Civil engineering student, Sean Renwick, and civil engineers, Geoff Hobson and Mfundo Nkosi discussed the recent engineering crisis whereby Ballyclare Drive in Bryanston, collapsed. Renwick believes it was ‘a long time coming’.
He explained that roads can collapse as a result of sinkholes, which are cavities in the ground beneath the surface. “Sinkholes are common in areas with underlying rock which is more susceptible to erosion such as limestone and dolomite. The road contractor who built Ballyclare Drive, could not have designed it correctly with the right use of materials,” claimed Renwick.
He then added that the collapse of the road could be due to the fact that the road was ‘not initially designed to cope with the huge volume of traffic that uses it today’. “This occurrence was a long time coming because potholes and the poor condition of the road suggest that the road was not designed for the huge volume of traffic that uses it – especially if it is a relatively new road.
“The road should have been seen to as soon as these conditions occur before the condition of the road deteriorates further and becomes dangerous for the commuters using it.”
Hobson stressed, “A total collapse of a road in this manner is due to inadequate storm water drainage. Excessive water under roadways causes uneven settlement of the road surface, leading to cracks and potholes which exacerbate the situation until collapse.” He further explained that the potholes were a cause for concern and highlighted that the drainage systems should have been implemented as soon as signs of damage began to appear.
Similarly, Nkosi highlighted the damage that water can cause to a road. “Road collapses in urban environments are usually because of changes in the ground water table affecting the underlying geological soil structure of a road surface.
“The major challenge in urban environments right now is storm water management. As urban spaces grow, more impervious concrete and tar surfaces cover natural porous surfaces, resulting in earth sinkage.”
Nkosi added that one should not point fingers. “However, we should not be quick to repose the blame on one thing. Instances such as these are a global occurrence that engineers and urban designers are grappling with daily.
“Until we find innovative solutions that integrate sustainable urban development, efficient public transport and storm water collection, more damage to road infrastructure due to heavy rains is more likely than not.”
Read more:
A portion of Ballyclare Drive has collapsed
BREAKING NEWS: Car washed off bridge in Bryanston
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