PPS-SAICE NATIONAL 2020 PROJECT AWARDS - ALL THE WINNERS, COMMENDATIONS AND FINALISTS SAICE 2020 INSTITUTION AWARDS - DIVISION, BRANCH, STUDENT ...
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December 2020 Vol 28 No 11
Icivil Enjiniyering
PPS-SAICE NATIONAL 2020 SAICE 2020 INSTITUTION
PROJECT AWARDS – ALL THE AWARDS – DIVISION, BRANCH,
WINNERS, COMMENDATIONS STUDENT CHAPTER, PEOPLE
AND FINALISTS AWARDS, PHOTO COMPETITION
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FR O M T H E PR E S I D E N T ’ S D E S K
The year 2020 – a tale of two parts
INTRODUCTION the Zondo Commission of Enquiry into need to exist – institutions that facilitate
It was the best of times, it was the worst State Capture should urge every citizen cooperation, and leaders who ensure that
of times – the opening lines of Charles of this country to demand that this must these institutions function to deliver on
Dickens’ book, A Tale of Two Cities, stop with immediate effect and that the these common inclusive objectives. At
are indeed relevant to this year, a year implicated should face the full might of the 64% of the total target of R1.2 trillion and
that has felt like the winter of despair to law, regardless of their position in society. with two years remaining in the targeted
many and the spring of hope to others. For the sake of posterity we as citizens five-year period, these efforts should be
It started like every other year – with should all make ourselves available to commended. The nation would however
new year’s resolutions and, for me as the assist in rebuilding our country based on now like to see more spades and wheel-
new SAICE president, with plans intact sound ethical values. If we do not act now, barrows in action.
for an exciting year in the making. Little the generations to come will hold us ac- The key success factors are political
did we know, however, that something of countable for having watched as spectators leadership and will, effective partner-
biblical proportions was about to impose without doing anything about the situa- ships, following the prescripts of the law,
itself on humanity around the world and tion. We are reminded by Daron Acemoglu supporting economic development, and
put everything on hold without warning and James Robinson in their book, Why buy-in from all stakeholders.
– the corona virus. The World Health Nations Fail, that nations fail not because
Organisation declared it a pandemic on of their geography or their culture, but be- IN CLOSING
11 March 2020. cause of the legacy of extractive economic Difficult as it was due to lack of face-to-
Then came the announcement by and political institutions that concentrate face engagements, I have really enjoyed
President Ramaphosa regarding the hard power and wealth in the hands of those the online presidential visits this year and
lockdown which started on 27 March. controlling the state, opening the way for I thank our members for accommodating
Since then every plan had to be adjusted unrest, strife and instability. They further me under these circumstances. SAICE is
to comply with the lockdown regulations. neglect investment in the most basic public there to serve you.
services and infrastructure, something I would like to take this moment to
THE WINTER OF DESPAIR – which should be avoided in our country. A wish the 2021 SAICE president, Vishal
THE SPRING OF HOPE collective effort is required from all of us to Krishandutt, a smoother year in under-
It was the season of darkness as our rebuild our country. taking his presidential duties.
country reached some low points during It was the spring of hope when, in the I would also like to use this oppor-
the year in terms of high unemployment midst of the economic downturn and tunity to wish all those graduating this
rates (42% and 30.8% based on an ex- difficult environment, basic and higher year every success with their
panded definition and a narrow definition education prevailed, and the academic future endeavours. May
respectively, and 11.1 million people year was saved. Despite the reported leaks your 2021 plans come
without jobs in Q3 as per an expanded of Maths and Science papers, much has to pass.
definition), more than 800 000 people been achieved this year in the academic May you all have
Covid-19 positive and more than 22 000 space, and that should be commended. a safe, peaceful and
having lost their lives, the need for the restful festive season.
economy to recover becoming even more RESET AND REWIRE –
urgent than ever before, and gender-based FOCUS ON THE LONG TERM Fana Marutla
violence (GBV) in our nation becoming It was the age of wisdom – President
SAICE President 2020
another pandemic. Regarding GBV – this Ramaphosa’s investment initiatives (now
fmarutla@gibb.co.za
scourge needs to be addressed by all of us totalling R773.6 billion since the start
without fail; the recent 16-day period of of the SA Investment Conference in
activism against GBV was a step towards 2018) are encouraging steps to take the
the eradication of this disease, but far country forward. Countries develop when
more must be done at a societal level. they pool their collective strengths and
It was the age of foolishness – the level energies to achieve a common inclusive
of corruption which has been exposed at goal. For this to be the case, two elements
Civil Engineering December 2020 1
December 2020 Vol 28 No 11
Icivil Enjiniyering
PPS-SAICE NATIONAL 2020 SAICE 2020 INSTITUTION
PROJECT AWARDS – ALL THE AWARDS – DIVISION, BRANCH,
WINNERS, COMMENDATIONS STUDENT CHAPTER, PEOPLE
AND FINALISTS AWARDS, PHOTO COMPETITION
oN THE cOVER P6
Icivil Enjiniyering = IsiZulu
ON THE COVER
This bridge on the road between Impendle
and Himeville in KwaZulu-Natal provides
an elevated roadway during flash flooding Reinforced Earth® has delivered reliable solutions for more than 40 000 000 m2 of walls up to 40 m
and completes the inland link between KZN high in 80 countries throughout the world; here the company is at work in Ajaokuta-Warri, Nigeria
and the Eastern Cape. The bridge showcases
the expertise of Reinforced Earth® whose
South African team has been supporting
engineers across Africa for the past 45 years. FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
The year 2020 – a tale of two parts�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1
South African
Institution of
Civil Engineering
CEO’S CORNER
December 2020 Vol 28 No 11 Adopting a transdisciplinary methodology to address complex infrastructure problems – Part 2������������������������ 4
Icivil Enjiniyering
ON THE COVER
Published by SAICE
Walls anywhere, anytime! ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 6
Block 19, Thornhill Office Park,
Bekker Street, Vorna Valley, Midrand
Private Bag X200, Halfway House, 1685
Tel +27 11 805 5947/8 | Fax +27 11 805 5971
http://www.saice.org.za | civilinfo@saice.org.za
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Vishaal Lutchman PrEng PMP
vishaal@saice.org.za | Tel: +27 11 805 5947/8
PPS-SAICE 2020 NATIONAL AWARDS
Masquerading in style! ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10
Editor
Verelene de Koker
verelene@saice.org.za
Tel +27 11 805 5947/8 | Cell +27 83 378 3996
Editorial Panel
Marco van Dijk (chairman), Irvin Luker (vice-chairman),
Projects: Technical Excellence Category
V&A Waterfront Swing Bridge������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12
Fana Marutla (president), Vishaal Lutchman (CEO),
Andile Gqaji, Jeffrey Mahachi, Avi Menon,
Prisca Mhlongo, Jones Moloisane, Beate Scharfetter,
