Preparation & pouring of columns
After the preparation & construction of the floor plate, the concrete 15 cm thick plate had to dry out for 28 days. A period of constant monitoring & watering (daily) to prevent rapid drying and ensuring a qualitative foundation for the Nile Institute Rwanda. Time to start the next phase: preparation & pouring of the concrete columns.
As the pictures above are showing, it all starts with the construction of wooden formworks. The inside is lined with a plastic film for the columns to have an smooth finish. Meanwhile, their reinforcement is braided according to the standard lengths.
For the exhibition hall, the total reinforcement height is 450 cm: i.e. 5 cm floor finish + 300 cm from floor tile to beam + 50 cm beam height + 15 cm roof plate thickness + 80 cm as guard rods for the second floor to be built later. This allows a height in the exhibition area of 350 cm; in the cafeteria and laboratory 300 cm. Finally, the sockets and switches are installed at their exact height.
Once the columns are poured, the formwork is removed 2 days later. Then they are wrapped with blankets that are moistened on a daily basis (remember the floor plate?); this process prevents the excessive drying and reduced quality of the concrete.
Just like the floor plate, the columns also have to dry out for a period of 28 days. Luckily, the following phase is already being planned carefully: construction of the ceiling beams & valley. Until next time!
