Creating SUSTAINABLE...“We have some 3 200 vendors on our vendors list and each one appreciates its importance to our company. We consider a range of criteria that vary from total

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AUGUST 2013

BEST

PROJECTS

2013

CALL FOR ENTRIES

Creating

SUSTAINABLE operations in Africa

New head office:

IDEAL BUILDING, IDEAL LOCATION

RESCUING THE CARLTON Centre from spalling

What constitutes a

SUCCESSFUL PRECINCT?

www.crown.co.za

AUGUST

EditorWilhelm du Plessis [email protected]

Advertising ManagerEugene Botha [email protected]

Layout & DesignLesley Testa

Circulation Karen Smith

PublisherJenny Warwick

Published monthly by:Crown Publications ccP O Box 140BEDFORDVIEW, 2008Tel: 27 11-622-4770Fax: 27 11-615-6108

Printed by:Tandym CapeThe views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher.

Paid Circulation:(First Quarter ’13)

49

Free Circulation:(First Quarter ’13)

4 650

Total Circulation:(First Quarter ’13)

4 699

2013

Cover story

Features

Regulars4 Marketplace20 Property 22 Environment 28 Projects & Contracts 42 Project Profile63 Equipment69 Products & Services72 Diary & Appointments

On-site service from Lafarge South Africa’s concrete team: a Lafarge mobile concrete batching plant was established at the Hopefield wind farm near Saldanha in the Western Cape.

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46

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4. Building with suppliersAfriSam’s annual Suppliers’ Awards function is an event much anticipated by the industry, as key suppliers are recognised for their service and support during the previous year.

8. Towards a more substantial roleThe Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA), the oldest industry association serving the discipline of municipal engineers in the country, commenced with lobbying for higher integration and col-laboration between local governments in Southern Africa.

10. Value in the construction sectorThe deterioration in the fundamentals of the construction industry, following the down-turn in the sector post the World Cup stadia spend and infrastructure boom leading up to the event, has resulted in pockets of cheap investment opportunities starting to appear.

20. What constitutes a successful precinct?There is much to be said for the rejuvena-tion of decaying suburbs or the creation of vibrant, thriving nodes within city areas, but what precisely is it that makes for a successful precinct, and gives it a clear and appealing identity of its own.

24. Five stars for Cape Town’s tallestPortside (Buitengracht Street, Cape Town), designed by dhk Atchitects in a joint venture with Louis Karol Architects, was awarded a five star Design rating under the Green Build-ing Council of South Africa’s Green Star rating system for offices.

30. Delivering on jobs and investment promiseConstruction is booming at Coega as projects under production amount to R1,2-billion, with over 2 500 jobs created.

36. High quality in continuous two-week cyclesUsing a PERI climbing formwork solution precisely tailored to meet the project require-ments and reduced material requirements, nine silos grew steadily upwards in regular two-week cycles. Ready-to-use elements supplied directly from the PERI formwork assembly hall ensured dimensional stability.

42. Ideal building, ideal locationMotorists driving on the M1 in Johannesburg would have noticed an interesting addition to the row of office buildings facing the highway in the Melrose Arch precinct.

46. Creating sustainable operations Gavin Taylor, chief operating officer – Build-ings and Construction Africa for Murray & Roberts Construction talks to Construc-tion World about how this division plans to move further into Africa by creating sustain-able operations.

August 2013CONSTRUCTION WORLD

22

THE COMPETITION COMMISSION recently announced that it is fining 15 construc-tion companies who admitted to collusive tendering a combined R1,45-billion. These fines were agreed with the Competition Commission under its Fast-Track Settlement Process that was launched in February 2011. The Commission found in excess of 300 cases in which the bids were rigged. The 15 fines ranged from R155 000 to more than R300-million.

The findings of the Competition Commis-sion are relevant for two reasons. The first is obviously that it confirms that such behav-iour in un-competitive. It is also – and here I borrow from Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi who recently spoke at the national

Stakeholder Forum of the Construc-tion Industry Development Board (cidb) – anti-transformative.

