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Circuit of the Americas construction (38 posts)

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Prisoner Monkeys said 11 months, 2 weeks ago:

It’s not, strictly speaking, construction, but the legal dispute between Tavo Hellmund and Bobby Epstein/Red McCoombs has reportedly been settled out of court:

http://austin.culturemap.com/newsdetail/06-07-12-17-04-austins-grand-prix-lawsuit-settled-race-day-drama-averted/

So that’s a pretty significant hurdle that has now been cleared.

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Prisoner Monkeys said 11 months, 1 week ago:

Paving is now halfway down the back straight:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/599910_478073515540532_560048227_n.jpg

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necrodethmortem said 11 months, 1 week ago:

@prisoner-monkeys Do you happen to know more about the layer buildup of the road? I’m interested to know whether it differs much from ordinary road, like maybe they use an extra layer of EME (Enrobé en Module Elevé) in the base coarse, to deal with the huge stresses of race cars.

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Prisoner Monkeys said 11 months, 1 week ago:

Yes, it differs a lot from a standard road.

First of all, they dig down about three metres, and cover the whole thing with a polymer, which is designed to stop moisture from seeping into the lower levels of the road base. Then they begin rebuilding the whole thing, compacting it as they go. The entire process is governed by FIA standards, and none moreso than the actual sealing process. They will apply three layers of tarmac, each one formulated to a very exact mix, as governed by the FIA. Most of the sealant is acquired from a specialist producer in Germany, and the whole thing could probably withstand a 747 landing on it.

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necrodethmortem said 11 months, 1 week ago:

Thanks for that. Three meters? That’s triple of most high-durability roads.

Do they also use those procedures for street circuits like Monaco?

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Prisoner Monkeys said 11 months, 1 week ago:

They use the procedures, yes. But the figures used to calculate it are based on local geological conditions. It would be impossible to dig three metres along the Monaco waterfront, or anywhere in Montreal (as it’s on an island).

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Prisoner Monkeys said 11 months, 1 week ago:

Charlie Whiting is satisfied with CotA’s construction to date:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/100332

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Prisoner Monkeys said 11 months, 1 week ago:

More pictures!

The current view from (what will be) the Turn 1 grandstand:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/401786_479144392111906_493016447_n.jpg

The phenomenal elevation between Turn 7 (background, left) and Turn 9 (foreground, right):

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/208824_479144472111898_1532028794_n.jpg

The Turn 11 hairpin and the back straight:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/403439_479144555445223_1321830790_n.jpg

They should comfortably make their August completion date.

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rich said 11 months, 1 week ago:

I live near the track and there a great view of turn 1 from the corner of Elroy and Ross rd. I can’t believe I’m so close to the track, and that I STILL NEED TO BE SHUTTLED IN.

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Prisoner Monkeys said 11 months ago:

The armco is going up:

https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/562126_484051694942714_366650849_n.jpg

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Prisoner Monkeys said 10 months, 2 weeks ago:

Photos from July:

http://c279842.r42.cf1.rackcdn.com/1000_4ffdf578ecd98DSC_0642.jpg

http://c279842.r42.cf1.rackcdn.com/1000_4ffe3e6f52babDSC_0601.jpg

http://c279842.r42.cf1.rackcdn.com/1000_4ffdf4c4c4623DSC_0586.jpg

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necrodethmortem said 10 months, 2 weeks ago:

I don’t think the August deadline will be all that comfortable to make. Most of it seems finished and they can get done a lot in 6 weeks, but usually the finishing touches take up more time than expected. Or maybe I’m just used to the slacking pace of Belgian construction.

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Prisoner Monkeys said 10 months, 2 weeks ago:

Most of it seems finished and they can get done a lot in 6 weeks, but usually the finishing touches take up more time than expected.

The August deadline is self-imposed. There might be an FIA inspection then, but after all the drama of the stop-work order and breach of contract, there is no way this race is not going ahead unless the facilities are totally unfinished. They’ve got until November 15th to have everything in order.

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Prisoner Monkeys said 9 months, 3 weeks ago:

Awesome new photo showing the approach to Turn 1:

http://www.hillcountrykartclub.com/images//turn%20one%20up.jpg

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Prisoner Monkeys said 8 months, 3 weeks ago:

The circuit is nearly done!

Here’s an aerial shot showing the progress of the final layer of tarmac, taken a few days ago:

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/603381_514475048578840_1375298825_n.jpg

And here’s a ground-level view of the circuit at Turn 3, looking towards the far end of the track:

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/539515_514775898548755_151046911_n.jpg

Most of the remaining work that needs to be done is the fixtures and fittings of the buildings:

http://6bd32fe3d0a84caa1d3b-e077574ebbd2dc508f26c12c8cc8fefb.r63.cf1.rackcdn.com/1000_503d296720b03DSC_0806.jpg

This is the Tower and Ampitheatre, located inside the Istanbul knock-off Turns 16, 17 and 18:

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/553930_514475285245483_1000650742_n.jpg

FInally, this is the tower from the ground level:

http://6bd32fe3d0a84caa1d3b-e077574ebbd2dc508f26c12c8cc8fefb.r63.cf1.rackcdn.com/1000_503d2e54ab412DSC_0795.jpg

Charlie Whiting is due to give the circuit its final inspection on the 25th of this month. Looks like it should be ready in time.

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