An award-winning multi-purpose Bridge in Red Sea Construction Challenges and Engineering Solutions

An award-winning multi-purpose Bridge in the Red Sea

Construction Challenges and Engineering Solutions

Authors: D.K. Kolios¹, A. Alexandris², K. Loukakis³

Archirodon NV was awarded, under an EPC Contract, the Construction of Shura Bridge; a Modular Integral Marine Bridge crossing in the Red Sea. Shura Bridge is an aesthetically unique, 1.1km-long low-lying sea bridge in the Red Sea side of KSA, connecting mainland coast to an isolated treasure island (Shura) in a magnificent sea of corals. It has a distinctive cross section featuring a carriageway, planters, utility corridors and boardwalk; each at a different level. Shura Bridge, being the gateway to the island, was conceived to be an iconic structure, a landmark for the area respecting and boosting (by sustainable design), while at the same time blending in harmony with the unique ecosystem of the area. The Project was successfully delivered within 1.5 years from Project commencement and has been recognized as the National Winner of the ‘Road Project of the Year’ at the prestigious MEED Projects Awards 2023. The purpose of this paper is to present how various challenges were overcome.

Handover of the Bridge on schedule was a major challenge, as passage would allow opening multiple construction fronts in the overall fast-track development of the area that constitutes part of the KSA Vision 2030. Other challenges included the marine environment, complicated logistics and the geometry of the cross section, each calling for proper diligence. The pile foundation in a seemingly uniform profile proved to be yet another challenge; soil investigation and pile load testing during the short detail design period were synchronized with the demanding construction plan. Construction stages, sequence and methodology were intrinsically considered in the Engineering of the bridge. Innovative solutions were implemented to facilitate construction and account for any procurement delays and local market capabilities. Construction was modular utilizing reinforced and prestressed precast elements to accelerate time schedule, ensure high quality standards, and reduce risks associated with marine operations in a pristine natural environment. Modern technology was utilized for the lifting and transportation (land and sea) of heavy (up to 400tn) precast elements.   

Keywords: Marine Bridge, EPC, concrete bridge design, bridge construction, precast, prestress

¹ Principal Engineer, Archirodon NV, ² Geotechnical Head, Archirodon NV, ³ Engineering Director, Archirodon NV