He is of the opinion that bigger companies “close off opportunities to smaller companies”. He also stated that such behaviour undermines the expected social and economic benefits that arise from construction projects which represent a setback for transformation – work on projects are kept and divided among the inner circle, unfortunately often white com-panies. Whatever the motivation was

at the time, in retrospect, the major players in the construction industry certainly did not do themselves any favours.

On the one hand there have been calls for drastic action against the large construction firms who are guilty of bid rigging, and on the other there is concern that such action may seriously hamper Government’s infra-structure roll-out plan. Nxesi reckons the latter view is “misled”. For him “corruption is corruption” – whether you are a big or small company – an even hand is needed when stamping out corruption.

He said it appears as though there are dif-ferent rules for big white-owned companies and black owned companies.

ot doing themselves any favoursWhat this bid rigging debacle has done is that it highlighted criminal tendencies in construction, but also, and perhaps more importantly, lack of transformation.

This, in the very sensitive South African context, leaves the worse taste.

Nxesi said that the findings of the Com-mission are the ideal opportunity to establish systems and processes for his department whereby corruption is eradicated. It is also an opportunity to create a strategy that promotes partnerships in support of national objectives. This, together with ethical prac-tises leads to transformation.

This is especially important when consid-ering that the National Development Plan in the form of the National Growth Plan, the Presidential Infrastructure Coordination Commission, the Strategic Integrated Proj-ects and the National Development Plan is going to require mobilisation of the entire construction industry’s capacity and a variety of partnerships.

At the most basic level, however, those guilty of bid rigging must start rebuilding the trust that has been lost.

WILHEM DU PLESSISEDITOR

AfriSam’s annual Suppliers’ Awards function is an event much anticipated by the industry, as key suppliers are recognised for their service

and support during the previous year. Suppliers compete for this prestigious acknowledgment of their superior performance,

reliability and quality which AfriSam actively encourages and courts as it, in turn, strives to remain the customer of choice for its suppliers.

marketplace

June 2013CONSTRUCTION WORLD

4

“IT IS A TWO-WAY STREET,” comments Afri-Sam’s supply chain manager, Calie Ehrke. “Our suppliers are integral to our own growth and success and we value our long term relation-ships with them highly. We incentivise one another to keep raising the bar and in that way, are motivated to strive for constant im-provement as we build our future together.”

Suppliers are nominated from different business units and regions according to specific categories and then rated against criteria considered critical to AfriSam’s business imperatives. Internal awards are accorded for above average performance, and this year were attained by the Procure-ment division, with Johan van Staden col-lecting the prize for the Strategic Sourcing Team as the best improved procurement region/area for 2012 and Dries Naude and Hendrik Nel representing Dudfield for the best procurement region for 2012.

Astom Courier Services was acknowl-edged as the winner among six finalists for the BBBEE Supplier of the Year 2012 award while the Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE) Supplier of the Year 2012 award went to Bearings International, Kimberley, which beat seven other finalists to the rope.

“Competition for all the awards is stiff,” adds Ehrke. “We have some 3 200 vendors on our vendors list and each one appreciates its importance to our company. We consider a range of criteria that vary from total spend to

BBBEE status, from safety records to quality of service or product, from contribution to our brand to pricing policies and future market trends, to mention just a few.”

Certificates for the Cement Transporters’ Awards went to Long Distance Swaziland for the Safety award 2012 for the branded cement fleet, to Unitrans for the Corporate Identity award 2012 for the branded cement fleet and to Long Distance Swaziland again for the Service Delivery Award. Unitrans then walked away with the award for Cement Branded Transporter of the year.

“The non-branded transporters are as

Building with suppliersimportant as the branded fleets, since they also deal directly with our customers,” con-tinues Ehrke, and the winner in the Third Party Transporter of the Year 2012 award was Interfreight. LMM Transport was recognised as the Ready Mix Transporter of the year among five finalists.

