I am reviewing drawings by Others for site work on a local National Register site, in my capacity as Histo Presto Chairindividual.   

 

The architect is calling for installation of exterior posts and handrails, to be fabricated (respectively) from 1" square "wrought steel" (apparently solid, but no so noted) posts and  1.5 x .75" "wrought steel" bar stock and set in "shrink-proof" grout in galv sleeves.  It is my impression, based on seeing lots of old ironwork in good condition and lots of rusting steel railings and posts, that iron is much more durable than steel for this sort of application, and that the galv sleeves will go to hell too.  Is there any reason the contractor won't be able to get real iron? 

 

WWF (and not epoxy-coated WWF) -reinforced concrete walkways are called for in lieu of the existing asphalt pavement.  Seems to me that due to contrast and light color, the concrete will be more obtrusive, and unless properly constructed and maintained, will cause more maintenance problems than the existing asphalt.

 

A small handicap ramp is to be built with its T&G ipe deck anchored to preservative-treated 2x6 framing; the framing sits on edge on a concrete deck.   Seems to me that T&G is asking for trouble and instead the deck planking should be spaced to allow drainage, that the preservative treated framing will be less durable than the ipe, and that whatever the framing is, it needs to be notched or sit on some sort of spacers to allow for drainage.

 

Anybody got any thoughts, pro or con, that will help this project?

 

Thanks.

 

Ralph