El Aguacate - Pedestrian Bridge
Joyabaj, Guatemala
El Aguacate Pedestrian Bridge was the fourth project in the Joyabaj, Guatemala program. With a 24-meter span, the cable-suspended pedestrian bridge provides a safe passageway to school for over sixty students who currently cannot attend during the rainy season. In addition, it grants quick access to healthcare and markets in the city of Joyabaj and provides greater employment opportunities for three different communities totaling 800 to 1,000 people.
The bridge design process started in March 2016 and ended in May 2017. The bridge is partially built in an existing roadway, and therefore a retaining wall was designed and constructed to help maintain the position of soils in the roadway. Additionally, a barrier wall was built to warn drivers of the bridge, and protect the bridge if they lose control of their vehicle. Designed for loading of one hundred pounds per square foot, the bridge permits crossing by foot and motorcycle.
The bridge was built in August of 2017 with an abundance of assistance from the community of El Aguacate. The bridge will be continuously monitored by the Marquette University Engineers Without Borders team to evaluate the structural integrity and influence the bridge has on the community.