Checklist For Inspecting Bronze Failures

Procedure code:

501002G

Source:

Outdoor Sculpture Manual - Center For Public Buildings

Division:

Metals

Section:

Metal Materials

Last Modified:

08/04/2016

This checklist is to be used as an aid in inspecting the condition of bronze. It should be used as a supplement to "Bronze: Characteristics, Uses and Problems".

• Examine the overall surface condition and appearance considering elevation/exposure factors. Look for streaking, uniformity of color, blotchiness and pitting.
  • Describe the typical condition and photograph the overall element and include detailed photographs of specific areas/items of note.
  • Note the best and poorest areas and indicate their locations.
  • Note the location and extent of green areas.
    • Are they generalized?
    • Are they localized?
    • Distinguish between horizontal and vertical surfaces, also exposed vs. protected areas.
  • Note any disfigurement due to corrosion damage, defects, etc.
    • Note size, location of any cracks, holes, perforations.
    • Note size, location and describe any patches, plugs, fills, repairs (note fill materials, pin materials).
  • Note surface texture of bronze. Look for etched patterns, streaks, powdering, worn areas, smooth, shiny/polished, water beading, pitting (describe density per square foot, depth, size), loss of detail, scabbing (describe extent, finish, depth, relationship to pitting, if any).
  • Note condition and location of mechanical joints. Describe size and extent of any cracked joints; corrosion at joints, fills, patches, and general structural integrity.
  • Note weep holes.
    • Describe conditions at weep holes, base.
    • Are holes open, plugged?
    • Describe adjacent staining; crusts, if any.
  • Note discoloration/staining.
    • Describe the color and nature of accretions such as soot; bird droppings; nests; iron stains, erosion; paint.
  • Note vandalism.
    • Describe the extent, nature and location of any scratching, rubbing, paint, damaged or missing parts.