Thursday, December 10, 2009

Gumption and gut feelings

The team of experts involved in the planning of the tire wall has grown over the last two weeks. Geologist Axel Gutierrez of Coban, architect Ericka Temple and Construction Assistant Aaron Colvin of Long Way Home, Inc. met with local masons and members of Uspantan´s Planning Office last Tuesday.

Ericka had been back in the states for a few months and the moment I found out she was back in Guatemala I arranged a meeting with all involved to work out any kinks in our plan.

Axel´s analysis of the soil has proven invaluable. Axel and Ericka determined that the lower wall is sturdy and would remain intact if a French drainage system was built in conjunction with two terraced upper walls. The upper wall is made of a very fine clay which becomes heavy with rainfall and weak in the dry season. Stabilizing the upper area will prevent the lower wall from collapsing.

Axel will also be participating in next week´s 5 day training session in San Juan Comalapa in order to advise during the construction of our wall in January. I will accompany 3 local mason´s and Denis from the Planing Office for the week. We leave Sunday morning and will return on Friday the 18th.

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