Japanese Foundation Structure Explained! - Dodai (土台) - Setting up the Dodai (Foundation Beams)

In this video, we go into greater detail explaining how to set up the Dodai (土台) or foundation structure of a Japanese house. Installing the Dodai is extremely important and requires a higher degree of accuracy and exactness because in the coming days the rest of the structure will be built on top of this foundation assembly. We go into detail about marking the Dodai so that we can install a special washer and nut assembly. This is an important step which requires us to mark each beam where there is a threaded rod embedded into the recently poured concrete foundation. There is a lot more that is working behind the scenes before we get this point, but that will be better shared in another video. The foundation beams once marked, positioned, and the holes drilled, has to be installed and leveled several times before we can start the building up of the main structure. We use laser levels and spacers (or packing) to help ensure that the top surface of the Dodai is perfectly level. Failing to do this part accurately well cause problems with the main structure not fitting right. We hope you enjoy this video as we try to go as much in depth about setting up the Dodai as possible. #carpentrylife #japanesewoodworking #japanesejoinery #carpenter #大工