DEID, Duke Engineers for International Development, designed the longest suspended bridge (122.2 metres) in Eswatini, Africa. I was the quality control manager for the project, assisting with the safety of the build and pioneering onsite methods and design for the same.
Design Challenges
The biggest challenge from a design perspective was that of the rear access ramp. This wasn't mentioned in the original plans, since it was contingent on the grading irregularities of the site. Therefore, we studied and analysed the topography with surveying tools, and designed a rear ramp wall that improved the accessibility and access of the bridge.
Besides this, there are always challenges when it comes to constructing a suspended bridge of this large a span - this is the longest this particular design can be. It was, therefore, imperative to survey accurately to tolerances that are extremely precise.
Besides assisting in the dimensioning and surveying, I was responsible for the design of several components and reinforcement structures that we discovered were pertinent on site.
I was also on the masonry team and had developed masonry structures and techniques utilising ingenuously occurring rock. It was important to remain in the dimension tolerances when building with irregular rock.
Comments