Local engineering solutions company SureGO has patented an innovative floating bridge solution for the engineering and mining industries, which aims to improve the safety of walkway bridges.

The SureGO Walk is designed with uninterruptible flooring, railing and roofing for any position even while the bridge changes direction. This assists with water applications, as the bridge can change direction horizontally to 360º, while adapting to changing water levels.

It can be used during the construction of roads and bridges to cross sand, mud or swamp surfaces. SureGO designer and patent holder Nicolaas Neveling says the bridge will last longer than ten years and it can be stored and reused.

He adds that a demonstration unit has been created and the company hopes to introduce this innovation to local industries soon.

The demonstration unit is based on the smallest walkway, designed to carry 150 kg/m. Users can choose the application of the bridge, its load capacity, pontoon and roof design, as well as to include solar lights. Neveling states that the benefits of using SureGO Walk, compared with other bridges, is that wheelchairs, wheelbarrows and hand trolleys can be used.

The SureGO range includes the pedestrian bridge SureGo Walk; a vehicle bridge, SureGo Drive, and the SureGO Utility, for the mining industry. The bridges in the range will be designed to the specifications of the client and will comply with the regulations associated with the application.

The SureGO Utility supports flexible pipes and electrical cables, and provides a secure pedestrian walkway. As the flexible pipes and cables are placed on the centre line of the bridge, the area opposite the walkway will serve as the work platform from where pipes and cables can be replaced or maintained.

“When existing road bridges are washed away or damaged, temporary roads must be made available. The SureGO Drive units, modularly designed for disaster management, will be prefabricated. As the water levels change, the SureGO Drive will compensate and adapt to ensure safe use,” Neveling states.

The SureGO Walk can also be used as a harvest or water sampling platform, which will provide a safe walkway system for personnel wanting to reach the full water surface of a pond or dam for water sampling and the removal of vegetation.

The harvest walkway system comprises a landing on both water banks, which can be placed at 90º, where required. The work platform is wide enough to enable workers to place the collected vegetation in wheelbarrows.

A turntable connects the platforms and will allow 30º sideway movements in horizontal directions. This will allow for the walkway system to be applied in various configurations to cover the water surface.

The turntable is equipped with self-adjusting handrails and is wide enough to accommodate wheelbarrows.

“We identified the need for safe, flexible and effective walkways and driveways and to provide support for utilities. We have also seen that, in many rural areas, learners need to cross a river safely to reach their destination. In the case of wet mining plants, smelters and material handling plants, safe walkways are imperative. It is with this in mind that we designed the SureGO Walk, which we hope will create safer environments,” Neveling concludes.