Enginuity
DECEMBER 2020
Aerial view of newly constructed incrementally launched concrete pipe bridge across the Umgeni River R340 million Northern Aqueduct Pipeline completed
Durban ’ s northern suburbs will now benefit from the additional flow capacity provided by the R340 million Northern Aqueduct Bulk Water Pipeline Phase 5 Project , which extends from Durban Heights waterworks in Reservoir Hills , to Duffs Road in the north .
The existing Northern Aqueduct pipeline system , which had reached its flow capacity as a result of growth in demand from major developments and urbanisation , required urgent upgrading to ensure a sustainable and dependable water supply in the northern areas of Durban .
Bosch Projects were appointed in 2014 by eThekwini Water Services , ( EWS ) to undertake the design and implementation stages of Phase 5 . The Icon Construction team were responsible for construction and supported by various local emerging subcontractors . BPH Engineers provided specialist structural engineering services for the pipe bridge .
Despite many difficulties , including business forum related work stoppages exacerbated by the recent COVID-19 lockdown , Phase 5 of this project was successfully completed at the end of May 2020 .
The project comprised the construction of a 1 200 mm diameter 11.7 km length of continuously welded steel pipeline , which has been designed to carry a maximum peak demand of 187.5 Ml / day , including the installation of associated isolating , air and scour valves along the pipeline route .
A reinforced concrete incrementally launched bridge was constructed across the Umgeni River . This pipe bridge comprises a 230 m long reinforced concrete box type bridge cross-section , which was incrementally launched and supported on five concrete piers .
An inspection walk along the 230 m pipe bridge
Lateral support system constructed to facilitate pipelaying on a steep embankment in Reservoir Hills
Challenges encountered on this project included constructing the pipeline through densely populated built up areas , traversing major roads and railway lines , steep terrain , existing powerline services , managing buried municipal services and rehabilitating environmentally sensitive areas .
Mohammed Vawda - vawdam @ boschprojects . co . za