“This year a new category was intro-duced: AfriSam Best Improved Key Supplier of the Year 2012, since we recognised that numerous suppliers had made great strides in upgrading their service offering and mak-ing AfriSam a customer of choice, although they were not yet able to compete with the top suppliers. So this year we applaud Chevron South Africa for walking that extra mile with us.”

The plum of the awards: AfriSam Key Supplier of the Year 2012, was granted to Nampak Sacks which came out on top despite very stiff competition. “One of our key priori-ties over the next five years in this regard is to support the establishment and growth of black-owned business, especially black women-owned business,” concludes Ehrke. ●

In a league of their own. All the winners of this year's AfriSam Supplier of the Year awards.

Nampack Sacks walked away with the award for 'AfriSam Key Supplier of the Year'.


6

In a white male dominated industry, an inspiring black female toolmaker rose up. Twenty

three-year-old Dipuo Sibiya, who hails from Kwa-Thema in the east of Johannesburg, holds

onto a dream to change the face of tool making in South Africa.

Recent talks that the National Development Plan (NDP) is fatally flawed and impossible to implement, are worrying and cause for concern

when in the State of the Nation Address, Government adopted the NDP as a route map with the aim of eliminating poverty and

reducing inequality in our country.

marketplace

THE ISSUES RAISED in the criticism of the NDP calling it ‘fatally flawed and pathetic’, and doubting its effective implementation are certain to be put to bed as soon as the plan is rolled out.

Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) is on record welcoming and sup-porting the NDP which provides a long term vision for the planned provision of essential infrastructure.

It is important to note that the NDP is a vision outlining long term deliverables (the ‘what’) while the implementation process (the ‘how’) remains open for debate.

Both theory and practice have proven that a long term focus on infrastructure pro-vision not only benefits society by improv-ing the quality of life for all, but it achieves

UNLIKE HER FEMALE PEERS Sibiya sees nothing wrong with getting her hands dirty, in fact she relishes it. She says it all started at home, growing up in a girls-only home where she had no choice but to fix things when the need arose.

Moulding the futureSibiya is one of the fortunate students who form part of the TDM Pow-ered Foundation and Apprenticeship programme, which is presented at the Kwa-Thema FET College and the Denel Training Academy in Kempton Park.

The TDM Powered Foundation and Apprenticeship Programmes, a competency-based programme, stretches over a period of three to four years and provides students with the basic, core and eventually specialist skills in the tool, die and mould making disciplines that enable them to qualify as toolmaker artisans. Once qualified, students can pursue careers in cross cutting sectors such as the aerospace, automotive, chemical, electronics, leisure, marine, medical, mining and packaging industries.

The learning content of both programmes is structured to include fundamental and applied theory, trade theory, workshop practical training and on-the-job training, providing students with extensive industry exposure and experience. Sibiya says the TDM Powered Foundation and Apprenticeship Programme gave her the platform to gain a deeper insight of the tool making industry. She further states that the On-Job Training, a practical experience course offered by the programme has afforded her an opportunity to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing an area of specialisation within the broader tool making industry.

Through the Apprenticeship Programme, Sibiya had an opportunity to mingle with some of the best industry peers at the recent AfriMold manufacturing trade fair held from 4 to 6 June at the NASREC Expo Centre in Johannesburg. “Afrimold gave me a platform to communicate with the industry in South Africa in a way never before possible and I am extremely grateful to both TASA and the National Tooling Initiative Programme for the opportunities,” Sibiya concludes. ●

Dipuo Sibiya is one of the fortunate students who form part of the TDM Powered Foundation and Apprenticeship Programme.

NDP implementation should be accelerated

CESA CEO, Graham Pirie.

economic growth by providing a platform of certainty for investment, job creation and business opportunities.

“CESA is extremely disappointed that the long term visionary goals of the NDP appear to have been placed on hold while our members eagerly anticipate the rollout of the programme. Let us see more action rather than talk because these actions will boost business confidence in the country,” states CESA CEO Graham Pirie.

“We need policy certainty from the gov-ernment,” he emphasises.

Pirie adds that the unblocking of the construction pipeline will create more jobs which will improve the quality of life of the people in the country.

