Concrete and Clay

The site lies on clay.  This means that we have to allow for clay 'heaving' and necessitates the use of something called 'Clay Boards'.  These arrived a couple of days ago and to our surprise, clay boards are not actually made of clay!  They seem to be large polystyrene sheets which are used on the sides of the footings.  The idea is that their flexibility will accommodate the movement of the clay expanding and contracting.  So our deep trenches were lined with these sheets, which because they were very light were subject to wind and were therefore covered by black plastic sheeting.

Clay boards and the trenches

Clay boards in the trenches

Ready for concrete

Today was the day for the trenches to be filled with over 70 cubic metres of concrete (this house won't be going anywhere!).  A concrete pump arrived on site early on and positioned itself where our garage will eventually be.

Apparently this is a 'small' concrete pump

Over the course of the day a total of 13 concrete mixers turned up to discharge their cargo into the hopper and the back of the pump.  The pump then neatly distributed it to all the right places.

From mixer to pump

From pump to the trenches

Starting to fill

and all done by remote control

Neil on his boat had a superb view whether he wanted it or not!

Neil's view meant that he caught the pump operator enjoying the sun whilst waiting for loads to appear.
(photo courtesy of Neil Payne)

Nearly there!

Just a little left to fill

All done!

Finished. For now!

It's exactly a year since we moved into the village.  However, with all the action today, we forgot to celebrate!