Site Works - 7th August

Today we got the first delivery of brick slips and made our first attempt at constructing a timbrel arch, the first of 4 we need to bear on.

We decided to loose lay the brick slips and work the casting plaster in from the top side.

As we worked we experienced some problems with getting the lower courses to stay in place as the bricks we built up along the formwork. To counter this we ended up working and casting in sections.

As we finished up we noticed that one side of the arch had come away from the formwork. as if the arch had buckled during construction. Propped by the top of the formwork we decided to wait until Monday to strike the formwork to see if the arch is self supporting or not.

Site Works - 5th August

The formwork was brought to site, leveled and propped in place to take the first arch.

Great work by Carthage, Rae, Paul, Suzy, Fiona, Anne, and Dina over the last two days. Bring on the bricks!

Site Works - 4th August

Today started out with checking the tolerances of the concrete on site. We were within 5mm accuracy on plan, and about 2mm vertically. Not bad for the first time most of us have worked on site.

As we don't get the first bricks until Friday most of this week will be spent readying ourselves for this. The first thing is to make the formwork for the timbrel arches. We will only make one to begin with, and test this over the weekend. If it is stable we will prepare the rest of the formwork for late next week. Our concerns stem from the fact that our proposed arches are quite upright when they spring from the ground. There is a possibility that this may not work.

The primary design consideration for the formwork is how to remove it afterwards. We are making ours in two halves so that each can be propped and removed independently of the other, and without destabilizing the arch.

Site Works - 31 July

We finished the formwork for the concrete by placing the boxes to cast the upstands on the pads. These up-stands will provide an edge for the arches to spring from. Great care was required to get all the boxes located accurately. This was done using triangulation off the central pole and lots of patience.

The threatened rain didn't materialise, but we were anxious to place the concrete as quickly as we could. With Dermots team working two mixers there was a steady stream of barrowloads of concrete to the site.

Dermot gave further demonstrations as the concrete was poured in using a poker to vibrate it to an even consistency.

By the end of the day 4 all pads and trenches were poured and the site and all tools cleaned. We meet on Tuesday to start work to get ready for making the arches.

Construction Workshop No.2 - Pouring Foundations

Dermot Fullam from Dermot Paul Construction gave a workshop in mixing, pouring and vibrating concrete. We are using a 4:1 mix for the foundations, and in the trenches to prevent corrosion to the re-bar.

Many thanks to Dermot and his crew who gave their time and skills. They will be giving other workshops as the job progresses.

Site Works - 30 July

The day started with a visit from Structural engineer Peter Brunner. He clarified the requirements for the pads and re-bar, and inspected the bearing conditions at the pad locations.

We then used a water level to get a consistant level around the four pads.

And we kept digging to level off. One all holes were ready we were able to start fitting the formwork boxes to cast the pads in tomorrow.

Hardcore arrived on time which meant that we will be able to pour the foundations tomorrow.

Site Works - 29 July

Digging out the pads continued today, and the trenches connecting these were marked out and dug out also.

By days end we were ready to start leveling out the holes and making the formwork for the concrete.