The major purposes of the structural systems of the building, and in this case, a tomb, are to protect the interior contents from exterior forces. A poorly designed structure will not last long enough to serve multi-generational burial needs.

Tomb Decay Scenarios

The tombs at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 have actually performed well over 200 years time in their function to protect the interred. Deterioration has occurred primarily due to the structure's lessening ability to minimize mechanical stresses, because of the gradual disintegration, or replacement, of what were once adequate and properly erected structural systems.

Based on the Survey, field observations and material analysis results, coupled with historical information on original construction and cultural practices, a set of seven scenarios have been developed that highlight the primary decay mechanisms creating the current conditions at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Each scenario shows how the combination of material, design, methods and the environment has created specific conditions. The scenarios were developed to educate and open dialogues with tomb owners, managers and restoration volunteers.

• The Well-Maintained Tomb
• Neglected Surface Finishes
• Deferred Repairs
• The Unwelcome Garden
• Incompatible Surface Finishes
• Incompatible Patches & Repairs
• The Cement Straight-Jacket 

The decay scenarios were developed as part of J. Peters' thesis "Modeling of Tomb Decay at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: The Role of Material Properties and the Environment," Masters thesis, University of Pennsylvania, August 2002.