Raising of the Garden Route Dam��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15
Verelene de Koker (editor), Sharon Mugeri (editor’s assistant),
Barbara Spence (advertising)
Annual subscription rate
Emergency Reconstruction of Seaward Road Bridge over the Umhlatuzana River �������������������������������������������������������������������� 18
R730.00 (VAT included)
Advertising
Upgrade of the Stellenbosch Wastewater Treatment Works to MBR Technology ������������������������������������������������������������������������ 20
Barbara Spence, Avenue Advertising
barbara@avenue.co.za
Tel +27 11 463 7940 | Cell +27 82 881 3454
Coastal Park Materials Recovery Facility – Bulk Earthworks����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 22
Design and reproduction
Marketing Support Services, Ashlea Gardens, Pretoria
Durban Point Promenade���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 24
Printing
Fishwicks, Pretoria
The South African Institution of Civil Engineering accepts
Khwezela Life Extension (KLX) Dragline Relocation Project������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 26
no responsibility for any statements made or opinions
expressed in this publication, and all information is
provided without prejudice. Consequently nobody
HOP/Refab Manufacturing Facility������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 27
connected with the publication of the magazine, in
particular the proprietors, the publishers and the editors,
will be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any
King Edward VII School Aquatic Centre����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 28
reader as a result of his or her action upon any statement or
opinion published in this magazine.
Midmar Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Phase 2������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 29
ISSN 1021-2000
Northfield Business Park������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 30
Civil Engineering December 2020
P12
Rehabilitation of the M4 Embankment – Durban���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 31
Retaining Walls at Atterbury Interchange����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������32
Sappi Saiccor Woodyard Upgrade������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 33
The Signature��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������34
uMshwathi Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme Phase 2��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 35
P36
Projects: Community-based Category
Mossel Bay UISP – Emergency Shared Basic Services������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������36
Nkungumathe Irrigation Scheme ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������38
Zibambele Poverty Alleviation Programme���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 40
Mjweni Pedestrian Bridge������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 41
Projects: International Category
Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam, Hydropower Station and Network Integration ��������������������������������������������������42
GRNW Viaduct (A1M1 Link Road) Piling Works��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������45
Tema Port Expansion Project – Ghana�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 46
Institution Awards P42
SAICE Individual Awards����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 47
SIZABANTU Piping Systems 2020 Photo Competition – The Winning Photos���������������������������������������������������������50
SAICE AND PROFESSIONAL NEWS
SAICE Training Calendar 2021������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 53
FUN QUIZ
SAICE Know Your Sector Competition������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������57
P50
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C E O ’ S CO R N E R
Adopting a transdisciplinary
methodology to address complex
infrastructure problems – Part 2
Part 1 of this two-part article (see Civil inclusivity, and the lessening of inequality, to disciplines or lenses through which one
Engineering, November 2020, page 5) name a few. So how do we move forward? could look at the aims and targets, and then
served to introduce the notion that we live In the previous article I made men- address all aims as a collective.
in a complex world with various schools of tion of one such approach referred to as The aggregation of each of the
thought that need to be respected and incor- transdisciplinary methodology, which aims as they pertain to each discipline
porated into solutions. A single view such as, is a methodology that accommodates a requires work to be done to solve the aims
for example, that of a politician, an engineer, multi-lens approach to achieve the objec- (problems) to find the solutions within
a regulator, a scientist, an environmentalist, tives mentioned, whilst incorporating the disciplines. Should it be decided that
a funder or financier, a social grouping or an the complexity of the needs and wants of all disciplines are weighted with equal
implementing agency, no longer holds the multiple stakeholders. I would now like importance, there arises the possibility that
relatively exclusive support that generally to explore this methodology further to social dynamics could be incorporated into
might have been the case in the past. Each give greater visibility and understanding, infrastructure designs, earth sciences into
grouping represents what could be called together with possible applications of education, economics into inequality, and
a discipline that has evolved over time and such a model in changing how we look at social dynamics into education, to name a
now holds its own in terms of the knowledge infrastructure project development and few. As we apply this thinking with greater
created, which should be deemed to have implementation going forward in our granularity we have the opportunity to craft
merit in its own right and thus deserves the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery bespoke solutions at a community level that
respect and regard of the other. For far too Plan (ERRP), for example. will achieve holistic solutions to education,
long one discipline has arrogantly tried to This example seeks to explore the infrastructure, and inequality as it applies
outdo the other, to the detriment of society weaving of the lessening inequality goal to the three chosen SDGs. There are of
and the sustainability of the earth. Such with infrastructure and quality education course many disciplines and many goals
competition motivated by ego, greed, and to bring about meaningful improvements that may be relevant, which will require
need for power and control has brought us whilst looking through the lenses of so- that more thought be put into the problem
to a tipping point – our behaviour needs ciety, political ideologies, climate sciences, matrix for further project definition. The
to change to accommodate the multiple and technology. As this is an indicative development of a model is possible, to then
disciplines that are approach, it does not profess to provide allow for project testing and verification
converging to solutions as yet, as further development until the project KPIs are complete and
achieve our is required to enhance the contribution holistic, thereby giving a greater sense of
geographic- through research and peer review. comfort that stated project objectives will
specific Table 1 on the facing page (targets, be achieved in project execution.
