The sculpture was plotted with Auto-CAD to determine the spacing of the bases. Bland and Matt translated the measurments using surveying techniques to physically plot the foot-print of the installation. The lamp poles were then arrayed on the ground. Bland and Matt developed a hinge system for the apex of each arch that connects the two poles together using the existing bolt pattern of the lamp pole. Two stainless steel 1/4" cables run the entire length (provided by Suncor Stainless), and attach to each arch using 8 5/16" bolts rated at grade 8. Each individual arch is righted using a winch attached to a Jeep until it is perfectly plumb. This ensures that there is no force acting on the anchor points. The sculpture is anchored using 5 foot long 1" diameter stakes driven in at a 45 degree angle that connect to balvanized turnbuckes to hold the installaiton static. In addition, rebar was driven into the bolt pattern of each lamp pole base to ensure the foot would not kick out.
The objective of the first installation was to test the engineering of the structure. The installation withstood winds of 64 mph, and exposure to the elements for 3 weeks. No visible sign of stress or structural instability were detected during its duration. The deconstruction went smoothly over a period of two days.
The goals for the project are to continue setting up the lamp poles in sculpture competitions to gain experience in the public art realm. Matt and Bland are proficient in moving and installing the sculpture in a short period of time. 30 arches have been raised in under 12 hours.
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