water into the gravel layer. These weep holes would be sized and sleeved based on the size of the area they would be draining, and multiple holes (1 inch in diameter or less) could be used in any given area. These would not be obvious to the public, and could be located in tight areas where it is difficult to install a true surface drain body. A sub-surface drain system can also be constructed, consisting of a layer of filter fabric under a 6- to 12-inch layer of gravel. The gravel layer would have perforated drainage tiles or pipe placed in it to collect runoff. The drainage tiles or pipe would be connected to a solid wall underground storm drainpipe, connected to the site drain system, or pumped if necessary to the drainage channel. This system should be installed at the retaining portions of the monument, and is also a good solution for collection of surface drainage through the weep holes used to construct the sculpture.

Much thought has already been given to the interaction between the bronze figures and the concrete below them. Bronze will tend to leech out its color onto the concrete below, but I feel it's important to keep the differentiation between the materials. To that end, I will configure the negative area of the sculpture below the woman and child in such a way that it is hidden and able to catch and drain the run-off from the bronze.

Configuring this drainage intelligently will prevent any discoloration of the concrete from the bronze sculpture. Care will be taken to allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the piece due to extreme weather changes. There are several ways to ensure the integrity of the piece despite its size and complexity. First, the concrete bodies will be thick enough to not present a problem in cracking. Additionally, we will provide for seam lines within the sculpture that will be filled with an expandable epoxy.

A jig-saw puzzle of molds will be made from the original clay and the concrete will be cast to allow for the hiding of seamlines on the low sides of the bodies. This is where we will create the expansion gaps.

As the monument ages, the concrete will begin to take on its on natural tendencies of small pitted holes and shifts in color. This will add a certain richness to the surface of the piece as it begins to resemble bone in its texture and surface detail.

Every six months I recommend that the concrete surface be hosed off. Other than that, not a lot of maintenance will be required as the piece will have been constructed in such a way as to prevent problems.

The life-size woman pulling out her boy at the end will be cast in bronze, which is also relatively maintenance free. A yearly waxing to keep the surface fresh is all I recommend.

Requiem Advisory Team

Richard Westwood, A.I.A. - Architect
Barbara L. Hall, P.E., Inc.- Civil Engineer
Joe Hoffmayer, P.E.,S.E. (Richmond Hoffmayer, Inc.)Structural Engineer
John Griswold (Griswold Conservation)- Art Conservator