The Concrete Underground
- Thread starter ConCretin
- Start date
In case you've been wondering, we are still plugging away. I'd hoped to get the next LiteDeck placement today but put it off until Monday to give me the weekend to finish up all the details.
We got the radiant tubing in yesterday;
Prior to that I got all the sleeves in for the bathroom plumbing and electrical
My welder was back to finish up the threaded rods that anchor the ICFs and AC Walls down to the structural steel
I've got a pretty good start on the edge forms at the roof beams
We've also been working on removing the last of the shoring from the house
You can start to get a sense of how open the main space of the house will be
My crew was called away without much notice and the site was a complete disaster. We've filled two roll offs and made a big dent in the cleanup. Doesn't seem like much to show for a lot of hard work but we're moving forward.
We got the radiant tubing in yesterday;
Prior to that I got all the sleeves in for the bathroom plumbing and electrical
My welder was back to finish up the threaded rods that anchor the ICFs and AC Walls down to the structural steel
I've got a pretty good start on the edge forms at the roof beams
We've also been working on removing the last of the shoring from the house
You can start to get a sense of how open the main space of the house will be
My crew was called away without much notice and the site was a complete disaster. We've filled two roll offs and made a big dent in the cleanup. Doesn't seem like much to show for a lot of hard work but we're moving forward.
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CoconutPete
Well-known member
Wow! The "wide openness" of the main part of the house is amazing.
RichTJ99
Well-known member
So in the finished product, what will you put around the steel posts coming through the rooms? Will they be boxed with sheetrock or wood?
Justanoldguy
Well-known member
I would have thought they would be part of the wall structure internally or window framing externally.
Buzz Lightyear
Well-known member
That wide open space is amazing 
In floor heat, I forgot about that. You and your crews (family included) are busting your butts.
red
Well-known member
My vote would be for the glass siding doors . . . you're out in the woods and you may want to let the outside in on nice days. Of course the only vote that counts is your wife's. With the shoring down and out of the way, you can really get a feel for how magnificent your finished home will be.
Glad business is picking up for you, not good for building the house, but I'm sure the cash flow is necessary. A friend of mine took a year off to build his home and lost a lot of business. It probably took 5 years to fully recover. In hindsight he should have worked 2 or maybe 3 days a week.
saceone
Well-known member
Great progress again!!
On a side note, thanks to all the guys for the pyramid info, very interesting
On a side note, thanks to all the guys for the pyramid info, very interesting
Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
I'm sure there are some terrific design$ for glass doors on the market, but considering where you live, I doubt that they would be open all that much. I'm thinking that the support posts are (necessary) visual 'clutter' to the panoramic view you have. In that regard, I would suggest the aluminum storefront approach in that you may be better able to 'align' the vertical glazing supports with the existing support posts. It might be less distracting from the view, and preserve the floating appearance of the ceiling structure. Just my $0.02!
Justanoldguy
Well-known member
Willy, why are the support posts not in the same line as the windows?
Seems odd to have them set back a foot.
I guess you have your reasons though.
Seems odd to have them set back a foot.
I guess you have your reasons though.
Simon.
Active member
If you integrate the structure into the window line the mullions would be quite wide, something like 8 inches.
Setting them back allows for minimal visible structure and would look much more elegant.
Concrete is scheduled to arrive at 7:00 am tomorrow morning. It took two long weekend days to finish up all the details. The slab edge in the stair hall will be exposed so i basically had to build AC quality forms.
There is an AC wall below this slab and another above. It's very difficult to make construction joints invisible so we hide them in the bottom of rustication strips. In the shot below you can see the upper and lower rustication strips.
Here's a shot looking back towards the house. You can start to get a sense of all the angles and details
The bathroom rough in is complete;
We also got the 2x4 block-out for the windows is in as well. The thing covered in red tape is a block-out for a column that will extend up to support a roof beam. I had to pre-position the connecting bolts or there'd be no getting them in at all.
This placement will also include the roof of the connector between the house and the garage;
Finally, here's a wide angle shot to help put it all in perspective
This was a hell of a lot easier and faster when I had a half dozen concrete guys doing my bidding. My lovely bride never ceases to amaze with her capacity for hard work but we're no match for a crack crew of young bucks.
There is an AC wall below this slab and another above. It's very difficult to make construction joints invisible so we hide them in the bottom of rustication strips. In the shot below you can see the upper and lower rustication strips.
