The newly completed Ashton Arch in the Western Cape is South Africa’s first concrete tied-arch bridge constructed using the transverse launching method. The new bridge replaced an existing multi-arch bridge, which no longer fulfilled its functional requirements. AECOM were the appointed structural engineers, while the build was contracted to H & I Construction. These teams worked closely to develop detailed method statements to ensure compliance and agreement before construction commenced.
The objective of the project was to improve traffic and pedestrian safety, as well as improve the flood capacity of the bridge and its resistance to overtopping. The original earth-filled multi-arch bridge was constructed in 1930 for single lane traffic and in 1950 a substantial structural retro fitment upgrade to facilitate two traffic lanes and pedestrians was carried out. These measures did not fully address the overtopping issue, which still resulted in road closure and flooding of adjacent properties. The tied-arch design has taken these issues into consideration and will also prevent the accumulation of debris during floods.
State-of-the-art bridge analysis software packages were used for the design. Key considerations for the upgrade were to minimise river flow restriction and improve the available free board within the restrictions of adjacent properties and road alignment levels. Breaking new ground in South Africa, and after several years of meticulous planning, design and construction, more than 8000 tons of reinforced concrete and steel was moved over 24 metres in less than 24 hours. To install the sliding and permanent bearings the 8000 ton deck had to be vertically lifted and lowered by H&I Construction. This was done in phases by installing the bearings at one abutment before repeating the process at the next. By constructing the new bridge adjacent to the existing one, traffic flow was maintained, and the disruption of its flow was minimised.
The bridge comprises a cable-supported concrete deck which spans 110 metres between supports with arching ribs rising 22 metres above the roadway. It has a single tied-arch structural configuration, where the typical cross-section of the arch bridge deck provides for four 3,4 metre traffic lanes and two 2,4 metre sidewalks. The twin parallel arch ribs are connected via five 15,5 metre wishbone beams providing lateral stability to the arch ribs, post-tensioned tie-beams complete the arch structural form.
To achieve a higher level of stability and safety on the temporary concrete support columns, the temporary works engineers specified SikaWrap®-300 C for additional structural strengthening. It is a high-quality unidirectional woven carbon fibre wrapping system, that was used to encapsulate the head of the concrete support columns, using Sikadur®-330, a structural impregnating epoxy resin adhesive. SikaWrap®-300 C has a high load capacity, is easy and quick to apply, saving time and money on the project. The Sika®CarboDur® FRP Design software, a state-of-the-art external structural strengthening design program was an exceptional added benefit.
The launching of the bridge from its constructed position to its final position required a perfectly levelled surface. This was achieved by using Sikadur®-42 ZA, high strength epoxy grout with its high compressive strength and high abrasion resistance. Tests with other products were performed prior to application and Sikadur®-42 ZA met all the stringent requirements set out by the Project Engineers. It not only met the levelling requirements but could also be applied in a thin layer, over a wide area, without having any shrinkage or cracking.
The high strength cementitious grout, SikaGrout®-295 ZA, was used in several vital applications. This included the grouting behind the anchor plates and jacking frames and to create the permanent plinths for the permanent bearings. SikaGrout®-295 ZA was chosen for its high flow properties that allowed it to be pumped and poured into position. This facilitated a huge time saving benefit to the project.
The Ashton Arch Project did not only create economic opportunities but also utilised approximately 65 000 person-days and 300 work opportunities for SMME’s, which were created for exempted micro enterprises and qualifying small enterprises (EME/QSEs). Local manufacturers, with support from overseas specialists, were used to manufacture specialised components. The planning extended to sustainability considerations by recycling the old fabric of the original bridge into the foundation fill of the new bridge.
The successful completion of the New Ashton Arch resulted in a proud monument for the region. Furthermore, the manner and techniques used were a first for the country and a wonderful achievement.
The New Ashton Arch won in 1 and was highly commended in 2 other categories of Construction World's 2021 Best Projects. They are as follows:
- AECOM was Highly commended in the Consulting Engineering category
- Haw and Inglis Engineering was Highly commended in the Civil engineering Contractor's category
- Sika SA won in the Specialist supplier category
Sika SA are truly proud and honoured to have been involved in such a unique project. The following is a list of the Project Participants that played an integral part in making the project such a success:
Consulting Engineer- AECOM SA (Pty) Ltd
Main Contractor- Haw and Inglis Engineering
Temporary Works Designer- Maffeiss Engineering (Pty) Ltd
Launch System Designer- Nyeleti Consulting
Concrete Supplier- Afrimat Readymix Cape Pty Ltd
Specialist Product Supplier- Sika South Africa
Support Cable and Prestressing Subcontractor- Amsteele Systems
Subcontractor- Allweld Marine & Industrial (Pty) Ltd
Subcontractor- Form-Scaff