Shipping heavy concrete features across the country is always a challenge. Inside these pieces, we build a sturdy structural steel frame to which the armature is fastened, but this is only part of the equation. The mounting plates and lifting points need to be just as strong. When we ship, there are many added stresses, such as vibration and constant wind loads, as the loads travel down the highway. To address these concerns, we check and double-check the welds and bolts. When required, we add extra structure to shipping pallets to ensure the pieces arrive in perfect condition. Today’s project was to go over the pieces and frames one last time, as they will soon be bound for the Kraay Family Farm in Alberta.
Log sculpted
One of this week’s goals was to get to the sculpting of the giant log with the swords stuck into it. I got a start on the lath work yesterday, and this morning Matt finished the bulk of the rest. After coffee break, we slathered on the fibreglass-reinforced concrete. After lunch, we started in on the sculpting, and by the second coffee break of the day, the sculpting was complete. For those concerned about the heavy feature balance ‘precariously’ on top of the five-gallon pails, note the heavy chain that is actually bearing most of the weight from the lifting beam above.
Wiring a ship
The armature for a pirate shipwreck stern is a complex piece, full of nooks and crannies with many different shapes. It is a tricky piece to apply the mesh to. Jay is relatively new to the meshing job and is quickly discovering that this is a great piece to learn on. For every ‘rule’ of the craft, there is an exception that will make the process easier and quicker and still make for a great foundation for the fibreglass-reinforced-concrete application, which will soon follow. The most complex section is the top, and it is also the most difficult to reach. That part of the wiring is now largely complete, and things will go faster from here. Stay tuned to watch this beautiful feature come together…
