Lakhaya Suspended Bridge

Overview

FAU civil engineering students have teamed up with Engineers in Action to design and construct a suspended footbridge to prevent further injuries and possibly deaths from the river flooding. The bridge will be constructed in the Kingdom of Eswatini, specifically in the Maseyisini Inkunlda of the Shiselweni Region. The Lakhaya Bridge will cross the Mbini River and provide safe river passage year-round for the KaMazombizwe and Esibovini communities.

The left-hand side (LHS) and right-hand side (RHS) used for the design of the Lakhaya Bridge are dependent on the flow of the Mbini River, which goes from north to southwest. The bridge has a span length of 86.1 meters (m), with a freeboard of 3.78m. Both the LHS and RHS abutments utilize a two-tier design. The setbacks for LHS and RHS abutments are 8 m and 6 m, respectively.

 

Community Benefit

The Mbini River separating the Esibovini and KaMazombizwe communities has caused three deaths and 12 injuries in the past 3 years. This bridge provides a vital connection for the approximately 2,100 residents of these communities. Most importantly, this bridge ensures a safe and reliable crossing method for kids and adults accessing the school and clinic in the KaMazombiezwe community.

 

Team Members

• Zachary Baril 
• Ronaldo Duran 
• Zackariah Elabbar 
• Sidney Moore 
• Colby Pankas 

 

Sponsored By

Engineers in Action (EIA)