OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A 5 million-pound dome placed atop the Oklahoma Capitol 12 years ago already is exhibiting cracking in its exterior cast stone panels, but building officials say there are no structural problems or evidence of weakness in the dome's supports.
According to an engineering report on the building's exterior, about 10 percent of the cast stone units on the dome's exterior show signs of cracking. Most of the cracks occur at the base of the dome.
Office of Management and Enterprise Services spokesman John Estus told The Oklahoman newspaper that the discovery was a surprise and it's not clear how it will affect a planned $120 million renovation of the building.
Capitol Architect Duane Mass says the cracks are related to the dome's veneer and don't appear structural in nature.