Building the Ravenel Bridge


After all the photos I took, I've tried to arrange them in some order based on various topics I found interesting.

And a reminder from T.S. Eliot (East Coker from the Four Quartets)

Old men ought to be explorers
Here and there does not matter
We must be still and still moving
Into another intensity
For a further union, a deeper communion

About Peo and Skanska

Peo Halvarsson (superintendent of the main and back spans) and Wade Watson (the overall big boss) have opened many doors for me. Here are some of Peo in action - a wonderful demonstration of a hands-on boss. This was the day for installing the floor panels over the girders joining the east and west main spans. Here, Peo is explaining something to Jack, one of the iron workers that bolted up the north splice plate.

Peo inspecting

Building a complex bridge is more than following the recipe described in the blueprints. It is people intensive and involves many two-way discussions between the players in this drama.

Moving the bridge around with hydraulic jacks. Peo looking down at the bearing (in his brown jacket)

July 9, 2005: Opening the bridge to foot traffic.
Peo is a working supervisor and here is making last minute adjustments

Sometimes, though, Peo needs a bit of encouragement - here from Matthew

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

C. Frank Starmer

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