Civil Engineering December 2021 | Vol 29 No 11

16 December 2021 Civil Engineering The concrete footpaths approaching the bridge also feature a photo-luminescent aggregate which, when cast on the surface of the concrete with an exposed aggregate finish, provides light emitting strips that guide pedestrians and cyclists at night. This project demonstrates that creativity doesn’t always have to come with a high cost, or compromise on safety. It showcases how technology improves quality of life and allows the communities of the Philani Valley to reimagine their future. COMPLEXITY AND SOPHISTICATION The use of the pre-stressed concrete beams was beneficial to construct a crack-free structural member and tackle shrinkage and temperature effects. As a result, the ingression of detrimental agents is prevented which helps in avoiding reinforcement corrosion. The pre-stressed concrete beams used in the deck allowed for the construction of the long spans of approximately 26 m. These beams were pre-stressed off site and were transported from Johannesburg to Durban. The transportation of the beams required special transport licences for abnormal loading and local access roads in the vicinity of the site required closure. These closures were planned on urban streets carrying low traffic volumes and executed with efficiency. Having the beams cast and pre-stressed off site permitted the simultaneous construction of the piles, followed by the substructure. The beams were then transported and placed in position using a crane. This process not only eliminated the need to stage in the river but was a process that was completed with ease and speed. The bridge was made continuous over the piers, eliminating the need for expansion joints at the piers. The expected longitudinal movements due to temperature fluctuations, shrinkage and creep of the bridge deck were calculated at approxi- mately 40 mm at both abutments. Thus, a continuous single element armoured nosing expansion joint was used at the abutments. Laminated rubber bearing pads were used for the bridge bearings. These bearings were specific to their position in order to adequately accommodate the thermal movement of the bridge. CLIENT OBJECTIVES MET Strict control was maintained during both design and construction phases. Regular meetings were held with the client and contractor in order to track quality, time and budgets. The project programme was updated and revised monthly and presented to the client. With the community requesting lighting on the bridge, priority was given to finding a solution that met the needs of both the client and the community. Vandalism and theft were a huge concern for the client with conventional electrical lighting. This meant frequent mainte- nance and replacement of electrical cables that would bear a significant cost. The use of photo-luminescent concrete to illuminate the bridge was thus a long-term cost saving to the client. Part of the client’s social responsibility was to develop small and emerging con- tractors from the community without any hindrances and work stoppages. This was accomplished with a social facilitation programme through an Institutional and Social Development (ISD) Process. The ISD allowed smooth management of local labour and small business enterprises which incorporated MK veterans. In addition to continued communica- tion with the client on the progress and challenges in meeting design and construction objectives, Naidu Consulting ensured that the social development goals were met, and the project was completed without any hindrances ahead of schedule and within budget. The initial contract period of the project was 18 months, with the com- mencement of construction starting on 9 April 2018. The anticipated practical completion was scheduled for 24 October 2019. Through the smooth and uninter- rupted construction, the bridge reached actual completion on 7 July 2019, three months ahead of schedule. The total project cost was R 31.3 million. Teamwork between Naidu Consulting construction monitoring personnel, the contractor, and all other stakeholders, ensured that quality, time and budget were effectively and efficiently managed. The result is the eZimbokodweni Pipe and Pedestrian Bridge which redefines how form and function can come together and delivers improved sanitation facilities as well as a safe and secure pedestrian crossing for the eZimbokodweni community.  This is the first bridge in South Africa to utilise photo- luminescent polymer concrete handrails and posts The footpaths approaching the bridge feature a photo-luminescent aggregate