Recently we took on an extra large project that gave us all a mixed bag of emotions that I don't think any of us will ever forget. Remove the two existing 32 foot stacks and replace them with a more structurally sound stack that will function for two crematories and withstand many years of harsh Minnesota weather. That was our task. Sounds easy right? WRONG!
The two existing stacks, made of refractory- surrounded in cinder block- surrounded by brick, were connected within the one "chimney" and built right next to an amazing marble mausoleum. The original stacks built in 1954 were beginning to crumble, crack and deteriorate which caused major concern for the cemetery/crematory staff. Completely understandable!!! That is where we came in.
Over the demolition week Mother Nature definitely played games with us and rebuild week was not any different. Luckily we won those games! Between the threats of storms (luckily none amounted to anything), intermittent rain showers, high humidity, and winds, we never knew what the day was going to throw at us. That is the joy of having an outdoor job, right?
Our first task was to SAFELY demolish the original stacks without damaging the mausoleum or the surrounding building. This is where our nerves kicked into overdrive.
Heavy duty chains, jack hammer and brute force definitely came in handy on this one.
Heavy duty chains, jack hammer and brute force definitely came in handy on this one.
| As you can see we were all beyond happy when everything went exactly to plan! Phew... Now that our nerves were settled we could start in on our next task. To rebuild... |  |
Before we could even begin to think about the rebuild however, we had to dig out of the rubble. This was a long grueling process that we were all pleased to have done come the end of week one.
| | Jack hammering... Shoveling... Mixing... Pouring the foundation... Framing... Welding... It was quite the task to say the least! |
As the project came to a close we were able to button up a few lose ends and assemble the stack. With help from a 70 ton crane the stack was put in its resting place next to the mausoleum. Very fitting don't you think?
"It looks like a really big caterpillar" mentioned one of the staff members of the cemetery.
Finally our vision was complete and it was time to start up the crematoriums to test out the new stack and after chamber system; SUCCESS! Everything works like a champ and all of the previous draft issues that they were having with the old stack vanished! What a great feeling!!!!