Keeping the rocks off the road

Took a family trip on Highway 1 this weekend. Marveled at Caltrans solution to rock slides which is under construction.

Pipeline suspension bridge

Concrete being poured this week for the primary abutments and outrigger foundations. Pics require some imagination at this point to visualize the alignment of the bridge.

Late 1800's Barn and Residence

 Yes, there are barns in California. The previous post relates to this barn that we are rehabbing.

Surface drainage has been carrying dirt under the barn probably since it was originally built. There are two white owls living in the loft of this barn. I am hoping to get some photos of them, they are absolutely beautiful.

 This two story Victorian house is also on the property and we are rehabbing it as well.

The primary structural problem with the house is sinking foundations along the outer edge of porch and brick chimneys that have collapsed in past earthquakes.

Wood Rot

Probably close to 100 years of soil being transported under this wood framed structure by surficial run-off has filled the floor joist bays with dirt.

Roughly 12 inches of wood rim joist and mudsill are completely gone due to rot.

The space where a rim joist and mudsill previously existed is now filled entirely by dirt. The stone foundation wall is exposed in this photo, mortar has no binder material left and is now dry sand.