I think that this was quite successful, even though it may have been the only one that turned out. It only takes a single success to make a photo trip worthwhile, but you already know that.

I've been trying to figure out why I like this so much.

The first thing that I can say for sure is that it's got a lot of impact. Obviously, the sliver of blown-out sky at top casting the beam directly down the center line of the frame is part of this, but the strong perspective lines of the I-beams accentuate this even more. And we don't usually see such lines above the horizon (except for dramatic skies), which I think adds even more drama to what should be a lifeless area. And I just noticed that the triangle shape outlined by the structure is mirrored quite nicely, albeit more subtly, in the wet triangle-shaped muddy area in the foreground.

This also has a nice variety of textures, ranging from crisp and rough gravel to smooth and almost featureless painted steel. My favorite, though, is the water/rust stains on the concrete wall. You brought out the details with a just-right value range. Not too contrasty which would compete with the focal point, but enough to add more life to the photo.

And the shapes created by the various forms, highlights and shadows are quite compositionally strong as well. The most interesting play of shapes for me is smack dab in the middle.

Well, now I have a much better understanding of why this has so much impact for me. And its success certainly isn't hampered by the fact that it appeals to my liking of near-abstract industrial b/w photography.