CESA believes that Government cannot

acknowledge that the NDP is a roadmap for tackling the problems of poverty, inequality and unemployment and then remain silent on the matter. This is giving the wrong signal.

“Political will is needed to enforce the plan and yes we can update it along the way, but it is critical that the same resolve and urgency that that the country had in ensuring that 2010 infrastructure was delivered on time, is needed to accelerate the NDP going forward,” concludes Pirie. ●


8

The Inst itute of Municipal Engineer ing of Southern Africa (IMESA), the oldest industry association serving the discipline of municipal engineers in the country,

commenced with lobbying for higher integration and

collaboration between local governments in Southern Africa.

marketplace8

OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, IMESA has increasingly tabled the importance of not only serving South African municipal en-gineers, but also to develop a network of support, knowledge sharing and service integration for the municipal engineering fraternity across the SADC states.

The opportunity for IMESA to open a branch in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare has arisen, and the organisation is actively pursu-ing its obligation to become more visible in Southern African countries.

“South African municipalities face very similar challenges to the rest of Southern Africa. It is critical for local governments in South Africa to engage with our neighbour-

ing countries, to ensure knowledge and skills transfer, capacity building and sharing best practice examples at local level,” says Frank Stevens, president of IMESA.

Two years ago, Stevens was invited to Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third largest city to deliver the Cecil Leonard Robertson Memo-rial Lecture to the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE), a multidisciplinary industry association in Zimbabwe.

The ZIE has been serving engineers in Zimbabwe since 1944, and aims to maintain appropriate standards for engineering and technician competence, while promoting the advancement of the engineering discipline.

Although Stevens’ presentation focused on water and sanitation service delivery, he had an opportunity to share some back-ground and information about the work IMESA does, and left the conference being inspired by the 140 delegates’ interest and ea-gerness to get involved with the organisation.

“As an organisation we have become actively aware of the importance to liaise with our neighbouring states. Recently, SADC held a workshop to promote the co-operation on trans-boundary water resources, and ad-dress Southern African water management challenges, in light of a rising demand for water access and services. This is only one ex-ample illustrating the growing need for cross-border collaboration to stimulate resource and management integration amongst

Towards a more substantial roleSouthern African municipalities,” says Stevens.

The vision to establish an IMESA branch in Harare gained more momentum when members of IMESA met with Simon Muser-ere, the wastewater manager with the City of Harare and a corporate member of ZIE, at the eThekwini municipality’s water and sanitation division.

Muserere is actively involved with an out-reach and upliftment programme funded by eThekwini, the World Bank and AusAID – an ongoing initiative in Bulawayo and Harare for some three years.

The eThekwini programme comprises updating records, assessing the water and sanitation systems, and attending to bottle-necks and faults that exist in Bulawayo and Harare’s service delivery networks.

Training is central to the programme and focuses on geographic information systems and pressure management. IMESA has written to Dr Sanzan Diarra, the CEO of the ZIE, as well as the Town Clerk and heads of departments of Harare Municipality regard-ing the establishment of a Zimbabwe IMESA branch. A two-day workshop is envisioned to serve as a platform for planning the future steps and will hopefully guide the planned creation of the IMESA branch in Harare.

IMESA is currently exploring the setting up of a similar process in Swaziland. The notion was met with enthusiasm by munici-pal engineers in Mbabane ●


10 marketplace10Value in the construction sector

The deterioration in the fundamentals of the construction industry, following the downturn in the sector post the World Cup stadia spend and infrastructure boom leading up to the event, has resulted

in pockets of cheap investment opportunities starting to appear.

RICHARD COURT, ANALYST at RE:CM, a value based asset manager, says RE:CM’s focus on the construction industry has been primarily from a local perspective.

“The operating economics are essentially the same for construction companies world-wide. There are very few barriers to entry, as shown by South African contractors sourcing work from places like Australia to Dubai. In general, the construction industry is not an industry that RE:CM considers a good place to find quality businesses as measured by competitive advantages. However, this does not mean that these industries do not offer up bargains. RE:CM has the luxury of focus-ing on high quality businesses in our global investable opportunity set which would exclude most construction companies.”

