20 November 2008 If we build it, the robot will come!

Journal Entry

What a team! Today, we did a test build of the entire flooring assembly for "The Bothouse" which is the building that will house the robot - ENDURANCE - out at Lake Bonney. The flooring had already been built in Texas, but because of the shrinking and warping effects of wood due to weather and extreme conditions, we needed to be sure the entire system would still fit together after being exposed to the extreme cold. If anything needed to be rebuilt, adjusted, or re-drilled in order for bolts to line up properly with neighboring boards, we needed to know - and respond accordingly - while we are still in "town." Lake Bonney is a protected area, no major construction is allowed in the area, plus... it's easier to deal with problems in town when we have access to lots of tools and people to help than it is at Lake Bonney.So, we got out the floor plans and started to build! The most level ground in town, where we could also assemble the floor, has a slight slope to it. So, the first task was to create supports that are shimmed to be level at strategic places. That's easier said than done, but we succeeded. Then, it was lay down the beams, connect them, lay the flooring blocks in place, add the "moon pool" cover (the moon pool is the opening in the flooring where the robot will be lowered into, and raised out of, the water) and tracking, assemble the scaffolding, and admire our work! Sounds easy. Our crew of 13 (11 team and 2 helpers) worked wonderfully together. It was quite an accomplishment to get it all done in one day! Tomorrow, we add the tent!