Construction World May 2023

ROADS AND BRIDGES

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF MSUNDUZE RIVER BRIDGE

Located in the heart of the Mandeni Local Municipality, the project features the successfully completed Msunduze River Bridge, a four-span continuous reinforced concrete river bridge, straddling a total of 65 m over the Msunduze River. In addition to the construction of the bridge, the works included the upgrade of the gravel Local Road L3110 and its associated stormwater infrastructure. The successful completion of the project has not only improved the level of service delivery for the Nyoni and neighbouring communities by providing infrastructure development, but has also left its mark through the realisation of significant social initiatives that have uplifted and developed the skills of local community members and targeted enterprise contractors.

T he project boasts surpassing the contract targets in all areas of community-based initiatives such as job creation, contract participation goals as well as accredited and on-the job practical training to both local community members and emerging contractors. Through a collaborative effort of the KZN Department of Transport, Naidu Consulting and Icon Construction this was realised through detailed planning, social facilitation and the implementation of Labour Intensive Construction principles. Despite the complexities associated with the construction of a reinforced concrete river bridge and the challenges faced with the COVID-19 national lockdown restrictions, the main contractor, with the extensive participation of the emerging contractors, was successful in overcoming these challenges and successfully completed the project in November 2021, whilst strictly adhering to quality control and programme related constraints. Background Naidu Consulting was appointed by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport to undertake the design and construction supervision of the Msunduze River Bridge. The motivating factors that contributed to the requirement of a river crossing were not only to facilitate safe travel for pedestrians including scholars and the elderly but also to improve access for emergency services and encourage long-term economic development by ‘unlocking land’ and promoting public transport to the Nyoni and neighbouring communities. Construction innovation The structure comprises a four span, cast in-situ solid concrete deck. The deck slab was made continuous over the piers to eliminate the necessity for expansion joints,

limiting them to the abutments only. Abutments and piers are reinforced concrete that are on pile caps consisting of 750 mm diameter piles socketed

into bedrock. Innovation

At design stage, the social aspects of the projects were given high priority by the intentional inclusion of design elements that were able to incorporate labour intensive construction methods as well as by the inclusion of work suitable for targeted enterprises. Innovative ways to achieve CPG were thought of at design stage, making the approach of the project unique. Management of planning and technical design Bridge elements were designed strategically, considering the incorporation of labour-intensive construction work and work that is suitable for targeted enterprises. Five Targeted Enterprise subcontractors were employed on the Msunduze River Bridge project to undertake the following activities: • 2 CIDB grade 1CE PE – Drainage, Guardrails & Landscaping • 1 CIDB grade 2CE PE – Gabions • 1 CIDB grade 3CE PE – Bulk Earthworks • 1 CIDB grade 4CE PE – Concrete & Reinforcing The Targeted Enterprise subcontractors’ scope of construction work had varying degrees of complexity; some complex construction aspects included bridge construction related concrete works such as pile caps, piers, abutments and parapets. With the continuous mentorship and practical training provided by the Principal Contractor, the emerging contractors were successful in overcoming the construction challenges associated with complex construction methods, whilst strictly adhering to quality control, and programme

30 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MAY 2023