The Response to Norbert

The Response to Norbert

Lesson learned

The first attempt to deal with the problem of drainage under and through the wall was to use the easiest, quickest and least expensive means possible.  That is: cement was transported by wheel barrow and contained by forms made of sandbags.   The results of this effort were disappointing. We awoke the next morning to see the previous days work in complete disarray.

The photo below shows the excavation required to expose the breech below the cement that was poured the day before.

Undaunted, Arq. Montoya escalated his response by excavating deeper and using wooden forms and timbers to contain the cement which was delivered by pumper truck.    He also hired more experienced construction workers capable of multitasking and heavy lifting.  They were an amazing workforce and definitely were inspired by Arq. Montoya  who was always at the centre of the action.  See note at end about sandbags.

The following picture shows the first result of this patching, bracing, plugging effort.   ¡It is beautiful isn't it!

You can best get the feel for this dirty, difficult and dangerous action from the following short videos.  The videos bring to life the still images and commentary.

Heavy Lifting II.                http://youtu.be/bULl-mOSduA

Here Comes the Cavalry.  http://youtu.be/W6eup1Y38vE

Holding our Own.             http://youtu.be/OL8QzAehJlU

Encouragement.               http://youtu.be/MZQJcSMWd7Y

Cement.                           http://youtu.be/nub2NBUDABQ

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Note: Although sandbags were not used again to make the primary forms, they were used to: support wooden forms;  prevent superficial erosion of the beach surface; fill holes; and reduce erosion on both sides of the seawall.