Court says that an in-vestor in a construc-

capital to this investment idea.” He says it is interesting to note that WBHO is trading at a premium to its long term median EV/Sales multiple of 0.3 times. “WBHO has not dabbled to the same extent in non-core assets, such as construction materials, like its competitors have, and its management has earned the respect of the industry in terms of their ability to price and execute on a contract.”

Court says that WBHO’s track record is appreciated by market participants. “WBHO’s Returns on Equity are superior over time in comparison to their listed peers. The investing public seems to be aware of this, hence why WBHO is trading above its long term median EV/Sales. While we appreciate WBHO’s man-agement, we simply are not interested in buy-ing or owning WBHO shares at these levels.”

Court says that the challenges remain the same for the construction industry. “Competi-tion for construction contracts in South Africa is still fierce, which translates into lower prices being accepted for contracts and implies that the construction companies are not being remunerated for the operational risk that they are incurring.

“However, the lack of barriers to entry for construction companies does have a silver lin-ing. It is possible for a construction company to move from one construction discipline to another discipline which is showing greater demand for construction services. This is the case whether the new market is offshore or in a different market, such as the oil and gas or renewable energy sectors. This allows construction companies to change and follow the demand for their services.”

He says that the collusion charges within the industry do not change their view on the economics of the industry. “In terms of valuation, RE:CM does its utmost to include the financial impact of these charges into our valuations. Additionally, RE:CM allocates capital to businesses at a price that builds in a margin of safety – in other words, well below what we believe the stocks are worth. This protects us against permanent losses of capital,” concludes Court. ●

About RE:CM RE:CM is a medium-sized, independent asset management company that follows a bottom-up value approach based on thorough, fundamental research. The company, with assets under management of over R18-billion, believes a strategy of buying securi-ties only when market prices are significantly below intrinsic value will produce superior results in the long run – protecting capital when prices and risks are high, and growing capital when prices, and thus risks, are low.

tion company is essentially purchasing the construction contracts that the business attains, combined with management’s ability to price for the inherent risk in these contracts and execute on these contracts in order to generate profits for shareholders.

“A ratio of Enterprise Value to Sales (EV/Sales) is therefore a relevant ratio to consider when evaluating construction companies. Enterprise Value is the value of the entire business, being the equity outstanding as well as any net debt (debt less excess cash). The EV/Sales multiple represents how much the market is willing to pay the business for current capacity to generate revenue and that particular management team’s ability to convert that revenue into profits.”

He explains that a comparison of the construction companies current EV/Sales

multiple assigned to it by the market with the long term median multiple is a

good indicator of which companies might be offering value.

He says that RE:CM has recent-ly allocated some of its client’s capital to two other construction companies – Aveng and Raubex, but for different reasons. “Aveng was trading on a far lower EV/Sales multiple compared to its median, which drew our attention to the business.

Closer inspection of Aveng highlighted a significant manu-

facturing element relative to its multi-disciplinary construction

competitors, which means that EV/Sales is less relevant when con-

sidering Aveng in our estimation. The shares still however offer value,

which is why we have some exposure to this business.

“Raubex is a more specialised con-struction company which focuses

on road construction. Again, our estimation of the

intrinsic value of the business showed

that it was trad-ing at a discount in the market, a n d a g a i n RE:CM took the opportu-nity to allo-cate client’s


12 marketplace12

THE LONG-AWAITED CENTRE of Excellence at 33 Argon Road, Fulcrum, Springs, was officially opened on 14 June. It is based at the revamped old Building Industries Federa-tion of SA (BIFSA) premises, now owned by PC Training & Business College with which SAPMA/SAPITI has entered into a partnership with to establish the facility.

