BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION

Today at mass, the Responsorial Psalm was "The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone". Well, we're working on getting the cornerstone for our new church home, but first we must build a strong foundation. Building the foundation is a slow process, but a critical one. Since, most of the work to build the foundation is out of sight, I thought this would be a good time to show you what's been happening.

First, the surveyor gives the workers points that they use for measurements. They then put markings on the dirt where the column lines and footings must be placed. After this meticulous task, the workers get a backhoe and begin digging out the area.










After the trenches are dug, rebar or a reinforcing bar (a common steel bar used in reinforced concrete) is placed in the holes that have been dug. In addition, plates are installed that will be used to mount the steel beams. Once this is completed, the City inspected the work and then concrete is poured.

Once the concrete dries, the finished foundation is ready for placement of the steel beams. Depending on the size of steel that will be placed, each footing is approximately 4 feet square and 3 feet deep.