building on insulating layer Pompeii Oven Construction Discuss building on insulating layer in the Pizza Oven Design and Installation forums; did what the plans said and the insulating layer appears like it won't hold the 4" blocks that will go ...

[jefekefe]

did what the plans said and the insulating layer appears like it won't hold the 4" blocks that will go up on the sides and back leading up to the roof. Will that insulating layer hold up?

[Breven]

I'm not sure I'm understanding the question correctly, but I think you are worried about building your enclosure walls on top of the insulating mix- maybe it'll crush under the weight of the walls? If that's your question...you might be right. I wondered the same thing, so I didn't take my insulating layer all the way to the edge. I left plent of room for the walls of the enclosure to bolt directly to the hearth slab. However...I do think that if you mixed the Vermiculite and concret correctly- it will hold up just fine. The weight is spread out, and since it holds up to the 1,500 lb brick oven, I imagine it would hold up to the enclosure walls.

[RTflorida]

If building an enclosure Breven is right. You probably want to stop the insulation layer at the perimeter of the insulated dome and anchor directly to the hearth concrete slab.
I think the perlcrete or vemicrete layer will support the weight provided you are not building a huge structure of block or stone. The issue is usually with anchoring any type of framework. If you didn't imbed bolts in the slab and have them protruding through the insulation layer it will be tough to anchor anything securely.

RT