en.Wedoany.com Reported - The restoration of the Statue of Liberty faced multiple technical challenges. The restoration team employed measures such as liquid nitrogen, sodium bicarbonate blasting, and material replacement to ensure the statue was completed before its centennial celebration in 1986.

The restoration work first required the removal of seven layers of interior paint. The construction used liquid nitrogen at minus 320 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by sodium bicarbonate blasting to remove a layer of coal tar coating. Among the tasks, replacing the iron framework was the most arduous. The framework consisted of 1,350 iron bars, with their ends connected to 1,500 U-shaped copper saddles, riveted flush with the 80-ton copper shell.

Galvanic action between the iron framework and copper saddles, caused by condensation and rainwater leakage, led to severe corrosion. The restoration method involved replacing the iron bars with low-carbon stainless steel bars and isolating them with Teflon sleeves. Nab Construction Corp. served as the steel contractor.

To reduce the internal temperature and humidity of the statue, more powerful air handling units were installed. The external scaffolding was an 81-foot rectangular structure, rising to a height of 250 feet, and was never less than 18 inches from the statue.

Because sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, against the wishes of engineer Gustave Eiffel, altered the position of the shoulder and arm on the torch side, the statue's shoulder required additional support. The torch, weighing 3,500 tons, had severely corroded due to leaks caused by the modifications and had to be replaced. Lehrer/McGovern Inc. undertook the construction management.

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