objectives of goals and disciplines) represents the ag- In conclusion, this high-level overview
poverty allevia- gregation of the Sustainable Development shows that a multidisciplinary approach
tion, economic Goals (SDGs) that apply to Inequality could be used to incorporate complexity
(SDG 10), Quality Education (SDG 4) into our mainstream project development
and Infrastructure, Industrialisation and and implementation schemes. The objec-
Innovation (SDG 9), indicating the tive, as indicated in this case, shows we can
corresponding target and cor- ensure that education and infrastructure
responding aims to be addressed can co-exist to make meaningful contribu-
by a preliminary discipline. The tions to inequality, which is fundamental
preliminary disciplines are to global sustainability and resilience in the
described as Social Dynamics, 21st century. (Please see Table 1 on page 5.)
Techno-Economics, Earth
Sciences, and Geopolitics. Vishaal Lutchman Pr Eng, PMP
These can be
vishaal@saice.org.za
referred to as the
4 December 2020 Civil Engineering
Table 1 Targets, goals and disciplines
No Target (SDG 10) Description (Aims) Disciplines
1 Income growth Prosperity Techno-Economics
Techno-Economics, Social dynamics,
2 Social, economic and political Inclusion of all people
Geopolitics
3 Ensure equal opportunities Social protection Social dynamics
Adopt policies that converge income and social protection
4 Greater equality Social dynamics
policies
5 Regulation and monitoring of markets and institutions Strengthen regulations to control fairness Techno-Economics
6 Ensure a voice for developing countries Access to credible global institutions Geopolitics
7 Facilitating the safe migration of people Well-planned migration policies Social dynamics
Implementing a policy of special treatment of developing Allowing for developing countries to
8 Geopoliticsl
countries in terms of WTO agreements progress economically
Allowing for development in countries that
9 Offer development assistance to developing countries Techno-Economics, Geopolitics
need it most
Allowing for free movement of migrants
10 Reduce the costs to migrate Geopolitics, Techno-Economics
between countries
No Target (SDG 4) Description (Aims) Disciplines
11 Equitable primary and secondary education Free Techno-Economics
12 Childhood education Quality Social dynamics
13 TVET and tertiary Quality Social dynamics
Techno-Economics, based on available
14 Technical and vocational Skills
employment
15 Education for vulnerable Equal access Techno-Economics ,Social dynamics
16 Youth and adult literacy and numeracy Make gains to ensure basic education Techno-Economics, Social dynamics
17 Education facilities Safe, good infrastructure, reduced bullying Social dynamics, Techno-Economics
18 Scholarships Awarding of growing scholarships Techno-Economics
19 Teachers Reduce the ratio of teachers/pupils Techno-Economics
No Target (SDG 9) Description (Aims) Disciplines
20 Reliable and resilient infrastructure Affordable Techno-Economics
21 industrialisation Inclusive Social dynamics, Techno-Economics
22 Small-scale development Increase Techno-Economics
23 Upgrade and retrofit industry Climate conscious Earth systems
24 Innovation and technology in the industry Research and development workers Techno-Economics
25 Infrastructure development Financial support in developing countries Techno-Economics
26 Domestic technology development Value-adding industrial development Social dynamics, Techno-Economics
27 Access to information Access to the internet Techno-Economics
To read Part 1 of this article, as it appeared on page 5 of the November 2020
edition of our magazine, please click on the QR code alongside.
Civil Engineering December 2020 5
O N T H E COV E R Reinforced Earth® structure built on the road between Impendle and Himeville in KwaZulu-Natal Walls anywhere, anytime! ANNIVERSARY OF experience and expertise in mechanically engineers and contractors, not only locally OUTSTANDING SERVICE stabilised earth solutions. For all these but all across Africa. This year marks the 45th anniversary years the company has been supplying Reinforced Earth® structures combine of the South African arm of Reinforced innovative, geotechnical engineering engineered granular fill, tensile reinforce- Earth®, and the local company is retaining structures to road and transport ments and modular facing panels to deservedly celebrating 45 years of trusted authorities, mining clients, design create efficient load-bearing mass-gravity Boatle, Botswana 6 December 2020 Civil Engineering
retaining walls to any practical height.
The company’s specialists collaborate
with engineering teams to find cost-
effective solutions for their projects.
Since pioneering the technology in 1963
(Henri Vidal, France), Reinforced Earth®
has continued to develop new retaining
applications through value engineering
and targeted research and development,
in the process delivering reliable solutions
for more than 40 000 000 m2 of walls up
to 40 m high in 80 countries throughout
the world.
Reinforced Earth® therefore broadly
covers the following three service areas:
QQ Engineering, which entails detailed
design and feasibility studies.
