The Hesburgh Library at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana is home to one of the most iconic and visually striking mosaics in the world—*The Word of Life*. This stunning artwork, which depicts Christ as a teacher surrounded by saints and scholars, has become affectionately known as "Touchdown Jesus." The name comes from its unique alignment with the football stadium's end zone, where it appears that Jesus is giving a signal for a touchdown. This photo, taken on July 31, 2008, captures the library’s grandeur and the mosaic’s powerful symbolism.
From the stands of Notre Dame’s football stadium, the image of "Touchdown Jesus" is a familiar sight, blending faith, art, and sports into one unforgettable scene. But beyond its visual appeal, the library itself has also faced structural challenges over the years.
Originally built in 1963, the Hesburgh Library was constructed using concrete blocks arranged in columns. While this design was innovative at the time, it lacked the overlapping joints needed for long-term stability. As the air handling system operated, pressure changes caused the structure to flex, leading to cracks in the mortar between the blocks. Replacing the entire wall would have been costly and disruptive.
Instead, Notre Dame chose a more efficient and cost-effective solution: reinforcing the walls with carbon fiber. With the guidance of Rick Keller, P.E., from Keller Engineering, the university partnered with 3D Structural Solutions, an HJ3-certified installer, to apply carbon fiber reinforcement. The project was carried out during the winter break to avoid disrupting students and staff.
The process involved cleaning the surface, injecting the cracks, applying a primer, and installing carbon fiber fabric strips. A final layer of steel webbing was added to prevent future deflection due to air pressure changes. After the work was completed, the system was tested and performed flawlessly—no movement or deflection was observed.
This innovative approach not only preserved the historic library but also saved significant time and money compared to a full replacement. Thanks to the strength of carbon fiber, "Touchdown Jesus" continues to stand tall, both literally and symbolically.
If you're interested in learning more about how carbon fiber can be used for structural reinforcement, or want to explore HJ3’s range of solutions—including HJ3 Civil™ for commercial use, CarbonSeal™ for industrial applications, and StrongHold™ for residential needs—contact us today. For more information, call us toll-free at 1-877-303-0453.
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