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The bricks comprising my arch seem to have stuck to one another. I have doubts about the quality of the bonds because some of them broke while I was setting higher bricks of the arch and then set with obvious cracks running the length of the gap, but nevertheless, the bricks of the arch do seem to be stuck together a least to some degree.
...however, on both sides, the first brick is completely unbonded from the row of bricks that run out the entryway framing the floor.
Both mortar gaps are obviously completely broken. A slight push will tilt the arch up on its feet, either inward or outward along the main axis.
What can I do about this? On one hand, the load-force at the floor is going almost straight down into the floor so the arch-floor bond isn't very important, but on the other hand, I am concerned that the dome courses will push the arch outward. I had intended to build more of the total archway before merging the dome to the arch anyway, so the more external components of the arch (under the vent primarily) would provide a brace against outward pushing, but nevertheless, I am concerned about this problem.
Should I gingerly tip the arch over, clean of the area of old mortar, then try to reattach it? How would I clean off mortar that is several days old? I'm afraid that something as violent as an angle grinder would break nearby joints while I am working.
A little dismayed, awaiting advice.
Thanks.
...however, on both sides, the first brick is completely unbonded from the row of bricks that run out the entryway framing the floor.
Both mortar gaps are obviously completely broken. A slight push will tilt the arch up on its feet, either inward or outward along the main axis.What can I do about this? On one hand, the load-force at the floor is going almost straight down into the floor so the arch-floor bond isn't very important, but on the other hand, I am concerned that the dome courses will push the arch outward. I had intended to build more of the total archway before merging the dome to the arch anyway, so the more external components of the arch (under the vent primarily) would provide a brace against outward pushing, but nevertheless, I am concerned about this problem.
Should I gingerly tip the arch over, clean of the area of old mortar, then try to reattach it? How would I clean off mortar that is several days old? I'm afraid that something as violent as an angle grinder would break nearby joints while I am working.
A little dismayed, awaiting advice.
Thanks.
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