QQ Custom materials supply, which covers
the supply of components and the Manzini Bypass, Swaziland
enhancement of clients’ production
capacity. Work on the culvert itself (pictured on the and toe protection, as well as free-draining
QQ On-site technical support, which cover) commenced in December 2016 and backfill material below the flood line, were
includes the training of contractor was completed in March 2018. key aspects of the long-term success of this
personnel and the sharing of technical The new structures eliminate the project. Reinforced Earth® was responsible
expertise. previous hairpin bend at the upper end for the design and supply of materials, and,
of the gorge and provide an elevated together with procurement and logistical
IMPENDLE TO HIMEVILLE roadway during flash flooding. It was planning, constructability workshops and
The photos on the cover of this edition originally intended as a 155 m long bridge continuous site support, the final deliver-
of Civil Engineering proudly show the in box girder format on high columns able ticked all the boxes.
result of part of a project that comprised spanning the gorge. The Reinforced Earth®
the upgrade of approximately 50 km of design, instead, comprises 1 880 m2 of OTHER PROJECTS
rural gravel road, between Impendle and TerraClass concrete facing panels, using The other photos on these pages show
Himeville in KwaZulu-Natal, to a tarred 42 200 linear m of 45 × 5 HA steel rein- a small selection of Reinforced Earth®
surface road. This section of road D1357 forcing strips ranging from 4 m to 14 m. projects that were completed in various
completes the upgrade to the inland link This design proved a far more economical locations across the continent.
between Kwazulu-Natal and the Eastern solution, consisting of two 2-tiered walls
Cape. The project was commissioned back-to-back (benched into the in-situ rock Info
by the Department of Transport for and embankment) with a total combined
Louwtjie Maritz
KwaZulu-Natal, and was led by DEC height of 19 metres. The backfill comprised
Managing Director: Reinforced Earth (Pty) Ltd
Consulting Civil and Structural Engineers, tillite and mudstone, which were locally +27 11 726 6180
with Durant Civils as the main contractor. crushed and sorted. Sufficient embedment louwtjie@recosa.co.za
Moatize, Mozambique
Civil Engineering December 2020 7
PP S-SA I C E 2020 N AT I O N A L AWA R D S
Masquerading in style!
On 12 November this year SAICE hosted its annual awards event mostly online, but also livestreamed from a
small, elegant event in Johannesburg attended by the (masked) awards finalists and invited guests. The stylish
evening of celebration showcased outstanding civil engineering projects spanning 2019/20. Considering the
current trying economic climate, these examples of world-class South African engineering are truly inspiring. In
this edition of our magazine we share these projects (finalists and winners) with our readers.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Projects were entered into the following
categories:
QQ Technical Excellence Category (16 projects)
QQ Community-based Category (4 projects)
QQ International Category (3 projects)
QQ SAICE Institution Awards
PROJECT ADJUDICATORS
We would like to thank our team of adjudicators
sincerely for giving so much of their time and ex-
pertise. They have to review each project according
to the submission in front of them, and in this
respect our adjudicators would like to share a word
of advice. Projects of obviously winning standard
are often presented from a public relations perspec-
tive only, omitting the essential in-depth civil
engineering information on which the adjudicators’
evaluation has to be based. When preparing project
submissions for adjudication, entrants should there-
fore always keep this requirement in mind.
TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE CATEGORY
The judging criteria in this category are the
following:
QQ The project shows notable advancement in
the application of new or existing methods of
design, construction or project management.
QQ The project portrays the art and science of civil
engineering.
QQ The project is functionally efficient.
QQ The project was well managed and completed
on time.
QQ The project’s environmental and community
impacts were well managed.
The joint winners in this category were the V&A
Waterfront Swing Bridge (pp 12–14) and the
Raising of the Garden Route Dam (pp 15–17).
The following projects in this category were
highly commended:
QQ Emergency Reconstruction of Seaward Road
Bridge over the Umhlatuzana River (pp 18–19)
10 December 2020 Civil EngineeringSAICE President Fana Marutla and his wife Irene
queuing up to have their temperatures recorded
QQ Upgrade of the Stellenbosch techniques for the benefit of mankind. Hydropower Station and Network
Wastewater Treatment Works for The judging criteria in this category can Integration (pp 42–44). No commenda-
MBR Technology (pp 20–21) therefore be summarised as follows: tion was awarded in this category.
QQ Coastal Park MRF: Bulk Earthworks QQ Level of community cooperation and
(pp 22–23) participation during the planning and INSTITUTION AWARDS
execution of the project These are individual awards made by
COMMUNITY-BASED CATEGORY QQ Sustainable benefit to the community SAICE to recognise the exceptional
Although almost all civil engineering after project completion contributions made by the Institution’s
projects happen in and for communities, QQ Degree of skills development or tech- members, regional branches and technical
the judges stressed that, to be considered nology transfer divisions (pp 47–49).
for an award in this category, com- QQ Demonstration of civil engineering’s
munity cooperation should be seen as contribution to the welfare of mankind SPONSORS
meaningful and empowering, and should QQ Timely completion and well managed. SAICE would like to take this opportunity
be demonstrated throughout the project The winner in this category was the to thank our sponsors sincerely again for
life cycle. The implementation should Mossel Bay UISP – Emergency Shared making this wonderful event possible. They
identify and close specific shortcomings Basic Services (pp 36–37), while the fol- were PPS (naming-rights sponsor), SKI Civil
and gaps within the community, while lowing project was highly commended: & Structural Engineers, Reinforced Earth,
imparting useful and life-enhancing skills QQ Nkungumathe Irrigation Scheme Egis, and Sizabantu.
and technologies that will further sustain (pp 38–39).
members of the community beyond the
We have gone to great lengths to ensure that
construction period. Lastly, its planning, INTERNATIONAL CATEGORY the information of the key players in each
design, choice of solutions and construc- The judging criteria in this category are project is reflected accurately as per each
tion materials, as well as implementation the same as for the Technical Excellence project entry form. We do, however, apologise
should any key players have been overlooked
should demonstrate innovate thinking Category. The winner in this category
inadvertently.
