A curious young mind in a matatu (about 7 years old) stares at steel structures towering above the ground around Bellevue area of Mombasa road asks the mother, “mum kwani hii barabara itapita wapi?” (Loosely translated, “ Mum, where will this road pass?”). The child’s spatial awareness was ignited by his attempts to try and figure out why there are columns being constructed in the middle of the road.
Our ability as human beings to comprehend three-dimensional images and shapes, which is a primary function of the right side of the brain is key in solving puzzles, figuring out maps and taking part in any type of construction or engineering project. This trait, known as “spatial intelligence” is one of other cognitive skills that human beings possess in different measures. While some are verbal thinkers, others are visual thinkers who either relate more with schematic images or pictorial images.
The design of the Nairobi Expressway’s elevated section is slowly coming to life at a site close to Nextgen Mall where elevation of the road will start. Steel structures cemented into the foundation of the columns that will hold the elevated section are now visible. It is a fact that out of the total 27 kilometres of the Nairobi Expressway, 11.2 kilometres will be elevated. Elevation of the road has been necessitated by the lack of sufficient space to construct four lanes running parallel to the existing section of the A8 road.
Works along the elevated section are using the fabricated bridge technology. In this technology, the main components of the upper and lower structure of the bridge are prefabricated and assembled on site in a factory or a yard.
This technology is viable for a number of reasons:
1. It reduces construction period by 50%
2. Standardization of the structures helps to control the quality of construction
3. The method significantly reduces risk factors and improves safety
4. It is environmentally friendly due to lower carbon emissions during construction
5. It significantly reduces the disruption that is caused along the existing A8 highway.
For anyone who may have a little spatial thinker running around the house, don’t wait for school to identify and cultivate that strength. Perhaps take a day and let him meet an engineer who can confuse him more.