UPDATE: WEEK 3 - JUNE, 2024
The form building carried over into this third week of the renovation project with the formwork being the most critical part of maintaining the original arch span throughout the process. Every beam, board, and sheet of wood has to be meticulously placed for optimal strength and support.
Picking up where they left off, the team continued to set the remainder of the joists in place on the form. After that was completed, they were able to secure the 3/4" plywood to the bracing on the underside of the form and over the top of the joists that will add to the structural integrity of the overall formwork.
Once that was all complete and secure, a wooden guardrail was installed to help keep the workers safe while they work on the upper section of the bridge. Wooden cleats were added to the plywood on the joists that will act as the footers for the vertical arch supports that will be in direct contact with the arch stones once installed (as seen under the arch in the picture to the right).
Check out the time-lapse YouTube video below to see the work in progress!
After the form had been secured in place, the temporary scaffolding used to erect the formwork was removed and lifted out of the way by use of a metal bucket attached by a 4-point chain sling to an excavator (pictured in action to the left).
From there, the team began the work of strategically placing the vertical wooden arch supports that will help keep the original stones of the arch span in their exact positions throughout the demolition and rebuilding processes.
This was a very productive third week and sets the team up for a strong beginning to the demolition phase of the renovation which is slated to start next week.