The Centre will offer training programmes accredited by the Chemical Industries Edu-cation and Training Authority (CHIETA) and endorsed by the Department of Labour as

well as the Department of Higher Education and Training. The Centre will be operated by the SA Paint Manufacturing Association (SAPMA) and its training arm, the SA Paint Industry Training Institute (SAPITI), and con-tains extensive facilities for both theoretical and practical training.

SAPITI has revised its paint technology modules to bring the training offered at the Centre in line with international standards and encourage the training of a wider spec-trum of students to meet the government’s

Long-awaited training centre opened The new SAPMA/SAPITI Centre of Excellence training facility for the

coatings industry is the first industry-dedicated training centre, established through prolonged co-operative efforts between a specific

industry and the government, initiated by the coatings sector.

calls for the expansion of skills and job creation. The Centre – which has access to the internationally-respected British Coatings Federation (BCF) training modules – will offer technical tuition at advanced levels as well as for non-technical industry staff to improve their knowledge of coatings. BCF training is recognised by the City & Guilds Institute of London Institute which is accepted and respected worldwide.

Deryck Spence, executive director of SAPMA, says the new facility will, for example, offer a first for South Africa: the fully accred-ited Practical Applications Qualifications course, consisting of 25 days’ training, split into five five-day modules. It will also offer: • Accredited training for the retail

industry, where the level of training among store personnel urgently needs improvement;

• Short, non-accredited training for smaller retailers; and

• Short, non-accredited training for paint applicators from smaller painting contractors who are unable to afford the time to send staff on longer, accredited courses.

“Further down the line, we intend expand-ing training programmes in business sec-tors such as spray painting, waterproofing, colour tinting, independent paint laboratory services, paint application training for the Department of Correctional Services, and training of candidates from the Department of Social Development and Department of Public Works,” Spence stated.

“The Centre of Excellence will offer the coatings industry the opportunity of staff training, subsidised by the government. This will result in improved skills within the companies themselves as well as the indus-try, and will include increased productivity, the manufacture of higher quality products, increased profits, and ultimately more job opportunities and higher BBBEE score sheets.”

Spence says the opening of the new Centre is the result of the “excellent work-ing relationship” that had eventually been established with CHIETA.

“Training is vitally needed in the coatings sector – not only from a technical and produc-tion point of view but also from an application standpoint as well. About 80% of all painting problems arise from inferior surface prepara-tion and the Consumer Protection regulations hold a minefield of potential problems for companies using untrained staff,” he adds.

As student accommodation and kitchen amenities are available at the new Centre, SAPMA/SAPITI will also be able to recruit candidates from anywhere in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands.

Despite the lack of government accredita-tion, SAPMA/SAPITI managed to train over 7 000 employees of the coatings industry since 1987. ●

Mollie Ramnundlall (left), a director of the SA Paint Industry Training Institute (SAPITI), officially cuts the ribbon to formally open the new Centre of Excellence in Springs. Jay Ramnundlall, also a

director of SAPITI, and Terry Ashmore (right), chairman of SAPMA, look on.

Guests at the official opening were shown around the facility which includes miniature houses installed for practical painting lessons for the students.



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South Africa’s forthcoming entrant into the cement market, Sephaku Cement, has concretised support for pragmatic skills development in the industry by co-funding a new organisation that will drive concrete-related training and accreditation.

In addition, MBA North members have access to industry-related committees and forums on various issues as well as access to CETA, CIDB and NHBRC on industry matters. Mem-bers also are represented on a national level through MBA North’s membership of Master Builders South Africa, and can purchase industry-related contracts and other essential documentation from MBA North.

“Finally, members are listed on the MBA website and in the annual members’ direc-tory and can participate in a host of impor-tant networking events such as our annual dinner, MBSA congress, and other meet-and-greet opportunities.

