With the hollow core concrete panels in place, we have two tasks to complete.

First, we have to place dry pack in the voids, or gaps, under the steel columns and beams.  At the same time, we have to move 160 yards of soil to fill the void between the swimming pool and the foundation wall. 

View of the bridge to the house (over the void that must be filled), with the two conveyors that will be used to move the 160 yards of soil.

Placing Dry Pack

Our steel beams are connected to the concrete with embedded bolts.  There is a 1½ inch gap under the steel plate that the embedded bolts are connected to.  After the steel is in place, the resulting gap is filled with ‘dry pack’ and allowed to set.

Using dry pack under the steel beams allows the full weight to be distributed evening to the concrete surface.

Mixing and placing dry pack under a steel column.

Completed dry pack under a steel column.

Dry pack under the beams near the exterior stair well.

Dry pack under the steel beam in the Wine Cellar (the opening to the right of the beam is for ducting).