Description
This structure is a public artwork which represents a Martian Tripod from HG Wells’ novel, The War of the Worlds.  The material used throughout is stainless steel, which has excellent resistance to corrosion. All visible metalwork has undergone a further process of electro polishing, which has produced a permanent chrome finish. The ‘visor’ section has been mirror-polished for even greater reflective quality.  Apart from cleaning and routine inspection, the sculpture is expected to be maintenance free.

Fabrication
Structural elements comprise of a top frame and three legs, bolted to concrete foundations beneath ground level, and bolted and partially welded togther at top.  Top frame is concealed within a decorative ‘head’ section, comprised of six removable units.  The material used is grade 304 stainless steel throughout, in the following sizes:

Foundations
Each leg of the Martian Walking Engine has a square 450 x 450 x 20mm base plate, which is bolted to a concrete foundation beneath ground level. Non-shrinking grout fills in the space between foundation and base plate, and a further layer of concrete completes each foundation.

All of the foundations have a volume greater than 1m³, and have an irregular shape due to position of underground cables, pipes etc.  Bolts securing base plate to foundation are stainless steel, and reinforcement mesh is separated from stainless steel parts by plastic spacers. Mesh is at least 50mm within concrete in all directions.

Surface Finish
All visible metalwork has undergone an electropolishing process to provide an integral chrome surface.  This process electrochemically removes the ferrous particles from the surface, revealing the chrome and nickel  within the stainless steel.  Unlike an applied chrome plating, this surface will not peel or flake.

Description
This sculpture represents a projectile from Mars that has crashed into the Earth, causing shockwaves that are reflected in the surrounding paving. The brickwork covering the cylinder represents the different soil strata thrown up by the impact.  There are also 'alien' markings on the surface to give the impression that the lid of the cylinder is undoing.

The sculpture is a stainless steel cylinder, 957mm diameter, 2mm thick, filled with concrete. The surface of the metal has been treated with two coats of clear anti-graffiti paint. A brick mass has been built over one end of the cylinder, and finished with a top layer of varying coloured facing bricks.

Fabrication
A prefabricated cylinder was reinforced with bracing struts and handling bars, then decorative polishing was performed, and anti-graffiti paint applied. Cylinder was filled with concrete, then tipped into position and bolted to foundations. A brick mass was built up to form bulk of decorative brickwork, then facing bricks were laid. Matching paviors were laid to complete installation.

Foundations
250mm deep C35/20 concrete slab, reinforced with two layers of A252 mesh, on 150mm deep fully consolidated DoE type 2 material.

Surface Finish
Grit blasted stainless steel with two brush applied coats of ‘Copon Anti Graffiti Polyurethane’ paint. Marshalls’ paviors and facing bricks used in brickwork, with coloured mortar.

Description
Eleven slabs are located throughout the site, which have inlaid metal designs to represent the bacteria responsible for the Martians’ downfall in The War of the Worlds. Each slab has a different design.  The slab under the west leg of the Martian Walking Engine sculpture has been fabricated in three parts to give the impression that it has been smashed underfoot. The inlaid metal spiral design on the slab continues up the west leg, as though the microbe is crawling up the Martian.

Fabrication
12 x 3mm grade 304 stainless steel strip was curved and welded into the bacteria designs.  This was then cast, along with mild steel mesh (separated by plastic spacers) in 120mm deep pigmented concrete.  The surface is sealed with ‘Stoneseal’ for durability, and to prevent discolouration.