Laying+the+foundation+slab

The location for the dome was a difficult choice. I originally had decided on replacing the old TRO shed with the dome. But, the main problem with that location was the reduced horizon. Instead, I decided to put the doem in the place of the 16inch run off shed. This would leave room for a future large instrument where the TRO shed was. The TROK could also be put there for testing if needed. The concrete lags were removed and then the ground dug up for the 6 inch thick rienforced concrete slab.



Pegs were used to hold the thin ply mould in place. A number of 4 inch ducts were installed. Two from the outside, with one of these carring on to the center of teh doime for telescope cables. A damp proof layer was added. The rienforcing was added near to teh top of the slab.



My Dad, Dave Robinson, Geoff and Dave Owen helped out in the laying of the concrete slab. We used Spot Mix to supply the concrete. This was barrowed from the road in less than an hour. We then had to tamp the concrete down nice and smooth.



The concrete was covered for a few days to ensure that it did not dry out too quickly.