July 29 -Building the Foam Block Walls

A necessary tool, the rebar shortener, was repaired in a timely manner so the project can continue. I was thinking maybe some duct tape and a couple of splints would do the job. Fortunately, a little sterner repair was implemented.

Once repaired so sturdily it likely will cut all the rebar needed
for this job, and maybe many more.

The blocks -
The foam blocks lock together with a collection of grooves and tabs that nest snugly, both on the top and bottom as they are stacked vertically but also on the ends as they are laid one adjacent to the next. Squirt on a little foam adhesive and build a wall like you might with Lego blocks or tinker toys. Inside the block are plastic webs that hold the sides together. These webs also have  slots into which rebar is inserted for stability.

Amber Moll show off her strength,
carrying two building blocks.

Looking down into the block as it sets on the footing. The holes
for the rebar had to be placed so they would not conflict with the
web in the blocks. Now I know why those guys spent all that time
measuring and chalking. Clever fellows, those Americans.

Three chiefs, Phil, TMITYH, and Sam check out the
layout.

Brandon Wuollet and Troy Huhta cut blocks to fit the space
remaining in the middle of a wall. The corner pieces must be
set first and any resulting space filled with a trimmed block.

Building the walls - 

Kevin Hendrickson applies the foam while Elias holds the block
and then sets it in place.

Nina Moll and Sasha Niemela insert longer rebar pieces 

necessary for the next courses of block, into the PVC ring that is 

on the planted rebar piece. Using the rebar in this manner made it 

possible to set the blocks without having to lift the blocks 

over the long rebar and thread each block through a rebar

forest.

Phil Muhonen cuts holes in the foam blocks for tubes through which electricity and water (in pipes) can get into the building below floor level.

Completed holes with pipes installed.