Visit To Cable-Stayed Bridge (ROB-2), Vasco

As part of the Civil Engineering curriculum, students had the opportunity to visit a significant infrastructure project under the Port Connectivity Road initiative. The bridge, constructed by Gammon Engineers and Contractors Pvt. Ltd. (GECPL), serves as a crucial link between Varunapuri and Sada Junction, as well as connecting Ravindra Bhavan Junction to the Mormugao Port Authority. The primary objective of the visit was to gain insights into the construction process of a cable-stayed bridge, understand the challenges encountered during its development, and explore the engineering solutions implemented to overcome them.

This bridge holds the distinction of being India’s first curved cable-stayed bridge, featuring a 180-meter radius. Spanning 2.32 km, it is designed to accommodate a (2+2) lane traffic system and is equipped with an advanced Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS) to ensure long-term stability. Its unique design enables it to cross multiple levels, including a live railway track and an existing road network.

During the visit, students were introduced to various technical aspects of the bridge’s construction. The foundation consists of 14 one-meter diameter piles, with an octagonal pile cap measuring 23.55m x 9.3m x 2.5m. The sub-structure was constructed using M60 grade RCC concrete, while the tie beam measures 28.7m x 3.8m x 2m. The super-structure was built using E350BR grade structural steel for the girders, which were designed in an inverted box-type shape to accommodate height restrictions. The bridge is supported by 24 stay cables, with a total weight of 52.5 metric tons.

One of the key learning aspects of the visit was understanding the challenges faced during construction and the solutions implemented. Space constraints posed a significant difficulty due to the presence of a railway track and surrounding infrastructure. To address this, construction activities were carefully sequenced to minimize disruptions. Another challenge was the fabrication of curved girders, which was managed using precision engineering techniques at an RDSO-approved fabrication unit to ensure accuracy. Additionally, erecting girders in a congested area was accomplished using the end-on method, allowing traffic lanes to remain operational.

Safety remained a top priority throughout the project. Despite challenging working conditions at heights exceeding 35 meters, the construction achieved an impressive record of 8.25 million accident-free man-hours. Regular inspections of staging, bolted joints, and temporary structures were conducted to ensure worker safety, particularly during the monsoon season.

The visit provided students with invaluable real-world exposure to the complexities of bridge construction. Observing the scale and intricacy of the project firsthand reinforced theoretical concepts learned in the classroom, emphasizing the critical role of engineering in overcoming real-world challenges. Appreciation is extended to Gammon Engineers and Contractors Pvt. Ltd. for facilitating the site visit and to the college for organizing such an enriching educational experience.