Finalizing the Slab Forms

The following pictures show the final stages of completing the slab and footing forms. This step includes utility stub-ups, placement of reinforcing bars (rebar), welded wire mesh, and the foam inserts used to form the cistern gutters.

Mrs. Q checks the stub-ups and moisture barrier.

The crew assembles the cistern gutter form.

 A footing corner showing the cistern gutter form, rebar, and geo-tube

A side benefit of the Quonset's construction is its highly efficient precipitation run-off. The galvalume metal finish is very smooth and since the roof and walls are a continuous corrugated plane, all of the moisture that falls on the building is directed quickly to the gutters which drain into the cistern. In areas where snow is a possibility, heavier live-load specifications are required.

If it snows here, we're moving to Cuba!

The concrete trucks arrive early and the action begins. Concrete was pumped into place in parts of the slab because the trucks couldn't get into a position to pour.

The morning sun greets the cement trucks.

The cistern gutters begin to take shape.

A cement finisher forms a slope to the drain.

Cement begins to harden within a half hour, so the men work fast to get everything in place.

Using the long trowel pole, a finisher works the concrete.

Seven truck loads of cement later, the slab is formed and takes on a smooth finish. Finish troweling burnishes any imperfections and after a couple of days of curing, stress grooves will be cut to minimize cracking. Our contractor assured us, however, that concrete cracks, but with all these precautions they should be minor hairlines. Within three to four days, we'll be ready for the Quonset shell to be erected!