12 August 1998
Contact: Charlotte Crystal
	 (804) 984-1462

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA CLOSES UNIVERSITY HALL
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE TAKEN AS INSPECTION CONTINUES

	During a structural inspection of the University of Virginia's
University Hall, supporting wires incorporated into the structure that
supports the domed roof were found to have broken, leading U.Va.
officials to close the building at 4 p.m. today as a precautionary
measure. The building will be closed temporarily.
	The parking lots and buildings adjacent to University Hall are
not expected to be affected.
	The 33-year-old building will be cordoned off and Athletic
Department offices will be moved to other available space on University
Grounds.
	No public events will be scheduled in University Hall until
further notice.
	"From the start, the safety of our employees and the public has
been uppermost in our minds," said Leonard Sandridge, executive vice
president and chief financial officer.
	The University has conducted regular inspections of University
Hall over the past several years. The current inspection, conducted by
university and consulting structural engineers, began Aug. 3. The
inspection involves chipping away the concrete covering of the steel
band in several places to examine the underlying tension ring. The ring
is composed of a band of 670 individual wires of 3/16" diameter that
encircle the dome, holding the structure together at the roof line.
	The construction is similar to a wire band holding together the
staves of a barrel.
	Visual inspection showed at least 31 wires broken in one place
and one wire broken at another location. According to Robert Dillman,
chief facilities officer, two series of engineering tests are being
performed. A sample of the wires was taken and will be analyzed for
strength and metallurgy. Also, the original design firm, Severud
Associates, of New York, is running an analysis of the inspection data
to help determine the extent of the problem. Both engineering reports
are expected in the next few weeks. 
	"Our student-athletes, coaches and other staff members are
resourceful people who are used to handling adversity," said Athletic
Director Terry Holland. "We will relocate, double up and do whatever is
necessary to continue to function at the very highest level. It will be
an inconvenience, but will not affect our ability to field competitive
teams."
	University Hall employees are asked to report to the third-floor
conference room in the McCue Center Thursday at 8 a.m.
	University Hall houses the 8,500-seat basketball arena, locker
rooms, and coaches' and other support offices.