Page 29 - SAICE book proof 2 LATEST JULY 2014

s a i c e
FREE STATE PROVINCE

4 roads in the province carry a huge load in
terms of freight as well as passenger vehicles. Due
to the topography most roads around here are fairly
straight and flat and therefore vehicles tend to travel
at high speeds. In a sense the design of roads lead to
more accidents. In some areas engineers had to deal
with heavy expansive clays which can wreak havoc with
the riding quality of the roads.

In the north, the N3 that connects Durban and Gauteng
is one of the most heavily trafficked roads in South Af-
rica and carries millions of tons of freight per annum.
The challenge is to accommodate the huge trucks as
well as the small passenger vehicle on the same road-
way. This road furthermore traverses the vast grass-
lands and maize farmlands of the region and food for
thought is that in winter careless motorists often cause
veld fires since cigarette buts are carelessly flung from
vehicles. In this case it has necessitated the construc-
tion of fire breaks along the freeways by SANRAL in
order to reduce the risks. One would not easily make a
casual connection between Civils and fire hazards, but
it is indeed the case here. One should think about what
the profession can do to develop a sustainable solution,
possibly in the form of fire resistant plants.

In summer, however, the challenge is to cut the fast
growing grasses to preserve sight lines. Unfortunately
the baled grass is polluted with vehicle emissions and
other foreign matter and can only be used as packaging
material. It would be interesting to see whether the ad-
vent of lead free fuels made a difference in the quality
of the grasses.

4. The Waterfront in Bloemfontein is an
interesting example on how water features are
commonly used to create an attractive environment
and in many places in South Africa this idea has become
commonplace. Civils obviously play a major role in
constructing these artificial ponds and water features, ◊ The Waterfront in Bloemfontein
but what is commonly less well-known is the struggle to
maintain these amenities at an acceptable level. Since
storm water systems in cities often carry a heavy load
of pollution in the form of floating plastic, paper and 5. railway lines have for many years provided
other bits and pieces, in addition to sludge from road the freight infrastructure across this province. Nowa-
surfaces containing dust, fuel residues and even rubber days, this service is not so much in vogue since road
dust from tyres, these water fronts present major freight has taken over.
problems when it comes to water quality and aesthetic
health. Natural siltation also happens from time to time 6. Municipal buildings in Bloemfontein had to
and it is interesting to observe how these problems are be extended and in the city centre the choice was made
tackled by the profession.
to erect a glass encased building in order to reflect the
magnificent façades of the historic buildings in the vi-
cinity. Glass fronts pose significant structural challeng-
29°06’53.60” S, 26°12’41.22” E
es due to the stresses and strains caused by hot days

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