in the application of civil engineering was the Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam,
All dressed up and SAICE CEO Vishaal Lutchman
elegantly masked with his wife Mona
Civil Engineering December 2020 11PP S-SA I C E 2020 N AT I O N A L AWA R D S
C AT E G O RY: T E C H N I C A L E XC E L L E N C E
V&A Waterfront Swing Bridge
JOINT WINNER
DEVELOPING THE DESIGN operation. This meant that it had to open
Technical Excellence Category Well-designed objects do what they need in 90 seconds and close in 100 seconds.
to, and the design team first sought to Furthermore, the bridge was required to
KEY PLAYERS
find out exactly what the V&A wanted. be able to swing freely under ship impact
Client: V&A Waterfront
They obviously needed a wider bridge rather than try to resist it.
Consultant: SMEC South Arica
Contractor: Stefanutti Stocks with more capacity, but there were many The V&A Waterfront was rightly con-
ways of achieving that end. In the initial cerned about their visitors’ experience and
stages of the project the V&A’s commer- the possible impact that the construction
SUMMARY cial and operational staff were questioned of the new bridge might have on their com-
Bridges and moving bridges within the about their expectations for the project. mercial operations. This was such a fun-
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, have Through a quantitative process three key damental issue that it was a major factor
become a memorable part of any visitor’s preference criteria stood out: in deciding on the location of the new
experience. The recently completed new 1. Functionality and reliability were im- bridge and on the construction method.
4 m wide swing bridge at the Clock Tower portant for the V&A. The new bridge The challenge became to find a moving
in fact replaced a smaller much-loved 2 m had to be equally as efficient, effective bridge type that could deliver the required
wide swing bridge. The smaller swing and reliable as the existing bridge. functionality within the set budget.
bridge, built in 1997, was a beautiful, ma- 2. The cost was a fixed constraint and
terially efficient structure which impres- the bridge had to be built within a CHOOSING THE RIGHT BRIDGE TYPE
sively opened and closed up to 60 times a fixed budget (figure confidential but The decision on the most appropriate type
day. However, with the further expansion less than R30M). of moving bridge was ultimately driven
of the Waterfront, the number of people 3. Disruption to the visiting public, the by cost. Both the capital cost and the
crossing the cut was increasing yearly. V&A operations and the environment predicted future routine and preventive
By 2016, the previous 2 m wide walkway, had to be limited. maintenance costs were built up for a
which once seemed appropriate, was car- Although the new bridge had to double range of options. However, it quickly be-
rying 2.4 million people per year. To keep the pedestrian capacity across the came apparent that the two viable options
pace with the demand a new, wider bridge channel, the client required that it for the location were either a swing bridge
was commissioned. should match its predecessor’s speed of or a bascule bridge. In the end a swing
The new swing bridge at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town
(the red building on the right is the historic Clock Tower)
12 December 2020 Civil EngineeringThe swing bridge in its open position
bridge was chosen as the more efficient bearings are tried and tested in both stress bars. The bridge is supported on
option as it required less power to counter pedestrian bridge and industrial applica- eight piles, positioned in a ring.
the design wind force. tions. Their large diameter allows them The slewing bearing and hydraulic
to resist overturning moment and hence motors are in a plant room, created by
SETTING THE LOCATION a cable-stayed bridge with no backstays the pile cap ring. By forming the pile cap
To minimise disruption and the cost of could be conceived. This was attractive in this innovative way it was possible to
any ferry service, it was critical that the in that it limited the works that had to be house the mechanical works within the
existing bridge should remain opera- done on the quayside. It also allowed the depth of the foundations, thus reducing
tional for as long as possible during the bridge superstructure to be fabricated and the required excavation depth and
construction of the new bridge. The time assembled off-site and then barged and keeping the foundations above sea level,
between demolishing the existing bridge lifted into place, complete, on a single day. which was advantageous from a durability
and installing the new bridge therefore perspective.
had to be limited. FINAL DESIGN
It was decided that the new bridge In the final design it was decided by both DIGITAL MODELLING
should be positioned adjacent to the the architect and the engineer to combine An important part of the detailed design
original bridge, allowing the new founda- the pylon and spine beam into a single process was the development of a three-
tions to be constructed while the original form tensioned by the stays. The desired dimensional model in Revit of every detail
bridge remained operational. However, effect of a continuous sweeping line was of the bridge. This enabled the integration
the nose of the new bridge had to land at created by running a continuous capping of electrical and mechanical works into
the same spot as the existing nose. element along the length of the pylon the structure and provided the ability to
Moving the nose closer to the his- and spine. check graphically the geometry and set-
torical Clock Tower was not feasible as it The 40 m long deck superstructure is ting out of the bridge as it rotated.
would have restricted the available space cable-stayed with a single plane of four
for crowds waiting to cross the bridge. locked coil cables, 28 mm in diameter, CONSTRUCTION
A plan was therefore devised to create connecting to a central, upstand spine On Tuesday 21 May 2019 the existing
a temporary abutment for the existing beam. The spine beam is 500 mm wide bridge was decommissioned, and
bridge while the new bridge abutment and has a total depth of 800 mm, but only disassembly began. On that Friday the
was being built. The existing bridge was 470 mm protrude above the top of the preassembled new bridge deck was loaded
rotated 10° short of its fully open position deck. An upstand beam was needed to onto a barge parked adjacent to a nearby
and docked into a temporary locking nose. ensure that the level of the deck surface jetty. Early the next morning the barge
matched the level of the quay as far as transported the bridge deck to site where
COMBINING STRUCTURE possible. The spine beam also removes it was then lifted and placed in position.
