I'on Arch Construction

This semester we would be working on building an arch in the I'on development completing the work we had done last year. The wall we constructed last year would have an arch constructed across the main entrance to the I'on meeting house. The first step we took was to go to the location and take measurements of the pillars the arch would spring from. once we had the exact measurements we would then construct a form. Once the form was completed we were able to start work on the arch. In working the mortar for the arch we used a richer mortar mix then during normal masonry work. This is necessary because some variation will be necessary in the joints, and some areas will be thin, but other will be wider. Construction of the arch went quickly and smoothly with the formwork in place. Once all the bricks were in place we went over the joints using a grout bag to fill the joints. We then went over pointing any open spots and finally brushed the joints to make the work blend with the previous construction.

Plotting out the form

The form in place on the wall.

The arch and keystone in place. After this we would fill the mortar joints on the top of the arch with a grout bag.

Once complete the form would remain in place for two days while the arch set. then the form is removed.