Weekly Photo Challenge: Layers

Layers. Layers can reveal, conceal, and make something more complex. They can vary in size, texture, color, or functionality. Each layer can have its own story, meaning, or purpose. They can overlap, blend, or be distinctly separate. A layer doesn’t have to be a part of a single object but can even be a slice of a multifaceted image or scene.  In a new post specifically for this challenge, share a photo which means LAYERS to you!

This may not be exactly what this challenge is supposed to mean but for me, it has grabbed my interest more than any other “layer” idea I can think of. I’ve been watching the construction of an overpass over the Pan-American Highway. Over the last weeks and months, layer upon layer of rebar and concrete and blocks and other parts have been added, and it’s growing into something quite impressive.

First we saw this big digger appear and start making big holes in the ground.

Then, we saw cylinders of rebar emerging from the ground.

The huge machine continued to work, and large columns of cement started to emerge where the rebar cylinders had been.

The columns of cement grew and grew, and then they started to build horizontal walls on top of some of the columns.

As the columns were finished, the layers of block were added above and more walls took shape.

Soon, some of the walls were starting to look like some serious supporting structures.

Walls were also built on the ground level at either end of the construction site.

I happened to come by a few days ago and found something really exciting going on. They were installing these huge long concrete beams on the supporting walls. They are so long that you can barely see the truck at either end.

The beam is now being raised by a crane as the truck drives away. There is a truck at either end, and I don’t know how they manage to drive down the highway like that. The two drivers must really know what they are doing and communicate with each other to keep the perfect distance apart. One of them has to do all this while driving backwards! There are men along the route to help and manage traffic, and a lot of guys at the construction site helping to guide the drivers while they move the beam into place. Then two cranes take over at either end of the beam to lift it into place.

The beam slowly moves through the air as the two cranes work together to put it into place.

The men guide the beam into place, making sure it is exactly where it is supposed to be.

The next day they had all the beams on the north end of the site in place, and they were working on the next set between those and the highway.

Another beam is slowly raised while workmen help direct and guide it into place.

This is what I saw at the site today, looking south where they have also placed a section of beams on the south end of the site. It looks like they are working on the supporting wall next to the highway in preparation for the next set of beams.

This construction site is an easy bicycle ride from our neighborhood, so I’ve been stopping by most days to see what they are doing. It’s just fascinating to watch the expertise and teamwork of this crew, especially as they put the beams into place. Those things are huge! There is an even longer span crossing the highway so I hope I get to see them work on that part.

Third world country. Pfffftttt. These people are as capable and competent as any crew anywhere, one more example that Panama has it together more than many people probably think.

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