"The MBA North slogan ‘Is your Builder, a Master Builder?’ is aimed at promoting the benefits of using the services of a qualified, competent member company to provide appropriate, quality and cost-effective build-ing solutions to meet the client’s require-ments and expectations. Our Code of Ethics ensures that this standard is maintained so the public has learnt to trust – and select –MBA members when selecting a contractor in the building field,” Freese added. ●

marketplace14

FREESE SAYS MEMBER contractors can draw on a pool of industry expertise and network opportunities with fellow members of the as-sociation. In addition, MBA membership offers the following support services and benefits:

Health and Safety• Telephonic support on Construction

Health and Safety (CHS) matters and distribution of relevant CHS information;

• Bi-monthly CHS Forum;• Courtesy visits;• Entrance into the association’s annual

regional MBA Safety Competition; and• Support services such as site audits, risk

assessments, and incident investigations at discounted rates to members.

Education and Training• Telephonic support on Education and

Training, and on the Work Skills Plan and ATR process, as well as completion of WSP and ATR documentation at discounted rates to members;

• Facilitation of industry training courses;

THE NEW INDUSTRY BODY replaces the C&CI that closed its doors on withdrawal of support from a key funder earlier this year.

“What is important about the body is that it is a central, independent organisation,” says Sephaku Cement CEO, Pieter Fourie. “We be-lieve in the pivotal role of this industry body

which, by virtue of the services that it offers, is a necessity. Training, acceditation and the promotion of concrete as a building material of choice is non-negotiable for our industry to keep improving on the quality of work being done in infrastructure development, both in residential and industrial spheres,” he says.

Fourie notes that the focus of the new organisation, which began operating in May 2013 will include expansion of industry participation. “Concrete is often ‘common ground’ across different industries. Because of this, participation by sectors such as con-struction and manufacturing is important to heighten the value that the industry body can generate,” concludes Fourie. ●

Co-funding concrete promoting industry body

About Sephaku Cement

Sephaku Cement CEO, Pieter Fourie.

Sephaku Cement was established in 2006. An associate company of JSE-listed Sep-haku Holdings Limited, Sephaku Cement is a 64%-owned subsidiary of Dangote

Cement Plc. Dangote has invested more than R1,1-billion in the venture, repre-senting the largest investment in a South African enterprise by an African company.

Membership benefitsMaster Builder membership offers a wide range of important services to

members not in a position to afford the high cost of engaging experts for advice on contractual, legal, labour, health and safety, training and other similar issues, says Samantha Freese, business development

officer of Master Builders Association North.

• Skills development facilitation and auditing at discounted rates to members; and

• Access to the MBA North’s annual Small Builders Development Course.

Contractual and Legal• Telephonic assistance on legal,

contractual and Human Resources issues;

• Telephonic assistance with alternative dispute resolution mechanisms;

• Assistance with industry-related contracts; and

• Assistance with mediation and arbitration.

Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE)• Telephonic support on BBBEE matters;• BBBEE consultation at discounted rates

to members; and • Assistance with BBBEE certification also

at discounted rates.


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16 marketplace16

TOWARDS THIS END, a major business conference was organised in Tripoli to provide local and international stakeholders an essential guide to the developments and projects across critical infrastructure, energy, utilities and industry sectors that will accelerate rebuilding efforts in Libya.

Libya Projects 2013, which was organised by MEED in association with Business Mirror (BM), dissected the new wave of projects that will be undertaken in Libya over the next decade.

Among these projects include Gecol’s capacity building programme in the power sector which will see installed capacity rise from about 13 000 MW in 2012 to 19 000 -20 000 MW by 2020.

In aviation, the new government has planned a USD2,5-billion upgrade of the state’s busiest airports aimed at expanding capacity to about 28 million passengers a year from an estimated 5 million.

The housing sector is another critical investment focus. The gov-ernment estimates that the country will face a housing shortfall of 500 000 units by 2020. The Housing & Infrastructure Board (HIB) has been tasked to deliver 200 000 new homes, with supporting infrastruc-ture in the next seven years.

“There is currently a dearth of accurate and reliable information on the opportunities in the projects market in Libya which the conference addresssed. Attended by leading authorities and key stakeholders, Libya Projects 2013 offered the best opportunity for companies to correctly access Libya’s projects market,” said Edmund O’ Sullivan, chairman, MEED Events, organisers of Libya Projects 2013 in co-operation with Business Mirror Libya, and supported by the General National Congress.

