Inside Moses Mabhida Stadium: Exploring the Construction Features

Moses Mabhida Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Durban, South Africa. It was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and has since hosted numerous sporting and cultural events. The stadium is known for its iconic arch, which rises over the circular stadium and has become a symbol of Durban’s skyline.

The construction of Moses Mabhida Stadium was a massive undertaking that required the collaboration of many talented architects, engineers, and builders. The stadium features an adjoining indoor arena, football museum, sports institute, and a transmodal transport station, making it a truly versatile venue. The stadium has a planned capacity of 70,000 during the World Cup, and it can be reduced to 54,000 after the event.

 

Key Takeaways

• Moses Mabhida Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Durban, South Africa, built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
• The stadium is known for its iconic arch, which rises over the circular stadium and has become a symbol of Durban’s skyline.
• The stadium features an adjoining indoor arena, football museum, sports institute, and a transmodal transport station, making it a truly versatile venue.

 

Architectural Design

Arch Design Concept

The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, was designed by German architecture firm, GMP Architekten. The stadium’s most distinctive feature is its 105-meter arch that rises over the circular stadium. The arch was designed to symbolize the unity and hope of the South African people, and it has become an iconic landmark in Durban.

The arch was constructed using precast concrete segments, which were lifted into place using a launching truss. The segments were then post-tensioned to create a continuous arch. The arch also serves a functional purpose, as it supports the roof structure and allows for unobstructed views of the playing field.

Stadium Geometry

The Moses Mabhida Stadium has a circular shape, which was chosen to create a sense of unity and inclusivity. The stadium has a seating capacity of 70,000 and was designed to host both soccer and rugby matches. The stadium’s geometry was carefully considered to ensure that every seat has a clear view of the playing field.

Roof Structure

The stadium’s roof structure is also supported by the arch and consists of a series of steel cables and a translucent membrane. The membrane allows natural light to enter the stadium, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The roof structure was designed to be lightweight and flexible, allowing it to withstand the strong winds that are common in Durban.

Overall, the architectural design of the Moses Mabhida Stadium is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of its designers. The stadium’s unique arch and circular shape have made it an iconic landmark in Durban, and its functional design ensures that every spectator has a clear view of the playing field.

 

Engineering Marvel

Moses Mabhida Stadium is a stunning architectural marvel that combines beauty and functionality. The stadium’s design is a fusion of engineering and art, which makes it a unique structure. The stadium’s construction features are impressive and innovative, making it a popular destination for sports fans and tourists alike.

Foundation and Support

The stadium’s foundation is made up of 5,000 tons of reinforced steel and 70,000 cubic meters of concrete. The foundation is supported by 80 columns, each of which is 1.2 meters in diameter. The columns are designed to withstand the weight of the stadium’s roof, which weighs 2,600 tons. The roof is supported by a single arch, which is 350 meters long and 106 meters high. The arch is made up of 56 sections, each weighing 580 tons.

Material Selection

The materials used in the construction of the stadium were carefully selected to ensure durability and sustainability. The steel used in the arch and roof was galvanized and painted to withstand the corrosive atmosphere in Durban. The concrete used in the stadium was made from recycled materials, reducing the environmental impact of the construction. The stadium’s roof is covered with a membrane made from a material called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is a durable and weather-resistant material that is also energy-efficient.

Sustainable Features

The construction of the stadium followed green building practices. About 30,000 cubic meters of concrete demolition material from the old stadium was used for construction. The stadium’s roof is designed to collect rainwater, which is then used to irrigate the surrounding landscape. The stadium’s lighting system is energy-efficient, reducing the stadium’s carbon footprint.

In conclusion, Moses Mabhida Stadium is an engineering marvel that combines beauty, functionality, and sustainability. The stadium’s construction features are impressive and innovative, making it a popular destination for sports fans and tourists alike.

Also, check: Construction Features Inside Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the distinctive architectural features of Moses Mabhida Stadium?

Moses Mabhida Stadium is well-known for its iconic arch of triumph, which is 105 meters high and spans the length of the stadium. The arch is the stadium’s most distinctive feature and is a symbol of Durban’s urban regeneration efforts. The arch is not only an architectural marvel but also serves a functional purpose, supporting the roof of the stadium and providing a platform for the stadium’s cable car ride, which offers panoramic views of Durban and the Indian Ocean.

How was the arch of Moses Mabhida Stadium constructed?

The arch of Moses Mabhida Stadium was constructed using a unique cable-stayed design. The arch is supported by a series of cables that radiate out from the top of the arch and attach to the back of the seating bowl. The cables are anchored to concrete piers that are embedded in the ground. The arch was constructed using precast concrete segments that were lifted into place using cranes.

What materials were used in the construction of Moses Mabhida Stadium?

The primary materials used in the construction of Moses Mabhida Stadium are concrete and steel. The arch of the stadium is made of precast concrete segments, while the seating bowl is made of reinforced concrete. The stadium’s roof is made of steel and is covered with a translucent membrane that allows natural light to filter through.

What is the seating capacity of Moses Mabhida Stadium?

The seating capacity of Moses Mabhida Stadium is 54,000. However, the stadium has the flexibility to increase its capacity to 80,000 for major events like the FIFA World Cup.

How much did the construction of Moses Mabhida Stadium cost?

The construction of Moses Mabhida Stadium cost approximately R3.4 billion (roughly $230 million USD). The stadium was built as part of South Africa’s bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was funded by the South African government.

What are the sustainability features incorporated into Moses Mabhida Stadium’s design?

Moses Mabhida Stadium was designed with sustainability in mind. The stadium features a number of green elements, including rainwater harvesting systems, energy-efficient lighting, and a waste management system that recycles 80% of the stadium’s waste. The stadium’s roof is also covered with a translucent membrane that allows natural light to filter through, reducing the need for artificial lighting.