SPIRE ON SITE PREPARATIONS
OUT WITH THE BARRIERS
The electronically operated barriers into the car park, the communications system to the office and indeed this central wall is being removed to give the cranes access.
FILLING IN THE GAPS
Several decayed trees and bollards had to be removed to give the cranes access to the car park. There are few craftsmen about who can place the granite square sets which were the main form of paving in Belfast at the turn of the beginning of the 20th century.
FRAMEWORKS FOR FINS
Four frameworks have been assembled into which concrete will be cast to provide an even base for the assembly of the fins and the bottom component of the Spire. This component will be built upside down and turned by the cranes before being placed in the central recess in the Cathedral roof.
FIN SUPPORT JIG
This jig was built on top of the four concrete pads to support the fins when they are being welded together.
FINS FOR WELDING
The four huge stainless steel fins are in place for welding. A temporary welding shop will be erected over them to enable work to proceed. The part of the spire which will enter the Cathedral will be joined to the top part of the fins shown here. The entire structure will then be lifted and turned in the air before being positioned. Two weeks welding on this component lies ahead.
SIGN HERE FOR A SPIRE - PART 1
The lower section of the Spire arrives by road from Switzerland.
STEADY AS IT GOES
Crane skills in action lowering the bottom of the spire on to the car park prior to preparation for its welding to the fins.
THE TARGET
The target for the first major lift is the bottom of the fins. The challenge is to lift the bottom of the spire and place it spot on here.
GENTLY DOES IT
The bottom of the spire is gently raised. Its last contact with planet earth - we pray!
AND UP IT GOES
The sang froid of the Swiss foreman is matched by Cool Hand Luke the crane operator from Limavady.
RIGHT A BIT THEN
We certainly do not want to be doing this in winds over 5mph.
THERE YOU GO - SPOT ON
Spot on - ready for more welding and a few bolts.
