Construction Ahead!
I caught up with a crew from Alba Construction last week as they worked on rebuilding the sidewalks in Hiram Ohio. I was impressed with the skill, coordination and efficiency of the workers. They made quick work of breaking up and extracting the decrepit old sidewalks. A large concrete saw is used to trim the edges of existing sidewalks and driveways. Next they constructed forms using lumber and iron stakes. A bed of crushed stone was tamped down between the forms. By the next day they were ready to pour concrete into the forms. That’s when the action really begins, especially as the concrete begins to set very quickly in the summer heat. It all begins with the arrival of a concrete mixer from Brugmann’s. Chutes are connected and the pour begins immediately as the clock ticks down. If there’s any delay the cement will begin to set inside the truck. (One of the drivers told me it requires a jackhammer to remove it once hardened.) No one seems phased by the pressure. Great to see eight guys working in concert to screed and shape the concrete. Professionals always seem to make jobs like this look easy when they are anything but.
Photographically the challenge on construction sites is to get as close as possible without getting in the way. And constantly be aware of my own surroundings so as not to be injured or damage the camera. The photos presented here were shot over the course of two days, at times with bright sun and blue sky and others dark overcast.
Thanks to Alba Construction and the Brugmann drivers for close access and putting up with me.
Written and photographed by Dave Dreimiller
Screeding concrete off the top of the forms.
Flagging traffic.
Ankle deep in wet concrete.
Exactly what the driver of a concrete mixer should look like.
Concrete saw in action.
Directing the chute.
Removal of old sidewalk.
The chute direction is controlled from the truck.
Spreading and screeding.
A magnesium concrete float stands ready.
Why the speed limit is reduced in construction zones. It was very alarming to be on this side of a construction project.
Teamwork
Sun blocking headgear.
Business end of the concrete delivery chute.
Pouring a driveway apron.
Cement saw creates a billowing cloud of dust. I keep the camera upwind of these things at all times.
Floating and troweling.
