Masonry Magazine June 1980 Page. 13
3
After the panels had cured the proper length of time, they were hoisted by a small hydraulic crane outfitted with a nylon sling onto flatbed trailers.
4
Grosvenor Masonry designed special A-frame supports that allowed each trailer to carry 16 panels. A total of 137 trips were required to transport the 2,200 panels approximately 60 miles from the construction yard to the tunnel.
5
The vacuum lift-a special piece of forklift equipment designed by Grosvenor-included six cups, each 27 in diameter. The vacuum created allowed the machine to pick up and transport the panels which weighed 2,800 lbs. each.
6
The tile panels were transported to the tunnel site with the running bond in a horizontal position. They were then rotated 90° and installed. This was accomplished by a rotator which was built into the vacuum forklift mechanism. The panels were then set directly in place, from the trailer to final location, in one operation. Each panel was set on plastic shims and attached at the top by two bolts in each panel, which were connected to slotted plates. These plates were anchored by two more bolts drilled into the concrete side walls. The bottom was grouted later. The space between each panel was left open for drainage and air circulation.