Chimney Rock Stair Project

Chimney Rock stands as one of the most iconic sites in the Eastern US. For over 100 years more than 570 wooden stairs helped thousands of tourists reach the pinnacle at nearly 3,000 in elevation.

Replacing the stairs and landings was a daunting feat. Knowing the mountain location was exposed to winter snows and spring rain in addition to thousands of tourists foot traffic, corrosion was a major concern. The architect and engineers felt the only way to avoid treacherous repainting on the sheer rock faces was to galvanize the material.

Over 100,000# of structural steel was hauled to the top of the peak in a small passenger elevator. Then each piece was lowered into place with winches and cables for installation. Galvanizing was easy to specify.Life-cycle cost analysis also showed galvanizing to be far and away the most cost effective corrosion protection.