Here's a shot looking back towards the house. You can start to get a sense of all the angles and details
The bathroom rough in is complete;
We also got the 2x4 block-out for the windows is in as well. The thing covered in red tape is a block-out for a column that will extend up to support a roof beam. I had to pre-position the connecting bolts or there'd be no getting them in at all.
This placement will also include the roof of the connector between the house and the garage;
Finally, here's a wide angle shot to help put it all in perspective
This was a hell of a lot easier and faster when I had a half dozen concrete guys doing my bidding. My lovely bride never ceases to amaze with her capacity for hard work but we're no match for a crack crew of young bucks.
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We're on the same page. Either glazing option will be aligned with the structure, which is designed in 9' bays.
The theory is to move the supports inboard of the glazing so as not to interrupt the flow of the window framing. Another consideration is the thermal conductivity of the steel columns, which is much higher than the thermally broken glazing.
That's what we're thinking.
We have had a nice spell of warm, dry spring weather. Good thing - we need every break we can get
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Any day we place concrete is a good day in my book. We're now 17 yards closer to finishing the damn thing.
Now that we are closer to the staging area, we can finally go back to placing with the conveyor. Not only is it cheaper (cause I own it) but it makes a lot less mess. Pumps must empty their pipes and hopper, which leaves piles of concrete. With a little care, the belt can deliver exactly as much concrete as you need with no waste.
Could this be the source of the expression "all asses and elbows"?
The whole 'placing on LiteDeck' thing is getting to be pretty uneventful.
The last thing I did last night was to measure up all the various beams, nooks and crannies so I could figure the concrete quantity. After the first 10 yards was in, I was convinced we were going to run short.
I called the plant to bump the yardage but the second load was already on the road. We literally had half a wheelbarrow left when we were done. Generally don't like to cut it quite that close.
I went back after work and put the hydracure fabric in place;
We'll keep the curing and shoring in place for 7 days, which will probably get the concrete to the specified compressive strength of 3,000 psi. We're using a 4,000 psi mix that should get to 70% in seven days.
Next up is a couple days of cleanup followed by the last of the ICF walls at the Guest Quarters.
Now that we are closer to the staging area, we can finally go back to placing with the conveyor. Not only is it cheaper (cause I own it) but it makes a lot less mess. Pumps must empty their pipes and hopper, which leaves piles of concrete. With a little care, the belt can deliver exactly as much concrete as you need with no waste.
Could this be the source of the expression "all asses and elbows"?
The whole 'placing on LiteDeck' thing is getting to be pretty uneventful.
The last thing I did last night was to measure up all the various beams, nooks and crannies so I could figure the concrete quantity. After the first 10 yards was in, I was convinced we were going to run short.
I called the plant to bump the yardage but the second load was already on the road. We literally had half a wheelbarrow left when we were done. Generally don't like to cut it quite that close.
I went back after work and put the hydracure fabric in place;
We'll keep the curing and shoring in place for 7 days, which will probably get the concrete to the specified compressive strength of 3,000 psi. We're using a 4,000 psi mix that should get to 70% in seven days.
Next up is a couple days of cleanup followed by the last of the ICF walls at the Guest Quarters.
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Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
Congrats on completion of another placement!
1/2 wheelbarrow excess is really cutting it close; were you about to crawl into the delivery truck's drum to squeegee out the last little bit? lol
1/2 wheelbarrow excess is really cutting it close; were you about to crawl into the delivery truck's drum to squeegee out the last little bit? lol
Have you seen "Nana Wall" ?
http://www.nanawall.com/
Likely, it's going to be ridiculously expensive but perhaps an option?
As always, completely inspiring!
http://www.nanawall.com/
Likely, it's going to be ridiculously expensive but perhaps an option?
As always, completely inspiring!
LL, what can I add? I just stumbled on this thread last night and I'm finally done reading it. This is incredible! I've had the good fortune to work for two of the country's largest GC's, both of whom have well known self-perform concrete groups. From field engineering to project management and operations, I've had exposure to most of what you're doing and I'm flat IMPRESSED by this project!
I want to make sure that the rest of the group is aware that it is unusual to have all of these elements in one project! Architectural concrete, ICF, LiteDeck, along with the placement of embeds, blockouts, rough-in, reinforcement, elevation transitions, etc. requires hours of coordination and dedicated brain space. Not to mention the amazing Architecture. Your crew is clearly on top of their game. It's very hard to find a group like this that clicks on all cylinders, top down. You should be proud! If I was doing work in your neck of the woods I guarantee we'd be talking about doing business together!
