Gaia Arch
Construction
1991

01.Support columns for Gaia Arch are....jpg
02.filled with concrete.jpg
03.View of artist working on support columns.jpg
04.Each column was tensioned with internal steel rods and then filled with concrete.jpg
05.Scaffolding in position....jpg
06.for erection of arch form.jpg
07.Artist positioning first arch blocks on columns.jpg
08.The first voussoir blocks will receive the steel bar which will abut the outward force of the arch.jpg
09.Artist confirming placement and securing with bolts.jpg
10.The restraining rod is ready for insertion into the first pair of voussoir blocks.jpg
11.Artist is applying epoxy putty to joint.jpg
12.Close-up of artist applying epoxy putty to joint.jpg
13.Restraining iron bar is inserted....jpg
14.and screwed up tight.jpg
15.Wooden arch centering form is hoisted....jpg
16.into position atop columns.jpg
17.Form is trued and balanced....jpg
18.on 1 ton hydraulic jacks.jpg
19.Artist double checks Gaia Arch form positioning.jpg
20.The wooden form will provide temporary support and be carefully lowered later.jpg
21.Balance of jacks is confirmed.jpg
22.Once the form is trued and balanced, the remaining voussior blocks will be laid up.jpg
23.Ceramic blocks are raised in pairs....jpg
24.then positioned & secured with epoxy putty.jpg
25.Keystone is raised and positioned....jpg
26.hydraulic jacks are lowered, the form drops and the arch is sprung.jpg
27.Completed Gaia Arch measures 9 feet wide by 15 feet high and weighs in excess of 2 tons.jpg
28.Arch with figurative inserts depicting personifications of Gaia.jpg
29.Gaia Gardens installed in 1991 on the campus of the....jpg
30.University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha, Oklahoma.jpg