Drill cores taken to test the masonry at the town hall

As part of the extensive refurbishment of Bocholt's town hall, core sampling has begun as planned at Berliner Platz. The aim of the measure is to reliably assess the structural condition of the existing masonry and, in particular, to determine possible moisture penetration. The results will serve as a technical basis for the upcoming work, during which the masonry will be completely renovated.

The focus is on areas that are permanently exposed to water and weather - such as the rear side facing the Bocholter Aa and sections with moss growth or increased exposure to driving rain. Samples were taken with a core drilling machine at the so-called "Umflut" near the former main entrance and directly in the Aa. A small boat from the Bocholt fire brigade was used to take the samples from the water.

The extracted drill cores are now being analysed by a specialised company in a laboratory in Cologne. The moisture content, strength and load-bearing capacity of the bricks as well as the quality of the joint material will be analysed.

"Before we renovate, we carry out precise tests. Only if we know the actual condition of the brick and joint can we take the right measures", explains Phillip Küper, architect at Gebäudewirtschaft Bocholt. "The drill cores provide us with reliable data as to whether the masonry is in good condition or whether we need to dry, strengthen or replace sections"

The city of Bocholt is preparing the next construction phases in parallel. Construction of the backstage will begin soon. Prior to this, explosive ordnance will be probed to clear the construction site.