The Pellissippi Press

-by Adrienne Lefebvre

Hairline fractures in the floor of the Bagwell Center for Media and Art have led some to question the building’s structural integrity.

No need, says David Walton, director of Facilities, Safety and Security.

“There is no structural concern in regards to the cracks in the concrete,” said Walton. “They are the result of leaving out the normal expansion joints that would be in a large single pour such as this.”

Walton pointed out that the floor’s stained concrete finish is “relatively new” and that the building’s architect neglected to “call for the appropriate control joints” which caused small fractures to appear as the concrete dried.

“Typically, these joints are left out and a floor like this is covered with carpet or vinyl composition tile,” said Walton. “These cracks are completely normal. You just wouldn’t normally see them.”

Walton admitted that the cracks caused “disappointment” but reiterated that the issue is only aesthetic.

“We elected to leave them as they were,” said Walton. “Removal and re-pouring of the floor would have been expensive, problematic and caused considerable delay in completion of the building.”