This first week in Sweden has flown by so fast. I can’t believe I’m starting the third week of my placement already. Working on the site of a project this big has been amazing and so interesting. I’ve been doing loads of interesting things (to me anyway) this week like performing slump tests on concrete as the top slab of the bridge was being cast, checking the reinforcement of the superstructure to make sure it matches up with the drawings and to make sure it is all tied down correctly, installing temperature sensors in the rebar so that the hardening of the concrete can be measured as it sets and also a fair amount of office work to balance it up as well although that isn’t nearly as fun.

It’s not been all work and no play though thankfully. I’ve been taken out to lunch and dinner on a number of occasions, gone bowling with the team that works in the office on the site and attended a company bbq. Oh and not to forget the odd beer or two on the night out for two of the staff that are leaving.

I also get to move into a new flat this week as well as the one I’m in at the moment is in the middle of nowhere so I’m quite limited on what I do at night. The new one will be in the centre of Umeå so I can’t wait to move in and get to know the city better. This Swedish summer is starting to look like winter. Just when you think the weather is getting better it pours rain for hours.

Until next time,

Dave