Civil Engineering November 2022 | Vol 30 No 10

Civil Engineering November 2022 35 that the cage gets bigger as you get closer to the middle, which is usually where the user feels the most constrained. The cage was also left open at the top at the jack spans; it is closed over the main span, which bridges the road below. This also gave the impression of openness, rather than a closed-in feeling, while crossing the bridge. AESTHETICS Since the bridge would be visually prominent over the R328 and would influence the perceived quality of the built environment, careful attention was paid to its appearance. The goal was to create a structure with simple, elegant lines insofar as the construction methods would permit. Articulation of the bridge deck was eliminated to save money and time and avoid unnecessary adornment. The curved deck soffit provided smooth lines across the trunk road below, while radiused corners softened visible deck edges. Because the cage was a prominent feature of the bridge, it was designed to emphasise the aesthetics of the bridge. The horizontal members of the cage were shaped like waves and painted blue to represent the ocean nearby. A transparent material was used for the cage enclosure to ensure that the case steel elements stood out and remained the feature. It was important that users felt safe and comfortable while crossing the bridge. The cage was designed so that people don’t feel claustrophobic when crossing, but instead feel like they are passing through a portal. Pedestrians can also clearly see the other end of the deck, which was crucial for safety reasons. SUSTAINABILITY CONSIDERATIONS RHDHV believes in sustainability leader- ship, education, and action, and the com- pany’s core purpose – to Enhance Society Together – comprises five themes: 1. Climate change 2. Biodiversity and natural systems 3. Resources and circularity 4. Social value and equality 5. Safety and wellbeing. These five themes were considered throughout all phases of the project. Here are two examples: Q Q Under the social value and equality theme: The ramp and staircase on the western side of the bridge were designed to be an earth fill with gabion wall instead of a suspended reinforced concrete slab on piers. This was done for two main reasons: to create work items that could be completed by local labour, thus creating jobs, and from an aesthetic viewpoint to balance the mass of earth on the eastern side. Q Q Under the safety and wellbeing theme: RHDHV staff conducted a bridge safety presentation and learning ses- sion at the local school to encourage the schoolchildren to use the bridge. They were also shown how to use the bridge safely, rather than crossing the road below, as they have done in the past. This also instilled a sense of ownership of the bridge in the schoolchildren. SOCIAL IMPACT The biggest impact on the residents of Brandwacht is that they now have a safe pathway across the R328, potentially saving thousands of lives and avoiding countless accidents. Beyond this, local labour and SMMEs were employed and trained on the project, which developed skills within the local community. Training included: Q Q Gabion box construction Q Q Fixing of shuttering Q Q Steel fixing Q Q Pouring of concrete Q Q Working at heights. SMME subcontractors were also hired to collaborate on the project, extending the upskilling opportunities to their employees. In employing and upskilling local labour, RHDHV empowered them with marketable skills and knowledge that could help them find work once the project was complete. The fact that people in the community helped build the bridge gives them a sense of pride in it. CONCLUSION The Brandwacht Pedestrian Bridge en- hances community safety. Parents no longer have to worry about their children crossing a busy and dangerous road to get to school. At night, girls and women can walk safely between work and home, with plenty of light and visibility of the entire bridge. The aesthetics of the bridge were care- fully considered to ensure that it leaves an elegant structure that will enhance the look and feel of the area. In employing local labour and SMME subcontractors for the project’s duration, the team was able to provide direct em- ployment and leave behind an upskilled workforce in the local community. The construction of the Brandwacht Pedestrian Bridge demonstrated the im- portance of teamwork among all parties involved, from the local community to the client, contractor, and team of expert con- sulting engineers. This is a true example of working together to improve society, and it is a project that everyone involved can be proud of.  The cage was designed to give an impression of openness while crossing the bridge The western ramp and staircase were designed to be an earth fill with gabion wall