Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Base layer of west berm nearing completion

Nov 18

Nov 18 Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Base layer of west berm nearing completion

This latest Bahá’í World News Service report on the construction of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was published on 15 November 2022.

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — Construction work continues on the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, with the concrete base layer of the west berm nearly done. Once completed, the berms will connect with the trellis, which will span the central edifice where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s sacred remains will be permanently laid to rest.

Besides the photographs below, the Bahá’í World News Service story presents several more, with informative captions. See news.bahai.org/story/1625/

In preparing the berms, expanded polystyrene (EPS) blocks are first assembled and layered to create the shape of the slope. Next, gravel is poured onto the formwork, using a specialized gravel pump, to create a smooth and continuous surface. Then, a liner is laid that will separate the concrete from the gravel. A network of rebar is placed on top of the liner to strengthen the concrete, which is finally poured on top. The concrete surface is designed to allow small service vehicles to safely drive on the berm without damaging it. When completed, the berm will be covered with topsoil, and then landscaped with grass, shrubs, and other foliage.

A rendering of the design concept for the Shrine, highlighting the west berm.

EPS formwork is lowered into place using a crane, giving the berm its initial shape.

Featured photo: a view of the west berm at sunset

This report, with a full set of photographs, can be found on the Bahá’í World News Service (BWNS) website: Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Base layer of west berm nearing completion.

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