PROJECTS WITH A VALUE LESS THAN R50 MILLION Naidu Consulting – eZimbokodweni Pipe and Pedestrian Bridge

WINNER

Naidu Consulting for eZimbokodweni Pipe and Pedestrian Bridge

PROJECT TEAM Client: eThekwini Municipality Consulting engineer: Naidu Consulting

Located in the Philani valley of Umlazi, a sewer trunk line encased in reinforced concrete and acting as a low-level pedestrian crossing was rendered vulnerable and impassable. Due to illegal sand mining, the riverbed had been lowered to such an extent that the structure was exposed to vandalism, flood action and heavy trucks driving over it.

Restoring and protecting the existing sewer line from further damage was not cost-effective. In addition, a pedestrian crossing was desperately required by the communities.

EThekwini Municipality appointed Naidu Consulting via a competitive open tender to deliver a much-needed solution for the safe crossing of the eZimbokodweni River in conjunction with an upgraded sewer line.

Naidu Consulting subsequently undertook the design and construction supervision of the 160 m long eZimbokodweni Pipe and Pedestrian Bridge.

The deck is pre-stressed and comprises six equal spans. Standing approximately 10 m above the existing riverbed, the box girder deck accommodates a 1 000 mm diameter HDPE gravity sewer pipeline. The bridge substructure is founded on piles.

The pioneering adoption of photoluminescent concrete polymers added a new dimension to safety on the eZimbokodweni Pipe and Pedestrian Bridge.

It is the first bridge in South Africa to utilise photoluminescent ‘glow in the dark’ polymer concrete handrails and posts. The technology was envisaged by Naidu Consulting and developed by Resocrete Polymers.

The photoluminescent concrete handrails and posts illuminate the bridge at night, offering a much-needed solution to the safety of pedestrians. In addition, the foot paths leading to the bridge also incorporate the same material.

This technology utilising photoluminescent polymer concrete as a lighting solution will eliminate the high costs of conventional electricity, as well as vandalism and cable theft. It is also a solution that is maintenance free, with a long-term cost saving to the client.

The eZimbokodweni Pipe and Pedestrian Bridge delivers on improved sanitation facilities, as well as a safe and secure pedestrian crossing for the eZimbokodweni community. This bridge redefines how form and function can come together.