WITH MACHINERY bidirectional pedestrian conflicts, For one month the public were ferried
The new swing bridge uses a slewing improving the flow of people crossing across the channel while the cables were
bearing, supporting a self-anchored cable- the bridge. being stressed, the deck level adjusted, the
stayed bridge. A slewing bearing option The superstructure sits on the slewing deck and handrail details completed, the
was preferred as it was considered to bearing, which is stressed down onto a pier head side abutment constructed, and
offer a more sustainable solution. Slewing doughnut-shaped pile cap by 34 vertical the new barriers and gates installed.
Civil Engineering December 2020 13The 4 m wide swing bridge can accommodate
double the previous number of pedestrians
MANAGEMENT, MEETING DEADLINES and running the new swing bridge. The disciplines to create a single moving
AND BUDGET COMPLIANCE final product is considered to be an form that sits seamlessly in its urban
The project was delivered within very energy-efficient and reliable solution, and environment. Structure, architecture and
tight commercial and time constraints. It the detailing and specifications of the lighting are integrated into a single well-
was in fact split into two stages to ensure steelwork, connections and paintwork are designed object rather than being one
that the construction works did not run all aimed at extending the design life of layered onto another. The mechanical
into the V&A’s peak periods. The piling the structure. and electrical elements became the
works were first built under one contract Care was taken to protect the existing unseen internal workings that give the
and then buried in sand and the area built environment. The point cloud survey design value as a functional object. The
re-paved until the superstructure contract was used to record the pre-contract state bridge raises the standard of what can be
was activated in the following year. of the historical quay wall and the adjacent achieved when design is integrated rather
buildings, and then to monitor the impact than subdivided.
SUSTAINABILITY, SAFETY of the piling works on these structures. There was also a happy ending
AND ENVIRONMENT for the original swing bridge which
Significant effort was invested into CONCLUSION AND IMPACT was shipped to Mauritius where it
reviewing the energy, maintenance, and The success of the project is considered will c ontinue its life at the Port Louis
material and labour costs of building to lie in the integration of many Waterfront.
14 December 2020 Civil Engineering
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C AT E G O RY: T E C H N I C A L E XC E L L E N C E
JOINT WINNER
Technical Excellence Category
KEY PLAYERS
Client: George Municipality
Consultant: Zutari
Contractor: Khubeka Construction
The completed duckbill spillway; note
the raised embankment in the background
Raising of the Garden Route Dam
Summary NEED FOR RAISING THE DAM The main goal of such a weir is to
When engineering consultant Zutari The Garden Route Dam is one of the main increase the overflow length such that
(previously Aurecon) was tasked to raise water sources for the town of George. the weir can pass more flow for a given
the Garden Route Dam, it devised a Long-term water resource assessments overflow depth. This generally involves
novel solution due to unique technical identified the raising of this dam as a the construction of long spillways,
constraints. The raising was needed in highly beneficial and cost-effective option typically three to five times longer than
response to the recent drought, but also for development. The decision was taken a linear spillway, in a limited area. The
in accordance with the town’s long-term to raise the full supply level of the dam by existing Garden Route Dam spillway was
water supply planning. The existing 2.5 m to gain an additional 2.46 million m³, extended to 80 m by curving the spillway
storage capacity of the Garden Route thus increasing the total net storage in the upstream direction in the shape of
Dam was increased by raising its full volume to 12.1 million m³. a “duckbill”.
supply level by 2.5 m through the instal- The original spillway, located on the
lation of a new spillway, thus enlarging right abutment, consisted of a linear, DESIGN APPROACH
the storage volume by 2.5 million m³. ogee-shaped, concrete overflow, 25 m Although the task was to raise the dam
The solution centred on a sophisticated long. A vehicle bridge crosses the spillway in order to increase its capacity, the
hydraulic design in the form of a novel, to provide access to the embankment. focus of the problem to be solved was on
state-of-the-art, non-linear spillway in the This bridge posed some challenges in the installation of a new spillway at this
shape of a duckbill. Technical challenges terms of passing the design floods. higher elevation. A new overflow struc-
included a bridge spanning the existing The relatively large and level ap- ture needed to have a higher discharge
spillway opening, as well as the higher risk proach channel directly upstream of capacity to pass floods at a reduced
of overtopping to which the existing dam the spillway was considered ideal for freeboard. The project also had unique
would be exposed. the construction of a non-linear weir. technical constraints, which prevented
Civil Engineering December 2020 15Challenge Major challenge
Raise the water level Amend the existing
of the Garden Route With a higher water level, spillway to allow The presence of a bridge
Dam to increase its large floods and limited the passage of over the spillway places
storage capacity freeboard increase the extreme floods physical limits on the
risk of dam overtopping discharge capacity of
Primary objective Idea this control structure
Outcome Challenge Use the existing spillway
Sophisticated hydraulic opening as a flow
modelling and conduit and move the
Non-linear spillway in application of state- Predict the behaviour control structure further
the shape of a duckbill of-the-art research of this novel concept upstream instead
Solution Solution
Figure 1 F low chart showing design approach
standard, linear or gated spillways from of the main dam wall as well, in order to The main design criteria behind the
being used – the solution had to guide any mitigate the risk of overtopping. operation of a duckbill weir is the ability
large flows through a shallow and narrow Consequently, the design team had to of its downstream trough to remove flow,
opening presented by the existing spillway develop a novel spillway concept that not preventing backwater, or submergence
and its overhead bridge. only had a significantly higher discharge effects on the main overflow crest.
