November 30, 2009 - The Foundation Is Completed

Forms are in place and water being pumped. A lot of additional bracing is still to be added. A couple of the guys are wishing they had brought hip waders at this point...that water was cold. Lot of great balance was shown walking that plank.

No it is not lake front property at Lake Endurance- yes we not only have a high water table but also found a drain tile from the farmers field behind our house went through our property and through where our wind turbine is to be located. Once we found the problem, the solution is simply to reroute the tile with black flexible drain tile and reconnect the two sides.

Check the level twice and our concrete once. It is critical that the bolts are level since there is little tolerance in placing the tower with all of the bolts needing to be within 3/32 of an inch.

Top part of the rods and bolts locked in place in the ring template that extend above the foundation to be poured.

Additional bracing being installed to make sure the bolts will not move when the concrete is poured. Additional wall bracing is added since you only get one chance to pour. You'll note we've succeeded in draining the area, which was greatly appreciated by all.

Mounting tubes for the control panel is being prepped. These were filled with cement and steel conduit inserted but after the fact the electrician felt they needed more space and the tubes were pulled. At this point the three 10 copper grounding rods have been driven into the ground.

Preparation for pouring the riser to secure the bolts. You will note the upper part of the bolts that will be above the cement are wrapped in tape to protect them from any cement destroying the threads for the tower installation. Conduit inside the tower for the electric wiring and communication fiber for internet and data acquisition. Two sets are run so one set is in reserve if it was ever needed.

The cement pour was difficult due to the multiple support beams and cross ties that were installed to protect against any movement in the bolts in the embedment ring. One person climbed down for much of the pour to vibrate the cement to make sure it was well compacted.

The foundation walls are being removed. It was a cool morning but the heat given off from the cement (it is a chemical reaction) generated so much heat he took off his jacket. In fact in pouring the Hoover Dam, chilled water pipes were installed to keep the concrete from breaking caused by the heat of the concrete curing. No we wait 28 days to cure to the needed PSI of 4,500 lbs. We poured test cylinders for both pours (base and riser) that will be tested at 7, 14, 21, 28 days to check the rating.

A little rain, back hoe, fork lift and 6 cement trucks do not mix well for a landscaped look. Next call is to the grading contractor to smooth this out and grade the area we have to give the utility for an easement to bring in the new service.