Project Description
Moses Mabhida Stadium is one of South Africa’s most recognizable landmarks, distinguished by its iconic arch and sweeping roof structure that have become symbols of Durban’s skyline. Originally developed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, the stadium continues to host international sporting events, concerts, and public gatherings, combining architectural ambition with world-class engineering.
PFEIFER Structures contributed to the realization of this landmark venue by delivering a turn-key roof solution. The stadium’s sophisticated structural concept is centred around the 104-metre-high steel arch, which carries the vertical loads and prestressing forces of the membrane roof. The horizontal forces generated by the tensioned cable system are transferred through two horizontal compression arches that simultaneously define the outer edge of the roof and are supported by façade columns of varying heights and inclinations. Radially arranged steel cables span alternately between the horizontal compression ring, the main arch, and the inner tension ring, creating a highly efficient lightweight roof system with exceptional structural performance. The project required meticulous engineering, precise fabrication, and flawless installation to realize one of the world’s most iconic cable-supported stadium roofs.
