Installing Our Stairs and Bridges
Monday, September 21st, 2009Today was a big day for us. A very big day.
The team from Larson Steel (Hector, ’Little Hector’ and ‘Little Pete’) was fabulous. They worked well with Ben, our crane operator from West Coast Crane.
Background on the Stairs and Bridges
With our atrium going through to the lower level, our bridges and stairs will be a big part of our house. The railings will be critical as visitors will touch and feel them.
There are very few interior bridges in residential houses, so our two interior bridges will differentiate our house from many others. Oh, we have an exterior bridge, too.
Preparing the Site
Bryan arrived at the job site at 7:25 am this morning. It was a bit foggy. Our crane was waiting patiently on Winchester Boulevard. Ben, the operator, wasn’t going to move the crane into position until 8:00 am because of the loud ‘beeping’ noise it makes when backing up.
Bryan, with help from the Larson Steel team, removed the temporary safety railings.
Arriving at the job site. Note the fog - it will be a very hot day today.
Crane parked and waiting patiently on Winchester Boulevard, ready to start working at 8:00 am.
Bryan has to remove these temporary safety railings.
And, remove these temporary safety railings around the atrium.
Temporary safety railings are gone and the crane is getting set up. Still a bit of fog to burn off.
Installing the Stairs
We knew it was going to be a tight fit to put the stairs in place. We had 1/4 inch of clearance with the feature concrete wall. We rigged the stairs four different ways before finding the correct combination to bring it in. Essentially, we ended up bringing the stairs in low, then raised it up and pushed it back.
Stairs being lifted from the Larson Steel truck.
Here come the stairs!
Bringing the stairs in low, then raising the stairs.
The stairs are in place!
With the stairs in place, Bryan scurried up them and helped Hector with the final adjustments.
We're done.
Placing the Bridges
The two bridges were put in place in minutes. Literally.
They fit perfectly and there were no issues.
Here comes the first bridge.
Little Hector and Pete positioning the first bridge (Bridge Foyer).
Testing the bridge. Yes, it is solid. Rock solid.
Second bridge coming from the truck.
The second bridge being lowered into position (Bridge Hall).
Placing the Bridge Hall exactly where it needs to be.
Our stairs and bridges are now in place.
Done. The crane completed its work by 9:41 and left the job site at10:00 am.
Installing the Steel Column
We installed the HSS 4×4 x 3/8″ steel column as well today. It went in relatively fast and needed to be welded to the W6x16 steel I-beam.
Welding the steel column to the steel beam.
Threaded bars welded to I-beam for the Hardy Frames.
Our Flag is Flying Again!
Our flag is now flying - we're ready to host visitors now!
Checking in with Steve Kreck at Paramount Modular Cable Railing Systems
Bryan has been working with Steve Kreck at Paramount Modular Cable Railing Systems on the design of our railing system around the atrium and on the stairs. Steve is great to work with and has a keen eye for detail.
Having installed the stairs, Steve wanted to know if we had sufficient clearance for the 1×2 inch stainless steel posts on the stairs. Bryan measured the gap and it will be close. We’ll have to ensure the concrete doesn’t extend over the steel I-beam by the stairs or there certainly won’t be sufficient room for the posts.
There is a one-inch gap between the HSS 2x8 stringer and the W10x12 steel I-beam. Just enough for the stair posts.
You can see there is just 1/8th of an inch of clearance between the concrete wall and the stairs. Exactly as designed.
You can see the Titen bolts that hold the stairs to the concrete wall so there won't be any sway in the stairs. These bolts will be hidden behind the risers.
The same Titen bolts hold the landing to the concrete wall. It is solid. Rock solid.
You can see how the HSS 2x8 stringer on the right becomes a 3/8 inch plate that floats against the concrete wall. The same steel stringer continues all the way up the stairs on the left side.
Brittany and Jim O’Brien Inspect the Bridges
Jim and Brittany came by to see our progress. We had dinner with the O’Briens on Saturday evening so it was great to host their visit.
Jim and Brittany O'Brien arrive at the job site.
Jim wants the Madrone decking on the bridge before going across.
Jo-Anne and Kate Test the Stairs
Jo-Anne and Kate inspected the site and tested the stairs. They approved!
Kate and Jo-Anne arrive at the job site, ready to test the stairs.
Taking their first steps ...
It works! Jo-Anne and Kate declare the test a success.
