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Study Shows Erosion Of Alamo Facade

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HOUSTON (AP) - A study by a team of Texas A&M-led architecture researchers employing lasers and digital images shows the iconic west facade of the Alamo in downtown San Antonio is slowly eroding.

The loss at the base of a column at the historic mission's main entrance isn't much — 5 to 7 centimeters, or about 2 to 2.7 inches over the past half-century.

But Robert Warden, director of the Texas A&M Center for Heritage Conservation, says the erosion adds up over time, especially if it accelerates.

The Alamo's conservator, Pam Rosser, said Monday the limestone facade — at 3 feet thick — is in no immediate danger but the study provides more evidence of the need for preservation work.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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