【Introduction of the project】
This Old Bridge had been closed to heavy vehicles since 2002, due to age deterioration by salt damage from seawater over the years. In addition, Cyclone Evan hit the region in 2012, this caused a diversion route for the old bridge impassable. As a result, the main arterial road became non-functional.
The Samoan Government requested the Japanese Government to replace this Old Bridge as a Grant aid project.
The replacement works are the construction of a 75m long PC 3-span interconnected pre-ten-sioned hollow slab bridge and a 425m long approach road at a 20m downstream of the existing bridge.
The substructure consists of inverted-T abutments and oval-type wall piers, both with cast-in-place piles.
Construction works in the river including making piers, were restricted to the dry season only for safety reasons and water sealing measures.
A special feature of this project innovates a bridge format that takes into account measures against driftwood and salt damage. Firstly, to reduce the number of piers, the spans of the piers are set to more than 20 m, and a pre-tensioned hollow slab bridge is adopted to low height of the girders and prevent salt adhesion.
For ensuring the durability, Epoxy resin-coated rebars, PC steel and High-strength concrete with admixture of silica fume are used.
During the construction, we hired Samoan contractors for the realization of a virtuous circle of economic activity in Samoa. Thus, this project brought to the contribution for using both Japanese and Samoan materials and equipment, the transfer of technology from Japanese supervisor, and the creation of employment opportunities. It was a great pleasure to receive positive feedback from local clients, government officials and local residents for us.