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I can smell the early morning concrete. Hear the back-up alarms, see the rush of activity as the pump is priming. Hear the "WHOA's" and "GO's", imagine the guys ending an 18 hour day as the last die-hard finishers clean their tools.
I'm almost sure that you've heard of this little project, it's just a couple of clicks down the road from me here in the Ozarks of Missouri. At 72,000 sq. ft. it's the largest private residence in the US...and the structure is completely built from ICF: http://www.pensmore.com/. If you haven't heard of this I bet you'll get a kick out of it!
Anxiously waiting for the next update!
I want to make sure that the rest of the group is aware that it is unusual to have all of these elements in one project! Architectural concrete, ICF, LiteDeck, along with the placement of embeds, blockouts, rough-in, reinforcement, elevation transitions, etc. requires hours of coordination and dedicated brain space. Not to mention the amazing Architecture. Your crew is clearly on top of their game. It's very hard to find a group like this that clicks on all cylinders, top down. You should be proud! If I was doing work in your neck of the woods I guarantee we'd be talking about doing business together!
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I can smell the early morning concrete. Hear the back-up alarms, see the rush of activity as the pump is priming. Hear the "WHOA's" and "GO's", imagine the guys ending an 18 hour day as the last die-hard finishers clean their tools.
I'm almost sure that you've heard of this little project, it's just a couple of clicks down the road from me here in the Ozarks of Missouri. At 72,000 sq. ft. it's the largest private residence in the US...and the structure is completely built from ICF: http://www.pensmore.com/. If you haven't heard of this I bet you'll get a kick out of it!
Anxiously waiting for the next update!
Carbine
Well-known member
LL,
I wanted to add I'm one more of the guys who have been reading your updates, but I have no experience with concrete, so I've been quiet.
This is magical to me and I really appreciate your documentation and explanations of the whole project.
Thank you for sharing this with all of us !
I wanted to add I'm one more of the guys who have been reading your updates, but I have no experience with concrete, so I've been quiet.
This is magical to me and I really appreciate your documentation and explanations of the whole project.
Thank you for sharing this with all of us !
Looking good, keep it up.
JasonPrice
Member
- Joined
- May 8, 2013
- Messages
- 6
One of the longest threads i have been through in one go worth every minute/hour looks fantastic views are something else.
Nanawall was already mentioned in this thread and IIRC the OP was not decided on window brand yet.
Also, not sure why nanawall comes up all then times because there are many other similar door/window manufacturers.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
cderalow
Well-known member
probably because it is the most well known of the architectural moveable glass walls.
It's almost funny saying that you went back "after work" to put the fabric down. You're putting in some long hard days, I imagine you sleep well at night or does the wife elbow you when you snore ? 
Buzz Lightyear
Well-known member
As much as I love seeing the forms being built and the concrete pour without doubt my favourites are the "Ta-Da" photos where the forms are all stripped and the structure is revealed. It's coming together really well and you must be very proud of what you've achieved so far.
Keep up the good work and please keep the updates coming
I do think that you need to build it more zombie proof after all...........haven't you seen The Walking Dead?? That's a documentary that is !!!!
Keep up the good work and please keep the updates coming
I do think that you need to build it more zombie proof after all...........haven't you seen The Walking Dead?? That's a documentary that is !!!!
duggie
Well-known member
*bump* ... because this thread should NEVER be on page 3 !!!
*tap, tap, tap* .... UPDATES ???
LOL
*tap, tap, tap* .... UPDATES ???
LOL
shoot summ
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2010
- Messages
- 2,951
Another silent watcher here, absolutely fantastic build, your attention to detail is incredible.
mikefromme
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2009
- Messages
- 266
Been 7 days, patiently waiting for the reveal
I'm sitting here chuckling after reading this.
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I was thinking how bad it would **** it one of those out/down riggers hit that curved wall and broke it. I would be so f'ing pissed.
But I'm waiting for the day that somebody sets up our ladder tower and puts an outrigger into a car door. 
First off - my apologies for a week's absence. A combination of some rainy weather and competing priorities has limited our progress. Last Monday's LiteDeck placement sits pretty much as we left it.
