Finally started

[stonecutter]

Re: Finally started

Build first, grout later.

[Calisdad]

Re: Finally started

What do most people do who are core filling, do you pour the concrete as a continuous pour between the cores and the hearth slab or do you till the cores one day nearly to the top and do the top slab the next day?

My guess is it is better construction technique to do a single pour as will be stronger, but not sure I can get it all done in a day? There will be roe that links both in any case.

Don't do more than you are comfortable with at a time. It will be more than strong enough if you half fill the last course of block then pour the slab later.
If you use a cement based board above the block you won't have to strip it later.

Enjoy your build.

[IMG][/IMG]

[mnl]

Re: Finally started

Slab poured, start building base this weekend. Might even take Friday off to get a head start!

[cobblerdave]

Re: Finally started

Gudday
Time to get out the hose and give that piece of concrete a good water. Soak the surrounding ground for good measure and cover with a little plastic or damp cloth etc. Anything with Portland cement in it cures not dries out. Curing damp makes stronger slabs. The humidities down and we have a breeze so keep it damp.
Regards dave

[hodgey1]

Re: Finally started

Slab poured, start building base this weekend. Might even take Friday off to get a head start!

Sounds like a great way to spend a friday off, looks like you're off to a good start. I really like the time capsule idea. I would make sure to put in an assortment of coins and put some paper money in a sealed plastic bag, some other ideas would be a few photo's of your pizzas?

[Calisdad]

Re: Finally started

Sounds like a great way to spend a friday off, looks like you're off to a good start. I really like the time capsule idea. I would make sure to put in an assortment of coins and put some paper money in a sealed plastic bag, some other ideas would be a few photo's of your pizzas?

Among other things we put in the newspaper from the day we sealed it up.

[hodgey1]

Re: Finally started

If only you could be around to see that being opened in a 100 years or so. That put a really cool twist on your build.

[mnl]

Re: Finally started

Among other things we put in the newspaper from the day we sealed it up.

While it is not going to the day that it gets sealed, was going to put a copy of today's paper in it which will mostly be about the Melbourne Cup and who won.


Wet the slab down a couple if times. I'm away for a couple of days but have left a request with SWMBO to give it a wet down again tonight.

[stonecutter]

Re: Finally started

Soak a canvas drop cloth or old sheet, then cover it with plastic.

[cobblerdave]

Re: Finally started

If only you could be around to see that being opened in a 100 years or so. That put a really cool twist on your build.

Gudday
Whilst ripping out a wall in a house renovation I found a wallet, can of soft drink and a pr of pliers on a stud. The wallet had a paper driving licence paper bills including 1 and 2 dollar notes. It took us months to track him down to the next suburb and return his wallet. He was gob smacked it had been in the wall since 1973 and didn't see daylight till 1999. He did an electrical job at the house but didnt think he left his wallet there. We didn't except any money for its return but did drink a few beers with the old guy.
Regards dave

[mnl]

Re: Finally started

I'm trying to work out the geometry of my arch and would be interested in your thoughts on the best approach. I'm planning on using tapered bricks which come in 63/75 x 115 x 230 or 69/75 x 115 x 230. This should naturally create an arch shape, however which one I use will determine how steep the arch will be. I was initially leaning towards the flater arch, however now starting to think the steeper arch would be better. I can fiddle with the height of the sides to make sure I comform to the 63% golden rule.

I know a flater arch has more lateral force on the walls, however are there any other pros and cons of a flater or steeper arch for a barrel vault?

[stonecutter]

Re: Finally started

I was initially leaning towards the flater arch, however now starting to think the steeper arch would be better. I can fiddle with the height of the sides to make sure I comform to the 63% golden rule.

I know a flater arch has more lateral force on the walls, however are there any other pros and cons of a flater or steeper arch for a barrel vault?

The flatter the arch, the higher up the thrust line exits the abutment (wall). No matter what your final arch shape, you will need to reinforce the walls with something....reinforced cladding, buttresses, or two wythe sections.

60% - 64% for the oven opening is the ideal range.

If it was me building a vault, I would favor a flatter ceiling.

[oasiscdm]

Re: Finally started

I also used arch bricks. Worked out the combination to form my dome. It's posted on my thread.

[mnl]

Re: Finally started

Finally some progress. First course laid on mortar to make sure level.

[mnl]

Re: Finally started

End of progress for the day. The top left brick us the height of the top of the slab. If you have seen the photo in the foreground, I have taken Dave's advice and fitted everything in place with my biggest hammer.

This new angle grinder is a weapon. I really do not enjoy using it!