MZAMBAbridge

The community driven project ´bridgingMzamba` originated in the urgent need of surrounding inhabitants for a safe crossing of the river and included design and implementation of the suspension bridge in a collaborative manner.

A Steering Committee representing the local community and client guided the process and carried on negotiations with necessary entities. The driving force of tribal authority, ward committee, governmental entities and stakeholders ensured a successful public participation and sustainable project.

The Austria based NPO build Collective teamed up with thesis students of the Carinthia University of Applied Science and engineers from South Africa and Switzerland for design and planning. Technology used is balancing environmental impact, available resources, state-of-the-art lightweight engineering, accessibility and aesthetics.

Overall project costs of 200 000 Euros have been carried solely by sponsors, donations and personal contribution.

In several phases of negotiations, fundraising, design and construction since 2012, this extraordinary infrastructure could be realized with October 2015 as a self-build project of community members and volunteers from Europe.

The Mzamba Bridge is now connecting residents of a catchment area of 30km to necessary infrastructure such as educational facilities, health care, jobs and general food supply. Further it serves as a landmark and potential tourist attraction in the area.

Images and Plans

Plans

Facts

Students
Thomas Harlander, Florian Anzenberger
Client
bridgingMZAMBA Community Steering Committee
Nonhle Mbuthuma
Collaborating Organisations
Collaborators
Dr. Lüchinger+Meyer Bauingenieure AG
Rudi Keudel Scheffer
Bruce Plumbly
Financing
Friedrich Bauer, Gunter Weisbrod, Birgit Werner, Bank Austria, Pfeifer Seil und Hebetechnik, GEA, Teufelberger, ATE, Haslinger Stahlbau, HSG, Nuquip, Land Kärnten, Land Salzburg, Land Niederösterreich,
diverse public and private sponsors

Academic Discipline(s)
Architecture
2 Students
Academic Level(s)
Master
Academic Facts

Site / Structure Dimension
Lenght: 140 meter, spanwidth between pylons: 66 meter
Steelpylons: 13,2 und 15 meter in hight
4 Steelropes 24mm diameter, total 531,5 meter
Foundation: 38m3 concrete
174 hangers flatsteel, 87 frames, 96 walkway elements
Periods
Project Start
08/2012
Additional comments
Construction in three phases, each 2 to 4 month
Project Context
Project Type
Function
Community / Culture | Traffic Infrastructure
Construction Methods/Techniques
Materials