Second Foundation Type Appears for Monsters, Inc. Coaster at Hollywood Studios
Another week, another new foundation system for the Monstropolis coaster.
Bioreconstruct has once again taken to the skies, delivering beautiful aerial construction photos of the Monsters, Inc.–themed coaster under construction at Hollywood Studios. Last time he flew over, he caught crews building a foundation sandwich. This week, crews debuted a different approach.
The latest surprise is at the ride’s entrance and queue. The forms in that area have been in place for a while, and they always felt a little tall. Today, we learned why. I received this text from Aahs n Oohs while in a Zoom meeting for my day gig:
“This looks more like someone using a power trowel over packed crushed stone than concrete. It’s too bright and soft.”
Not concrete, but engineered fill
After the meeting wrapped, I sent Bio’s photo to a concrete specialist. His take lined up with Aahs’. Crews appeared to be finishing an engineered fill layer rather than freshly-poured concrete. He did float the possibility of it being high-strength grout, but with only one worker on a power trowel, that seems unlikely. Grout would set too fast without more hands finishing the surface.
Before the power trowel came into play, workers had already smoothed the surface using a bull float, which can be seen just outside the foundation form.
Whatever the material, the goal is stability. A crushed stone or engineered fill base would firm up the entrance structure while also improving drainage. That’s especially important for a foundation that sits below grade.
Once the finishing is complete, crews may spray a chemical binder to seal the surface. Rebar should follow, ahead of the eventual concrete pour.
Ride foundation progress
Over in the ride area of the Monsters, Inc. factory, crews have been busy running conduit. The last time Bio flew over, those gray pipes were just beginning to disappear beneath the foundation’s sand layer. Now they’re positioned to support the suspension coaster’s substantial electrical needs.
Four rectangular plywood retaining walls are in place, holding back sand for future footer pours. Two of the larger sections already contain forms, which appear to measure roughly 20 feet by 24 feet with a depth of about 3 feet. The two smaller retaining walls don’t yet have forms installed.
At this pace, Bio’s next flyover could reveal a rebar grid ready for a massive concrete pour.
Finally, we spotted white PVC pipes protruding from the soil in the building’s entrance (on the opposite side from the fill layer). Several appear to be sewer vents, which could indicate where the Monsters, Inc. factory bathrooms will be placed.
At this rate, it feels like something major is happening in Monstropolis every time Bio flies over. We can’t wait for his next update.
