A seismic study found that the Washington Monument can withstand a worst-case earthquake scenario, officials said Thursday in describing needed repairs to the iconic landmark damaged in the 5.8-magnitude quake a year ago.
The 555-foot monument will be under full scaffolding for repairs to damaged marble plates, stonework and other problems near the top, said Bob Vogel, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks.
At a news conference with other U.S. officials, Vogel offered no time frame for the repairs. Officials previously said the monument could be closed through 2013 and possibly into 2014.
The monument has been closed since an earthquake struck the mid-Atlantic region near Richmond, Virginia, on August 23, 2011.
"This is the most significant earthquake to ever strike the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains," U.S. Geological Survey Director Marcia McNutt said at the news conference. "More people felt this earthquake than any earthquake in U.S. history."
A comprehensive seismic study determined the monument faced no risk of collapse, even in the event of a "maximum considered earthquake," the estimated worst possible quake over a 2,475-year period, Vogel said.
Such a scenario "did not present a concern for structural collapse," he said, adding that "supporting soils are indeed adequate to withstand" a maximum considered earthquake.
At least nine marble panels on the outside of the monument near the top are cracked, according to a post-earthquake assessment. Others are chipped but not in danger of falling, the report said.
Indoor repairs are also required. Some interior tie beams and some cracked panels will be fixed.
About 700,000 visitors go to the top of the monument in a typical year.
The Washington Monument was built between 1848 and 1884 and has been repaired three times previously, the most recent work done from 1997 to 2000.
As part of Thursday's news conference, officials described an upcoming drill designed to prepare people to react quickly if another big earthquake hits the region.
Called the Great Southeast Shakeout, the drill, scheduled for 10:18 a.m on Oct. 18, will encourage people to drop to the floor or ground, take cover under a desk or table, and hold on until the shaking stops.
Last year, they said, many people in the Washington business district fled their buildings like in a fire drill, putting them at potential risk from falling debris.
A website for the drill is at www.shakeout.org/southeast.
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