Going Great Guns At Durban’s 2010 Stadium

26 August, 2008

Progress at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium continues to prove that Durban is ahead of the game. 

Julie-May Ellingson, Head of Durban’s Strategic Projects Unit and 2010 Programme, says, “During July and August, a significant amount of work has been completed on the more aesthetic elements of the stadium - those that give the stadium its shape and show us what our finished stadium will look like. For example, with the completion of 75% of the precast seating (the concrete structure onto which the seats themselves will be fitted), the view from inside the stadium bowl is increasingly one which gives you a preview of our future stadium. The VIP area is taking shape too, with the full-glass façades for the VIP suites being installed now.”

At the same time, work continues on the structural components of the project. The concrete slab for Level Six is now complete, and the steel columns above this level are 40% in place. Foundations for the podium area are at 50% completion and the podium columns are at 45%. Ellingson explains that this is the Level Three area surrounding the stadium from which spectators will exit and enter. Inside the stadium itself, the construction teams are working on the brickwork, painting and technical installations, such as piping and electrical components.

The roof is progressing well too, with more than 40% of the compression ring installed. The compression ring is an 880m long steel ring that maintains the structure of the roof, around the perimeter of the stadium. The arch assembly is moving along at a pleasing rate, with the last remaining arch element docking in Durban imminently. Of the 56 total arch elements, there now remain 20 that need to be assembled.

Ellingson says, “The arch elements can only be lifted at a maximum rate of two per day, but there are other factors that come into play during this process that can slow it down. For instance, there is significant work involved in between the assembly of the next elements, such as the erection of temporary support structures, surface preparations, and etcetera.

Furthermore, nature can interfere: The complexity of lining up the arch with the foundations, coupled with the sheer weight of each arch element, means that the crane operators cannot attempt to put an element in place when the wind is high. With the arch elements going up 30 metres, the winds we have been experiencing are a serious consideration. Despite this, the arch assembly is progressing well.”

September and October promise to be extremely busy on site, with upcoming activities and milestones including the completion of the pre-cast seats, the completion of the roof’s steel columns, compression ring and arch and the start of the preparations for roof cable installation inside thestadium.

About The Moses Mabhida Stadium

The world-class stadium being constructed as a key venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup TM will become a symbol for Durban, highlighting the city’s ability to host international sporting events.

It will also leave a legacy that promotes multi-disciplinary sporting codes, including soccer, rugby and athletics. As the backbone for the Kings Park Sporting Precinct, the stadium is designed to be a multi-functional, hard-working and easy-to-maintain asset for Durban.  By hosting major sporting and other events, the city aims to attract investment and increase employment in terms of the “2010 and beyond” economic development strategy adopted in 2005.

 

 

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