| It is at this point that
construction of the accommodation can begin. Firstly the load bearing walls
are built in breeze-block. Note the gaps for the vertical rebars - these
will be shuttered and concrete poured in later in order to provide extra
strength to the wall and upper floors. |
 |
| Here a wall is being built in
stone with two arches (each 4m wide). A former has been constructed in the
finished shape of the arch and will provide temporary support. Behind the
stonework a substantial lattice rebar is being positioned the entire length
of the wall. |
 |
| After building up the
stonework on the outside and fixing shuttering to the inside, concrete is
poured into the cavity. This creates an extremely strong lintel over the
full length of the wall which is capable of taking the entire load of the
wall and floor above. |
 |
| The construction of the first
floor follows the same principles as for the ground floor but with hollow
concrete blocks instead of polystyrene blocks. Note the "belt" of rebar
round the perimeter making this floor, also, an integral part of the
buildings structure. |
 |
| Part of the upper floor of
this house is unsupported below and a cantilevered joist has been inserted.
Note the cross-corner bracing for extra rigidity. |
 |
| Here we can see how the
concrete slab which is being poured unites the rebar, joist and "belt". |
 |
| The slab, which has been
poured as a continuous process using high-strength ready-mix concrete is now
almost completed. |
 |
| Work can now begin on the
upper floor. Scaffolding is erected in preparation.... |
 |
| ....and a crane is positioned
on site which will remain in place until the roof has been completed.
|
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