During September, construction workers with the Temple Square renovation have started a major seismic strengthening process, continued excavation for three new underground floors and installed two trusses on the Salt Lake Temple roof.
The September update comes more than two years after President Russell M. Nelson announced major renovation plans for the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Eleven photos and information about each part of the process were provided Thursday by the church’s newsroom.
Major seismic strengthening
“Over the past month, the Salt Lake Temple has begun ‘jack and bore,’ a major seismic strengthening process in which steel pipes, 3.5 to 4 feet in diameter, are inserted below its existing foundations. The soil is removed from inside the pipe as it is gradually inserted horizontally. Each pipe under the temple towers is 40 feet long, made from two 20-foot-long segments welded together. The soil inside the pipes will initially be removed by hand to ensure the pipes are precisely installed. The gap between the outside surface of the pipe and the surrounding soil is then filled with grout. After the pipes are installed they will be filled with reinforced steel, including post-tensioning strands, and high-strength concrete. The entire existing foundation of the temple will be supported by 92 such pipes. The first pipe was inserted in late August under the east towers.”
Excavation continues
“On the north side of the temple, the excavation has continued past the level of the entrance tunnel. This excavation will provide space for three new underground floors, which will be used as an addition to the temple. The tunnel will connect the Salt Lake Temple to the underground parking garage in the Conference Center to provide safer and easier access to those visiting the sacred edifice.”
Trusses on the temple roof
“Two new trusses were installed on the roof of the temple. Three of the eight areas (or bays) have already been completed as part of the truss installation. The roof is closed each time new trusses are installed to protect the interior finishes of the historic building.”
Secant wall
“The secant wall that acts as a retaining wall around the temple continues to be excavated to prepare for the three future floors underground and to contain the soil under the temple.”
To learn more about the Salt Lake Temple renovation, visit templesquare.org or ChurchofJesusChrist.org.