Some major, and novel, concrete works were completed across the project. The final section of the more than one-metre-thick bottom slab for the Target’s Active Cells Handling Area (D02) was cast, and framing of the walls has already progressed substantially. The second phase of the Target Monolith vault (D02) casting was also completed, which required special equipment for handling heavy concrete containing iron ore. Four normal concrete pours remain for the vault casting. The bottom slab for the E03 lab building in the long instrument hall was completed, with concrete poured over special stainless steel reinforcement to maintain the space as a “non-magnetic area”. And finally, the highest wall on site so far was cast on one side of the Sprinkler Building (H10) . The work was done over a more than 12-hour period, in half-metre instalments. Cast-in cooling pipes were included to keep the concrete from cracking over the course of the pour and very long vibrating sticks were used to settle the concrete from the very top of the building. Three more walls to go.
Skanska’s Per Smidfelt has come on board as the new Project Support Manager. He had this to say concerning initial impressions on the job: “It’s a fantastic but also slightly shocking experience to enter in the middle of a project already progressing at full speed… The project you all contribute to feels truly unique—everything from the research facility we are building to the culture and the collaborative spirit. Wherever I turn, I am met with curiosity, openness, kindness and professionalism, which gives me a lot of inspiration and a desire to contribute to the top of my ability.” Smidfelt will eventually lead the building project for Skanska as Project Director, replacing Dan-Magnus Sköld.
