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Then came the Pier Foundation & the hole dig, not need any 'overkill' for this fit, tho very much adequate !
1st pic) Reo Cage using 50mm square mesh cut & tied appropriately, note: cutting gaps inline for the DynaBolts - make for assured easy drilling when concrete is set, blue metal aggregate is one thing for drilling with masonry drill bit, but tempered gal steel can skew your hole and cause locking your dynabolt before its hit all the way in !
2nd pic) 600mm Diam hole x 500mm deep with a square cut-out ontop, which was going to be formed with an extra 100mm above to meet up to top of pavers inc bedding sand.
The steel star picket is 600mm long with 300mm hammered and crowbar'd 'blunt end' 300mm into solid shale - its probably half rusted by now, tho the main purpose was to stabilise the foundation for 1st few yrs during season rains and dry spells so it has been firm during this time for good bedding/settling into the ground around it. Also note: at bottom left of
pic deep in hole is a shale outcrop which was left for further stabilisation, the dirt was hosed of this before pouring the concrete for maximum bonding.
3rd pic) Ready for 'crete pour 1st thing in the morn. The white 320mm diameter Poly pipe is used to cover the pier when not in use for protection against the elements.
4th pic) Pier foundation Poured along with a step edge and riser in the background and a channel drain at right next to existing shed, the distances between the edging and Pier Base was measured to suit a nice fit for pavers to exclude cutting pavers in third/halves or what have you. Also some sand brought in for paver bedding.
5th pic) Ive had my hand in Stonemasonry, its good to leave on good terms, so I was able to grab some excess 'Black Galaxy' slabs, cut to size 'all free' for my outside shelving, the narrow slice has the shiny surface facing out, behind it is the back of wider slice.
Final pic) Pier mounted, under white poly pipe with a lid. Pavers down, Black Galaxy Granite edges shaped, ground & polished looking purdy on the Bessa Block stands !
I've only used this area with a scope about about 6-8 times over the last 6 yrs - hopefully my 'soon to be' enclosure will see an end to this slack astro hobbyist, Lol
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