Weekly Construction Update - November 1, 2007

Since last weekend a crucial item to the church’s structure was put in place.  You may notice several rows of concrete over the slab area.  These are called grade beams.  These beams are the part of the foundation that transfers the weight of the church through the slab into the wood pilings below.  Much preparation is needed to get these beams ready to be poured with concrete, as they contain literally tons of steel re-bar that all has to be properly positioned, as you can see in the picture below. 

Also this past week, the storm sewer system was completed underneath what will soon be the parking area along the front and W. Causeway Approach side of the church.  This system is very similar to the system found in most suburban neighborhoods, and is designed to efficiently carry rain water down and away from the site. 

Looking toward next week, several things will be going on.  The most important of which is the placement of the underground electrical lines.  This work is tedious, as with the underground plumbing work, as the electrician must carefully locate each conduit, which will soon be encased in concrete.  Also next week, you will begin to notice the remaining parking area taking shape, with forms being installed to hold the concrete in place until it sets.  Later in the week, around Friday, you should also see the slab for the front entrance area of the church being poured.  Soon enough, the slab will be completely in place awaiting steel erection. 

Stays tuned for more updates, and have a great week!