AJ'S EAGLE PROJECT IS FINALLY FINISHED!!!
Actually, AJ designed two projects. The first was a re-do of the compass rose that Nathen did for his project (which was obliterated when the runways and taxiways were resurfaced). After getting the necessary approvals, lining up the supplies, and designing the associated artwork, AJ took a vacation and toured Wyoming (and other states) with David Ellis. The airport, thinking that AJ had abandoned them, contacted another local scout troop, who painted the compass rose and accepted the accolades. The second project (a retaining wall and erosion control at the church [the sponsoring organization]) almost went the way of the first. These first four photos depict the condition of the area in question when AJ first considered the retaining wall. Note the erosion and debris field .
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Some months after the above photos were taken, the church grounds were re-landscaped (with a desert theme). However the retaining wall shown above was not raised, and it was evident that sand and debris would continue to be washed in by runoff from the rains. The beginnings of this are evident in the next photo, and results of one rainy season are shown on the following one. After much prodding (and some equivocation from leaders involved about the suitability of this as a project), AJ finally obtained the necessary signatures (if not jubilant approbation), and the project moved forward.
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The actual work had three major parts. On the downhill side, the rocks that comprised the landscaping were taken up and the dirt that had washed in over them removed. On the uphill side, a trough was cut through the dirt that had washed in, giving the run off water a route to lower ground. Finally adding an additional layer raised the retaining wall.
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AJ here is hamming it up for the camera. "I speak, and even the very rocks move."
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Lumber (2 X 12 X14 and 2 X 4 X14) was used to build the cement forms.
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Then holes were drilled in the existing curbing. Power tools are wonderful. Drilling by hand would have taken a minimum of six months.
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Half inch rebar was cut to length, and then set in the newly drilled holes.
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The rebar was fixed in place with epoxy. Upon mixing the two-part epoxy, an exothermic reaction occurs, and the mixture (according to the directions) may reach 200 degrees F. I doubt it was that warm, but it was too warm to hold comfortably. The forms were set in place and secured using metal stakes.
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Cement was mixed using a gas powered mixer, then moved with a wheelbarrow, and finally shoveled into the forms.
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Due to the relatively small area, finishing the surface did not take long, and the wall was left to harden.
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This is the finished product. It cracked in a couple of places, but the amount of rebar it contains will undoubtedly hold in place. Upon reflection, I have no doubt that the original problem (storm run off carrying in debris) has been solved. All in all, it was a successful project.
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AJ may be happy that the project is finished, but not nearly as happy as someone else in the family. This project was one of the hardest things I never did...
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It is always nice to have grandkids come and visit, even those with an overwhelming affinity for water and those with dark-adapted vision.
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