The design approach adopted by the capacity than the previous alternatives Although deep channels normally
project team can be summarised as in but was also able to operate with as low prevent such localised submergence, the
Figure 1. a head as possible so as to minimise the local topography at the Garden Route
The original design concept envi- height of the embankment raising. In Dam prevented installation of a deep
sioned raising the dam’s water level by addition to the spillway needing to have channel. Since the submergence effects
either lifting the existing overflow sill a high capacity, the extreme floods had could not be negated, the design team
or installing some form of fuse gate to pass underneath the existing bridge instead developed the innovative idea
system on the spillway. The various gate across the spillway channel to avoid to use the submergence to stabilise the
options were attractive from a capital the high construction cost of raising or flow and combat nappe instability. The
cost perspective and would be able to amending it. high water level in the trough would
pass the required floods without having A conventional labyrinth weir concept purposefully drown out this undesirable
to raise the crest of the embankment, all was examined, but this would have neces- behaviour.
without having to make adjustments to sitated a significant raising of both the The shape of the duckbill also helped
the bridge across the spillway. Although embankment and the bridge. This concept to counter the restrictions posed by the
this equated to simpler and less expensive did, however, spark the unusual idea of shallow bridge opening. Flow bulking in
construction, the reliability and long-term having a single-cycle labyrinth similar to its narrower upper end would force the
maintenance of the mechanical gate op- a trough or bathtub spillway. Refinement flow to increase velocity rapidly towards
tions remained a concern. of this idea resulted in a tapered shape the bridge. The resultant lower flow
The detail design work encapsulated approximating that of a duckbill, hence depths meant that the flow could safely
a comprehensive review of the design its name. pass underneath the bridge.
data. A re-evaluation of the dam’s flood Although duckbill or bathtub spillways The final duckbill spillway design
hydrology showed flood peak values are not unique, they are rare worldwide, resulted in a total spillway length of 80 m,
significantly higher than those that the possibly because they are difficult to with a maximum discharge capacity of
original dam – and the gate options – predict. The Zutari team used its industry 570 m³/s at a freeboard of 4.1 m. The non-
were designed for. The originally envis- expertise to amend the hydraulic design overspill crest of the embankment only
aged raising of the spillway could not be to ensure that the weir would behave in a needed to be raised by 1.56 m to allow for
achieved without having to raise the crest safe and predictable manner. the passage of the Safety Evaluation Flood,
16 December 2020 Civil Engineeringand the bridge across the spillway did not
need to be raised or amended in any way.
CONSTRUCTION
The restrictive challenges of the site were
countered by means of the following:
QQ A non-linear duckbill spillway with
cantilever walls up to 4.9 m high
QQ A rock-anchored, concrete-lined floor
to prevent erosion
QQ Partial removal of the existing
concrete sill, with a drainage notch to
prevent ponding
QQ Raising the main embankment by
1.56 m using new earthfill The duckbill viewed from the downstream discharge
QQ A limited implementation window to channel; note the original spillway in the foreground
reduce the impact of flooding of the
site during construction. resilient system without compromising on The construction period ran from
dam safety. Furthermore, expansion of an May to December 2019. This “dry
CRITICAL TIMING AND COMPLETION existing water supply resource is preferable weather” window was critical to mini-
The project was constructed on budget to the development of new sites as it limits mise the risk of flooding in the dam. The
and on time within seven months, for just the environmental impact on an already coordination and sequencing of con-
R20 million, with no claims for any exten- impacted site. Despite the novel nature struction activities had to be carefully
sion of time or unforeseen costs. It show- of the engineered solution, this unique managed to allow completion within the
cased how relatively small, well-engineered and innovative project had a low capital available time. The dam has not yet filled
and optimised adjustments to an existing cost and will only have a small estimated up, meaning that the spillway has not yet
water supply system can provide a more maintenance cost. been active.
Civil Engineering December 2020 17
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C AT E G O RY: T E C H N I C A L E XC E L L E N C E
Emergency Reconstruction of Seaward
Road Bridge over the Umhlatuzana River
However, the straightforward approach damage, including damage to the Seaward
HIGHLY COMMENDED would have come at the expense of river- Road Bridge.
Technical Excellence Category
side ecosystems and would have involved The bridge crosses a complex curve in
KEY PLAYERS wastefully discarding the portion of the the river, which was originally intended
Client: eThekwini Municipality bridge that was still intact. Therefore, to be canalised. The flooding first eroded
Consultant: eThekwini Municipality, Engineering Unit, Roads after thorough investigation and analysis, the river’s east embankment immediately
Provision Department, Structures Branch
Contractor: Icon Construction the project team took on the challenges upstream of the bridge, redirecting the
of delicate, multi-stage demolition with flow directly at the face of the eastern
different levels of stabilisation, and abutment, where the piles were exposed,
INTRODUCTION then integrating the single continuous and the abutment wingwall was dislodged.
In April 2019 part of the 150 m prestress system across the new and The saturated abutment fill pushed the
long Seaward Road Bridge over the old spans of the bridge. Environmental precast piles out of position, then sheared
Umhlatuzana River in KwaZulu-Natal considerations determined decisions all them off. Without piles, the abutment
collapsed, cutting off an important the way through. collapsed. The remainder of the deck was
regional transport link and hampering not strong enough to perform without the
the local economy. It would have been THE FLOOD AND THE FALL support of the abutment, and the deck
relatively quick and easy to demolish and The Seaward Road Bridge was stresses were transmitted far beyond
remove the whole structure, then rebuild constructed in 1979 as a five-span the end span, straining the prestress and
it from scratch, especially under emer- prestressed, post-tensioned concrete box reinforcing steel beyond serviceability,
gency provisions with a budget available. girder. It supports the only direct access and cracking the concrete. The deck was
The alternative of taking apart and between the Umhlatuzana Industrial Park twisted over sideways on its bearings and
reconstituting the bridge involved many and major road, rail and sea connections the end span had slumped down.
