Storms River Bridge:

The Great Storms River arch bridge was completed in 1958 and formed a major link in the National Route N2 between George and Port Elizabeth. It is located close to the coast and is subject to a wet marine environment.

The growth in traffic since completion of the bridge necessitated widening and strengthening of the bridge to achieve satisfactory safety standards. A bridge inspection also showed that significant concrete deterioration had occurred which needed remedial measures.

HHO Africa were appointed to design the widening of the bridge, investigate and design remedial measures for the concrete deterioration, prepare documentation and supervise construction.

Among the features of the project were:

	Steel cantilevers were chosen as the means of widening. The cantilevers were glued and post tensioned on to the existing structure
	A new extended deck was cast onto the cantilevers together with a new balustrade
	Access was provided by means of scaffolding to all areas of the bridge to permit concrete and steel reinforcement repair and treatment
	All exposed concrete surfaces were cleaned with high pressure water jets. After drying the concrete was treated with "Silane" waterproofing agent to prevent any further AAR cracking
	The need to ensure safety because of the great height above the floor of the gorge
	The need to maintain a reasonable and safe traffic flow during construction

The project won the SAICE Regional Award for Engineering Excellence and the Steel Construction Award for Innovation.

For further information or queries please contact les@hho.co.za