Construction

I was commissioned to photograph the progress of a bridge under construction which I thoroughly enjoyed.  The workers initially were a little nervous with a photographer about but they settled and I have nothing but admiration for these construction workers, a hard and dangerous occupation but filled with camaraderie and down to earth real people.  No room for pretention here.

I am let to understand the Main Roads Dept. of the Queensland Government is undertaking a programme of upgrading a lot of the old bridges throughout regional Queensland.  This is a bridge across the upper reaches of the Brisbane River.

The stone is deposited for a pad where the crane sits to place the concrete beams which weigh fifty one tonne each.  The crane is capable of lifting 350 tons.  The preparation for the placement of the crane was exacting and precise, with the pad under scrutiny and huge counterweights attached to the bottom of the crane, semied in with five semi trailers, and this is before the machine can begin to work.

The crane testing the stability and the counterweights.

This construction worker, Will, knew his job and he and his partner, Scotty, worked together to my eyes anyhow like a well familiarized, co ordinated  team.

Chains attached to the concrete beams to be hoisted.  I was amazed that fabric was used as part of the chain, configuration to hoist the beams.....the fabric, ropes encased in a covering pocket so could not see the texture of make up of the ropes/fabric?  Much more flexible than steel.  I do not know the reason for the use of the fabric material but intend to find out....I am such a nosy parker...just gotta know stuff for the sake of knowing.

Attaching the cables of steel

Up she goes, this is the second beam

I did a HDR effect for a change with this photograph showing the second beam going into place late in the afternoon with the essential backhoe bucket shown in the foreground who asked me to shift before he scooped me and my camera up  lol

I totally enjoyed my day out on this site and have a greater appreciation of the work ethic of these construction people.