levels of uncertainty and risk, as the deck to Durban. Access to the Industrial Park now
was specifically designed to be able to The April 2019 floods in the southern required an additional detour of 5 km over
stay up only as an integrated structural regions of Durban claimed the lives of at a nearby hill along steep, narrow, winding
arrangement and was never supposed least 85 people and caused an estimated suburban roads, where trucks had previ-
to be tampered with once complete. R700 million loss in infrastructure ously been completely forbidden. This was
a hazard for both the large trucks carrying
Temporary stability was achieved with the shipping containers and heavy machinery,
urgent installation of ultra-heavy-duty and the local residents, including children
1000 kN props on either side of each pier walking to school. Congestion from
trucks queuing to navigate difficult por-
tions of road could introduce long delays
in accessing the Industrial Park, holding
up work and reducing productivity.
A rudimentary environmental impact
assessment for the bridge reconstruction
was quickly approved as part of a package
of emergency flood repairs on the river.
But with freedom to get the job done as
simply as possible, the project team still
felt a responsibility to look at both the
human and environmental impacts of
their plans. Trying and failing to salvage
the remaining deck would waste time, but
success would bring many benefits.
A careful inspection was carried out
to map the extent of the strain damage,
and the original as-built drawings were
18 December 2020 Civil Engineeringtracked down. The conclusion was that
the excessive strain stopped just short of a
point where a cluster of prestressing cou-
plers connected the prestress cables from
intermediate construction stages together.
In principle, a new deck could be built to
replace two of the five spans and the old
couplers could be used to connect it with
the salvaged deck and to share its loads.
DESIGN CHALLENGES
The original bridge was unusually
unstable. The existing deck design was
first completely remodelled and analysed
using modern design codes and software.
A number of complications were uncov- Rather than push the damaged deck off its
ered, particularly relating to torsional support and demolish it on the ground, it was
stiffness and global stability. The bridge decided to break it up in situ using chemical explosives
is straight in its horizontal alignment so
has no intrinsic stability. The piers cannot despite the variability in prestress losses, alongside the existing footprint and would
help as each has just one bearing, which the residual force at the prestress coupler reduce the time spent on demolition.
cannot provide torsional restraint. The would remain balanced and the con- With the deck wrapped in geofabric to
exclusive use of single-column piers gives nection would not be overstressed, with prevent flying debris, a sequence of closely
a pleasingly sleek, minimalistic visual extremely serious consequences. timed blasts created a safer, more predict-
impression. Stability is only introduced at The irregular bend and susceptibility able collapse. The blasts were specifically
the abutments, each of which has a pair to flooding of the Umhlatuzana River designed to prevent vibrations from
of bearings. With the east abutment gone, make it hard to predict its behaviour, destabilising the remaining portion of the
the stability of the deck depended on that and ongoing development upstream will deck or affecting nearby railway lines.
single additional bearing at the west abut- produce stronger flows in the future. A major setback was discovered
ment, 150 m away. To safeguard Durban’s asset and public when the prestress couplers were
The collapsed portion of bridge deck safety, an exceptionally robust new abut- exposed – the fittings from 1979 are
needed to be removed without causing the ment and wingwall were designed. A mass not compatible with any of the prestress
remaining portion to collapse and become abutment with encapsulated fill material systems available today. In particular, the
unsalvageable, while posing a major safety provides the stability to withstand high swage thickenings for new prestressing
risk for the workers. Temporary stability loads and is protected by very long strands would not fit into the old coupler
was achieved with the urgent installation wingwalls. It sits atop a large, monolithic, grooves. After extensive enquiries, the
of ultra-heavy-duty 1000 kN props on three-tier pile cap, which required only option was to modify modern swages
either side of each pier. The props had careful design, detailing and construction to fit. This required detailed empirical
to be monitored and adjusted during the monitoring to ensure that no thermal or laboratory testing, with different modi-
demolition and construction stages to shrinkage cracks occurred in the complex fications tested until failure, in order to
balance the torsional forces released as arrangement. The 39 piles were installed confirm reliability.
the collapsed spans were removed and with a specialised “overburden drilling
then replaced. eccentric” method to penetrate boulders, ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE
The prestress analysis and design were and permanent casings with a diameter The chosen solution was complex but left
made highly complicated by two unusual of 508 mm were used to handle river the existing footprint of the bridge in the
factors. Firstly, because half of the bridge scour effects. watercourse unchanged, saved 850 m3
is 40 years old, its concrete behaves of concrete in the existing bridge, and
very differently to new concrete when CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGES avoided a larger demolition that would
tensioned. Secondly, the bridge had to be Once a reliable stabilising system was in have destroyed nearby trees with nesting
lengthened by 4 m so that the piles for place, the deck was sawn apart 2 m away birds. All 500 m3 of material from the de-
the new abutment would not clash with from the 10 critical prestress couplers, molished deck was recycled as layerworks,
the original piles. The increased length which were then carefully exposed by abutment fill material and gabion protec-
also changed the loading and stiffness of hand. Rather than push the damaged tion. Aesthetically, the project aimed to
the end span. Careful modelling of the deck off its support and demolish it on protect a beautiful natural ecosystem
various stages of the bridge’s construction, the ground, it was decided to break it up from being disturbed by maintaining the
lifespan, demolition, reconstruction and in situ using chemical explosives, simul- unusually limited substructure footprint
future lifespan was done using Bentley taneously with its supports. This would and the minimalist arrangement of the
Bridge-RM software. In particular, the reduce the environmental impact of existing bridge, despite the difficulties
designers needed to be confident that, having a much larger platform in the river this posed for stability.
Civil Engineering December 2020 19You can also read
