Construction World December 2023

SPECIALIST CONTRACTORS OR SUPPLIERS

• Company entering: CHRYSO Southern Africa and OMV • Client: South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) • Consultant: KBK Engineers • Architect: Pieter Matthews (Matthews & Associates Architects) • Main Contractor: Raubex Construction • Architect: Pieter Matthews (Matthews & Associates Architects) • Concrete Supplier: OMV • Admixture Product: CHRYSO® Omega 174 PROJECT INFORMATION

NANCEFIELD BRIDGE – MUSINA RING ROAD PROJECT W ithin the scope of SANRAL's Musina Ring Road Project in Limpopo Province, the Nancefield Bridge stands as an architectural marvel. This to 45°C, measures such as a water-cooling tower and precision sprayers have been harnessed to maintain optimal concrete temperatures, safeguarding against thermal cracking.

77-metre-long bridge, traversed by the N1 highway, embodies a grand vision of hospitality and welcome for travellers between South Africa and Zimbabwe. At the heart of its design, a pair of striking 13-metre-high hands extends from the central piers, symbolising this warm embrace. The Nancefield Bridge project showcases innovative design and engineering, improving the journey for all travellers. It eases border traffic, reduces Musina town congestion, and redirects heavy trucks, preserving roads and minimising maintenance. In the vibrant landscape of modern infrastructure, implementation of CHRYSO admixtures, guided by the expertise of Jacques Marais, Senior Plant Foreman at OMV, has ushered in a new era of concrete production efficiency. As the heartbeat of SANRAL's Musina Ring Road Project, this bridge showcases the power of cutting-edge solutions to overcome challenges. In the face of fluctuating temperatures reaching up the Nancefield Bridge is a superb tribute to construction innovation technology. The

A pivotal challenge faced by the engineers was the precise delivery of concrete to the Nancefield Bridge at temperatures below 34°C. This strategic measure was imperative to avert the potential menace of thermal cracking during the pouring of concrete into the bridge's substantial structures. However, the significance of this innovation extends past structural integrity. By maintaining concrete temperatures below the specified threshold, the engineers ensured a robust defence against the infiltration of oxygen and water into the structure, thus mitigating the looming risk of steel corrosion. This approach guarantees the bridge's prolonged lifespan and exemplifies how thoughtful application of technology can transcend immediate challenges to cultivate a legacy of durability and sustainability. CHRYSO's vital role in this project exceeds mere support; it is a beacon of bespoke solutions. Collaborating closely with the concrete suppliers, CHRYSO harnessed its technical prowess to

50 22 nd Best Projects Awards 2023