Fortunately, my crew came free unexpectedly and I took advantage by getting them back to work on the second floor roof;
The second floor has floor to ceiling glass on both sides so that means more roof beams
Her's the beam seats and threaded rod anchors we installed on the rear of the roof to tie the steel to the concrete roof beam.
Here's the typical detail we've been using, which occurs on the front roof beam
One of the things that distracted us from progress on the house was getting the dock in. A neighboring marina is kind enough to allow me access but it's a lot easier if I get in before their docks so it is a bit time sensitive.
Some have asked how we get the dock in and out so here it is. We haul all the parts down on a 40' high bed.
We use a knuckleboom crane mounted on the tractor to launch the first two sections and the gangway.
A buddy provides a second inflatable boat and we tug the whole thing up river
I was too busy fighting the tide and wind to get more pictures but first we maneuver the gangway into position, lift it up and connect it to the landing.
After hooking up the base chains, we walk the floats back until we can connect the bottom of the gangway to the first float.
A second trip downriver to bring up the last two sections comes next. Once we connect them to the other dock sections and the outboard mooring chains, we're done. About 3 hours start to finish.
Anybody notice anything different about the dock this year?
The dock also provides a new perspective to view the developing project
We should be ready to place the house roof by the end of the week and I can hopefully get moving on the walls at the second floor of the garage. Also, I'll try to get back into a regular update schedule.
Thanks to all for your patience and continued interest.
Fortunately, my crew came free unexpectedly and I took advantage by getting them back to work on the second floor roof;
The second floor has floor to ceiling glass on both sides so that means more roof beams
Her's the beam seats and threaded rod anchors we installed on the rear of the roof to tie the steel to the concrete roof beam.
Here's the typical detail we've been using, which occurs on the front roof beam
One of the things that distracted us from progress on the house was getting the dock in. A neighboring marina is kind enough to allow me access but it's a lot easier if I get in before their docks so it is a bit time sensitive.
Some have asked how we get the dock in and out so here it is. We haul all the parts down on a 40' high bed.
We use a knuckleboom crane mounted on the tractor to launch the first two sections and the gangway.
A buddy provides a second inflatable boat and we tug the whole thing up river
I was too busy fighting the tide and wind to get more pictures but first we maneuver the gangway into position, lift it up and connect it to the landing.
After hooking up the base chains, we walk the floats back until we can connect the bottom of the gangway to the first float.
A second trip downriver to bring up the last two sections comes next. Once we connect them to the other dock sections and the outboard mooring chains, we're done. About 3 hours start to finish.
Anybody notice anything different about the dock this year?
The dock also provides a new perspective to view the developing project
We should be ready to place the house roof by the end of the week and I can hopefully get moving on the walls at the second floor of the garage. Also, I'll try to get back into a regular update schedule.
Thanks to all for your patience and continued interest.
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I think you added another section of dock, 4 vs 3.
Thedoc14
Well-known member
Sitting on the dock having a nice cold one looks a lot better now. The only thing is the boss can see you..
Great work as usual...
Great work as usual...
Buzz Lightyear
Well-known member
The dock also provides a new perspective to view the developing project
That view has got to make all the hard work and grief worthwhile!!
Simply stunning
Thanks to everyone for your comments. You'd be surprised how much motivation I get from knowing you are all following along - it comes in pretty handy some days
We did look at Nana Wall but our steel columns would prevent us from opening up large sections of the glass wall. Also, I was a bit concerned about so many moving parts given our climate. It seems to be a great product so it probably would have been fine.
For those in the business there is something special about the sights and sounds of an early morning concrete placement and tremendous satisfaction from completing one.
Thanks for the Pensmore reference. That is an amazing project. I had not heard of it and really enjoyed going through the photos and technical info.
You got it Nutts. The water out front is pretty shallow due to an eddy created by the old ice house pier. At low tide, I only had 16' of dock with decent water - now I have 32' of usable dock.
We did look at Nana Wall but our steel columns would prevent us from opening up large sections of the glass wall. Also, I was a bit concerned about so many moving parts given our climate. It seems to be a great product so it probably would have been fine.
For those in the business there is something special about the sights and sounds of an early morning concrete placement and tremendous satisfaction from completing one.
Thanks for the Pensmore reference. That is an amazing project. I had not heard of it and really enjoyed going through the photos and technical info.
You got it Nutts. The water out front is pretty shallow due to an eddy created by the old ice house pier. At low tide, I only had 16' of dock with decent water - now I have 32' of usable dock.
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