Trabablas (Mbudzi) Interchange - Class of 2025

The technical visit to the Trabablas (Mbudzi) Interchange exposed NUST Civil Engineering students to large-scale structural and transportation engineering in an active urban construction environment. The multi-level interchange served as a live case study in the integration of structures, highways, soils, and traffic management.

Students examined major structural elements of the flyover system, including prestressed concrete bridge decks, piers, and abutments. Attention was given to bearings and expansion joints, highlighting how bridges accommodate thermal movement without cracking or distress.

The visit also covered highway geometric design, where students learned how sight distances, gradients, and ramp curvature are selected to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow. Geotechnical engineering concepts were demonstrated through deep foundation piling, retaining wall systems, and controlled earthworks, with emphasis on soil compaction and testing to prevent long-term settlement.

Pavement technology formed another key learning area, as students observed layered road construction from sub-grade to asphalt surfacing and discussed material selection based on heavy traffic loading. The tour concluded with insights into urban logistics, including traffic detours, temporary works, drainage design, and the relocation of existing underground utilities during construction.

Overall, the visit highlighted the complexity of high-value transport infrastructure projects and reinforced the importance of integrated engineering design in modern civil engineering practice.