Construction - Phase 2

Shadowlands Observatory

Construction - Phase 2

The next phase was the concrete pad for the building with attention to the center section where the pier would mount. I chose not to isolate the pier from the rest of the building as I would be the only occupant while in use and vibration could be decreased by limiting my own movement during photo sessions.

Moving in the concrete truck.

I waited until mid summer to be certain the ground could support the heavy truck required for the concrete.

Pouring the Pad

The center is done and the remainder of the pad is poured. The forms were set with a 1/4" drop to the northwest to prevent rain from standing if it got into the building.

The first pour goes into the center.

The first concrete out of the truck is usually the most dense as the workers pour a little and then thin it to the consistency they want to work with. I made certain the first pour was in the center where the pier would be bolted. I specified added reinforcing fiber for extra strength of the concrete. In the foreground is the pattern for the pier bolts with the bolts in place and ready to be pushed into the concrete.

Skreeting the Pad

The form is full of concrete and the crew "skreets" the concrete to a level surface. The pier bolts will be placed in the center when the concrete has had time to set slightly.

The finished pad

Pier bolts have been set in the center. Now, we wait for it to cure.