MUNCIE, Ind. -- Hagerman Construction Corporation has temporarily stopped brickwork construction on Ball State University’s new bell tower after results from a scheduled material test did not meet stringent project specifications. 

Normal university construction procedures provide for testing of materials as a project proceeds to ensure specifications are met.

The material in question is the cement grout used to fill the hollow cells of the masonry in the 65-foot high masonry columns beneath the tower’s belfry.

Samples of the grout were taken in mid-December and compression tests were made after the required 28-day curing period. The first test samples did not meet specifications, and further samples have been taken and are waiting for curing time before compression tests are repeated. Masonry construction will be suspended until at least the end of this week.

"The project team is very committed to quality work and we feel it is prudent to suspend the masonry until we can be assured that the walls meet the design requirements," said Kevin Kenyon, associate vice president for Ball State’s facilities planning and management office.

The 145-foot-tall bell tower is scheduled for completion this summer. The tower will house 48 carillon bells being custom-cast in France.

At this time, it is not known if the suspension of the work will delay the installation of the bells.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Kenyon by e-mail at kkenyon@bsu.edu or by phone at (765) 285-8988.)