Preparing the footpath for paving

 Matua Jason and most of the building academy students have been away this week at OPC at Tongariro National Park. 

 Manaaki and Ngapua didn't go on this trip so we concentrated most of our efforts on preparation of the pathway way between the school hall and the technology classrooms at the end of c block.  

We have numerous concrete blocks in all shapes and sizes from a concrete pad that was removed and broken up into smaller pieces. Our aim is to lay these blocks into the pathway as crazy paving. 

After looking at the thickness of some of the blocks we deemed it necessary to dig a bit more soil out of the pathway area. This is to accommodate the base material and thicker blocks.  

I can't say it was an overly enjoyable task as we had worked on it over a couple of weeks. To make matters worse, it had rained over the weekend and there  was a pool of water in the dugout area..  Manaaki and Ngapua scooped the water out, and although it was still muddy the next day we dug out more of the soil/ mud. 

The next couple of days was a bit better as most of the mud was gone and it had dried out a bit. The boys worked really hard, continuously and  without complaint, doing a not so pleasant and physical task. Yesterday afternoon we achieved our objective and the path should now be deep enough to accommodate the base materials and most of the concrete blocks. 

It was a great effort by Manaaki and Ngapua,  great workers. 

Footpath in progress

 

Learning to lay concrete for a footpath 

We have been working on building some footpaths down by the canteen.    This part of the footpath is approximately 4 metres long.   Hoani did most of the digging for this path.   

This image shows the boxing we put in place to support the concrete and to make sure the concrete doesn't pour out everywhere.  

We placed the wire reinforcing mesh down before pouring the concrete because it helps with the structural integrity. Using the wire mesh will help the concrete stay together and it will be stronger for longer.  It also makes it less likely to crack.

Michael, Manaaki, DJ and David were in charge of mixing the concrete and getting the ratio right.  We used four shovels of building mix to one shovel of cement.  Everyone else was taking turns at moving the concrete and emptying into the boxing.  

DJ and Kadel finished the concreting by screeding which involves smoothing and leveling out the concrete.