The picture at the
right shows the start of construction for the new observatory.
The existing pier is fastened to a 18 inch
diameter x 48 inch deep concrete post. The eight holes surrounding the
pier show the location of
future concrete posts that will support the observatory floor.
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April 2006
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The post holes are 10 inches in diameter and have a depth of around 30 inches.
This will anchor the posts below frost line for my location.
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May 2006
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The concrete posts are done. The 8" tubes are filled with
approximately 120 lbs of concrete each. Even though it does not look
like it in this picture, the posts are level. In the center of each post
is a 1/2" j-bolt that will be used to attach the wood floor framing to the
concrete posts.
Now I can start
framing the floor...
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June 2006
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The floor framing is complete. The frame members are
constructed of 2"x6" pressure-treated lumber. The two beams consist of
doubled 2"x6" lumber. The framing is attached to the concrete posts with
post base hardware that is fastened to the 1/2" j-bolts embedded in the
concrete. All of the joists, which are 12" apart, are attached to the
beams and outer joists with the appropriate metal hangers and fasteners.
The floor frame is very strong and
will support any observatory that I choose to place on it.
Installation of the floor boards is next!
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July 2006
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Except for some minor trimming and rounding over the edges with a
router, the observatory floor is complete. The floor consists of 5/4 "
thick composite decking material that should stand up to the harsh climate here.
All of the floor boards are screwed to the framing. Along the bottom of
the framing, metal edging is attached. This helps keep out the larger
critters that want to make a home in the area below the observatory floor.
In the future, the soil will be re-graded around the observatory floor to create
an "observatory hill".
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August 2006
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There are two cuts across the floor boards in the center of the floor stretching for six board widths.
The purpose of the cuts is to allow these boards to be easily removed for the
installation of a taller pier.
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August 2006
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After almost a
year of planning, approvals and site preparation, the
observatory finally
arrives!
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October 2006
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Can this be it?
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October 2006
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The first day
of construction. Here, the walls are already up! I am checking the alignment of the wheel track and can barely
see over the wall. You can see through the doorway
that the existing pier is too short.
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November 2006
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As the shadows
lengthen, the day is quickly coming to an end. The dome
halves have been put together and the whole assembly has been
placed on the walls. While light in weight, it took three
of us to get the dome into its final position.
There are still a few pieces to put
into place before the outside can be considered complete.
I will be working into the night to button things up.
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November 2006
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The outside is
complete! Now the work on the inside can begin...
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November 2006
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