The Year in Infrastructure 2007 - (Page 63) ciVil site design This category features innovative civil site design projects of any size that apply engineering technology to address the challenging balance of site constraints, client interests, community concerns, and environmental sensitivities. winner Zimbali Civil Infrastructure Vela VKe consulting engineers zimbali Coastal Resort will be a 700-hectare expansion of the existing coastal forest estate north of Durban, South Africa. Nestled along 3.5 kilometers of pristine coastline and stretching inland over forested dunes, zimbali provides an exceptional quality of life for residents and guests. The future Phase 2 development, zimbali Lakes, is a 300-hectare estate, 18-hole golf course, and body of water situated above the wetland forests. Vela VKE Consulting Engineers was tasked to locate a new roadway to provide optimum access to the expanded estate and make provisions for the future zimbali Lakes development. Vela VKE is responsible for designing and supervising construction of all civil infrastructure for the zimbali projects. Part of the expansion project entailed selecting a new route for the M4 provincial route from Durban to Ballito. Within the estate, the client required that roads follow natural topography when possible. Estate speed limits were set at 25 kilometers per hour, with corresponding road geometry and traffic calming measures. The client requested a single access point to the estate for contractors and service staff for security control. This entry would handle 4,000 workers during the morning and afternoon peak times and provide parking for staff, a taxi loading zone, and a pickup area for the internal shuttle. A materialshandling yard was required to transfer materials from large vehicles to smaller ones for delivery within the estate. Vela VKE also assisted the golf course designer in avoiding sensitive wetlands and buffer areas. The rolling topography made it difficult to keep earthworks within budget while still building a world-class golf course. Using MicroStation, GEOPAK, Bentley MXROAD, and other Bentley solutions, Vela VKE designed and supervised construction of all civil infrastructure, bulk and internal, including the M4 realignment. In addition, Vela VKE assisted with coordination of designs with other professionals on the project including electrical, security, irrigation, landscaping, and architectural components. BE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 63
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