Historic Structure Report: Staple Bend Tunnel--Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

328 Pages·1991·16.4 MB·English

by  Sellardse Grigg, Inc.

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Historic Structure ort
Staple Bend Tunnel
Allegheny Portage Railroad
National Historic Site
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Pennsylvania
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Printed on recycled paper
historic structure report
architectural data section
april 1991
Prepared By:
Sellardse Grigg, Inc.
143 Union Boulevard, Suite 208
Lakewood, Colorado 80228
[phone]
STAPLE BEND TUNNEL
ALLEGHENY PORTAGE RAILROAD
NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE PENNSYLVANIA
•
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
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STAPLE BEND TUNNEL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface
Executive Summary
L Administrative Data
A. Administrative Background
B. Proposed Use
n. Historical Background
Statement of Significance
III.
IV. Architectural Data Section
A. Existing Conditions
B. Structural Stability
V. Recommendations and Cost Estimate
A. East Portal
B. West Portal
C. Stone Lining
D. Summary of Estimated Costs
VI. Drawings
VII. Ancillary Issues
A. Site Improvements
1 Water Vault Structure
2. Electrical/Lighting
B. Tunnel Access
1 Public Access
2. Public Safety
3. Construction Access
4. Interpretive Opportunities
Vlli. Photographs
ATTACHMENTS
"Historic Structure Report, Staple Bend Tunnel, Allegheny Portage Railroad National
I.
Historic Site", by A. Berle Clemenson, 1990.
II. GEI Consultants, Inc., Geotechnical Evaluation of Staple Bend Tunnel, Johnstown,
Pennsylvania.
III. "Management Report - Archeological Monitoring of Geotechnical Tests at Staple Bend
Tunnel, Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site", by Karen L. Orrence of Louis
Berger & Associates, East Orange, New Jersey, 1991.
IV. Structural Calculations

PREFACE
The Department of Interior has nearly completed negotiations with Bethlehem Steel Corporation
to acquire property that contains various historic sites and artifacts. Among the historic sites is
Staple Bend Tunnel, Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, located in Cambria
County, Pennsylvania. Sellards & Grigg, Inc., and it's team were retained by the National Park
Service to evaluate Staple Bend Tunnel. The specific focus of the evaluation is what would be
needed to be able to open Staple Bend Tunnel to the general public as a resource with histori-
cal importance.
The Sellards & Grigg, Inc., team included:
Sellards & Grigg, Inc., Lakewood, Colorado Civil/Structural
GEI Consultants, Inc., Winchester, Mass. Geotechnical
Semple Brown Roberts, P.C, Denver, Colorado Historical Architect
The EADS Group, Altoona, Pennsylvania Surveyors
The National Park Service has had others prepare specific reports related to other aspects of
Staple Bend Tunnel. These include a historical documentation of the tunnel also entitled "His-
toric Structure Report, July, 1990, prepared by A. Berle Clemenson, historian for the National
Park Service, and a Management Report entitled, "Archeological Monitoring of Geotechnical
Tests at Staple Bend Tunnel", February, 1991, prepared by the firm of Louis Berger & Associ-
ates, Inc., East Orange, New Jersey. These documents are included in this final Historic Struc-
ture Report as Attachments I and III, respectively.
Sellards & Grigg, Inc., wants to thank all those who have made a contribution to this report.
Thomas A. Young, P.E.
Project Manager for Sellards & Grigg, Inc.
Pennsylvania License No. PE-040262-R
111

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. The tunnel is generally sound from a geological and structural viewpoint and can be
accessible for visitation after corrective action is completed.
2. The concrete lining at the east portal provides structural support for the deformed east
stone arch and should remain.
3. The east entry had a stone entry facade similar to (if not exactly like) the historic west
facade.
4. Poor drainage and extensive vegetation are the main causes of deterioration to the
tunnel and entries and must be addressed.
5. Historic stone retaining walls must be stabilized and enlarged and new retaining walls
must be added to control erosion and structural stability.
6. A new retaining wall should be installed at and around the east entry arch to stabilize the
historic arch and surrounding grade.
7. Solid infill panels or doors should be provided at each entry to weatherize the tunnel
during periods of cold weather.
8. The stone lining is generally stable and needs only repointing.
9. The rock lining must be reviewed for loose, unstable material and be either removed,
anchored in place or supported.
V