Today was the last day for the crew and perhaps the hardest day of the entire project. because of the unorthodox design of my building it requires a massive ridge beam for the raftered roof section. This beam is comprised of two 18" deep 1.75" thick and 21' long microlams. To make matters more fun, they have to be hoisted 14' above the platform which is already 9' above the floor. Here is the tale of our process.
Step one, look at beam in awe and disbelief.
the process is begun, we are lifting off of a large section of scaffold. we alternate lifting from side to side. Every time we raise it we secure it with rope.
it is getting pretty high and i have to join Jim on the scaffold.
here is a nice shot from the ground.
almost to the top
muscling it over the final bit.
some temporary bracing is scabbed to the last truss. Jim attaches blocking and rope to keep the beam vertical
here's an idea of how high we were.
yo
the process is completed for the second beam and we have quite the scary structure.
after my crew left, i fabbed a temporary post to support the beam more securely.
the building at the end of the day. Yes the ridgebeam is not yet level, but that is a project for another day.
Many thanks to Jim and Jerome. Without their help I don't think I would be here. You guys are welcome any time. Your week of help was above and beyond the call of duty. Along with all of the work, most of the photos from this week are courtesy of Jerome, and Jim is obviously the big star climbing like a mountain goat. Great job.
Pete