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The real strength of Keppel's column is in the central brick well not visible from the outside. However, the external stone wall is subject to the pressure of its own weight. The convex shape directs some of the stress outwards at the widest point and this, combined with mining subsidence, has opened a dangerous crack through the second window on the eastern side.
This damage and neglect is making Keppel's Column increasingly unsafe and an area of land around the column was fenced off early in 2001. More recently, a broad band of steel reinforcement has been placed around the badly cracked section of the Column.
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