Valravn Goes Vertical--Construction Starts

TTD 120mph said:
It's also worth noting that there are other factors that determine how much "load" a single footing can hold. I think one factor is type of cement that's used. However, I have no clue if they use different types based on load with regards to coaster construction.

But I imagine the biggest contender is the size and depth of the base (aka) what you can't see under the ground. It's been said before but when CP does a steel coaster, the concrete base for all footings are wider than normal (and not as deep) on account of the sand and water table. The exceptions being rides like Dragster, Slingshot, Power Tower, etc that require a much deeper base. And a lot of the time, they will make one HUGE base that will have multiple footings for various footers.

Most footings in construction are wider than they are deep, unless it is a caisson and is carrying weight that would more closely resemble a bridge. Concrete is very strong is compression (the downward, pushing force) but very weak in tension which is partly why those cables are horizontally stabilizing the support in the other picture you posted. That footer can't handle a 200' rotational moment.

What he said. :D

The cement truck next to the footing in the midway there today shows just how big they are. Its hard to tell until you get something close to it to compare size. That thing is huge!

So since a lot of you have a lot more time then me, can someone tell me how tall the lift hill is currently? Are they at the crest of the hill yet?

Same as it's been for a bit now. Right around the 200' mark. They have the top assembled but not in place yet.

Looks like they've spent a lot of time the past two days working on the station. Also saw several new footers poured today near (uhhhrr, in) the midway. I'm also eager to see more supports go up and track installed. :)

Looks like they are assembling the second crane that Tony mentioned in his blog.

They're beginning to assemble the tallest support column.

http://cs1.pixelcaster.com/cedar/camera1.jpg

Valravn has officially been topped off!

I missed it due to being at work! Fudge!

Here is video courtesy Cedar Point:

https://www.facebook.com/pointbuzz/videos/10153817690116796/

The short slow cruise at the top is reminiscent of the old log ride, though slightly above any remaining trees.

And the anticipatory drop at the gate brings an old smile as well.

I was just thinking of the former drop ride near the main gate the other day.

So with Valravn topped off, I'm a bit curious to see how they'll go about constructing the drop and the MCBR, given how close together the two are:

Why they're going to thread the needle of course.

kylepark said:

I was just thinking of the former drop ride near the main gate the other day.

You're thinking of Demon drop!

Looks like they're installing the bottom of the drop today. I guess they're working their way up the drop rather than down.

It's just going to be a mess of supports in that area.

It wouldn't make any sense to assemble the drop top down. Going from the bottom up allows for the ride to support itself as the sections are added. Also it makes the crane / track placement significantly easier than top down. They did the same thing with Gatekeeper.

It's amazing how few supports there are. Because of that, I'm surprised the pace isn't quicker. I see that big section of track and turn around sitting there on 2 sticks and it seems like they would need it tied in to the track on both sides as soon as possible. So some strong winds don't kick up and compromise something before it is built to full design specs.