PREPPING FOR A SLAB

Another week n the dirt... forming up to pour the slab and cistern cap.  We'll also be pouring a back wall.  Initially this was going to be but out of blocks on top of the slab but the success Dan had with the cistern pour has encouraged us to try the faster and more rugged option.  We have also grown the footprint from 24' deep to 30'.  The initial excavation created plenty of space and Dan was looking for more room for mechanicals- batteries, pumps, etc..  Growing the footprint seemed pretty straightforward and cost effective.  We are playing with different floor plans to best take advantage of the change.

Dan is also working with DPNR regarding best barge landing location.

Cistern capped and ready to pour.  There will be a 4" step down from the main building on to the porch (top of the cistern).

40' wide and 30' deep main cottage area will be built on a slab.

Trying to determine the height of the back (poured) wall.  8', 10', and 12' heights for reference.

We've created a flat lawn area to the east of the footpint.

BACK TO DIRT MOVING

The trac hoe arrived back on Lovango this morning to backfill the cistern and begin grading for the slab.  Dan also brought over the aerobic septic system that will be laid in place, as well.

The trac hoe and Dan's truck (R) loaded with the septic system arrive on Lovango this morning.

Trac hoe moving into position.

The cistern backfilled.

STRIPPING DOWN

After letting the concrete cure for a week the crew returned to pull the forms.  Dan was pleased with what he found.  The vibrating worked to settle everything tight so there were no honeycombs.  Once all forms are stripped, the inside of the cistern will be made water-tight with multiple coats of sealant.  The outside walls will also be sealed and drain pipe installed around the perimeter before we back-fill and grade for the slab that will connect the cistern to the rest of the cottage and cap it.  The aerobic septic system will also be installed at that point.   Prevailing winds from the east dictate placement on the west/downwind side.  Aerobic systems are efficient and compact and don't require leach fields.  The sterilized effluent is great for fertilizing gardens or crops.  We hope to grow great crops of dental floss.

The big reveal.  Pulling off the forms.

Inside the west cistern.  The reservoir is more than 8' deep which you can see bythe seam that was left at the top of the 8' forms.  Multiple coats of sealant will be applied before pouring the cop.