Under the patronage of the General National Council, Libya Proj-ects 2013 gathered key government officials and entities as well as leading private sector companies who provided an expert overview of the wide-ranging political and economic reforms currently being implemented in Libya and the impact of these initiatives on the projects

The conference, which took place on 3 to 5 June in Tripoli, also focused on the government’s programme to promote and attract foreign direct investments in Libya, and provided a critical update on existing and stalled projects. ●

Rebuilding a countryLibya is expected to invest USD140-billion in projects over the next decade as the country embarks on building a sustainable future.


17

Twintec Industrial Flooring and Llevell Laser Floors have formed a strategic partnership for the design and construction of industrial concrete flooring throughout South Africa.

marketplace 17

THE TWINTEC GROUP IS recognised world leaders in steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) ‘jointless’ floor slabs design and con-

Concrete flooring strategic partnership

struct in excess of 6 million m² worldwide each year and introduced the technology to the South African market in 2010. Llevell

Stephen Chambers, Llevell Laser Floors director.

Laser Floors, which operates as a division of NMC, has been laying concrete floors throughout South Africa since 1992 and have an extensive track record in delivering quality for their clients.

“This partnership will synergise the resources of both companies with the ulti-mate benefits being passed directly to the customer including technical support, pro-gramme planning and added value services. Twintec entered the market with a corporate commitment to embrace local labour skills and this provides a perfect opportunity to take this step,” says Martin Kerrigan, Twintec projects director.

This strategic partnership will see Twintec and Llevell Laser Floors continuing to oper-ate as independent companies, maintaining their respective track records, but working together on selected appropriate projects.

“The combination of expertise, skilled resources and additional opportunities for value engineering is an exciting prospect for all involved. Embracing a spirit of building trust, the key to our success lies in quality delivery through partnering with the client and project engineers from pre-contract meetings through to the completed floor,” adds Stephen Chambers, Llevell Laser Floors director. ●Martin Kerrigan, Twintec projects director.

Category A1: Civil Engineering Contractors

Prerequisites for entries• Only South African construction and civil projects.

• Projects are eligible during the execution of the project and up to 12 months after completion.

Criteria for category A1• Construction innovation technology

• Corporate social investment

• Design innovation

• Environmental impact consideration

• Health and safety

• Quantifiable time, cost and quality

• Risk management

• Motivating facts about the project

Category A2: Building Contractors



Criteria for category A2• Construction innovation technology


• Design innovation



• Quantifiable time, cost and quality

• Risk management


Category A3: Civil Engineering and Building Contractors (outside South Africa)

Prerequisites for entries• Projects outside South Africa, executed by a South African

contractor.


Criteria for category A3As per category A1 and A2

Category B: Specialist Contractors or Suppliers



Criteria for category B• Construction technology innovation





Category C: Professional Services



Criteria for category C• Construction innovation technology


• Design



• Quantifiable time cost and quality

• Risk management


First held in 2002, Construction World’s Best Projects showcases excellence in the South African building, civil engineering and project management sectors. The aim of Construction World’s Best Projects is to recognise projects across the entire construction industry: from civil and building projects to professional services to specialist suppliers and contractors.

Main sponsor


18

Category D: Public Private Partnerships

Prerequisites for entries• Only South African construction and civil projects


Criteria for category D• Construction innovation technology


• Design




• Risk management


Category E: The AfriSam Innovation Award for Sustainable ConstructionDescription of category: Working with the community on a project that has socio-economic impact.

Prerequisites for entries• Only South African construction and civil projects


This category will be judged on the project’s

(i) change and transferability

(ii) ethical standards and social equity

(iii) ecological quality and energy conservation

(iv) economic performance and compatibility

(v) contextual and aesthetic impact

Criteria for category D• Construction innovation technology


• Design




• Risk management


Call

for e

ntrie

s

2013

BES

T PRO

JECT

S

CONSTRUCTIONWORLD’sJudging

A panel of independent judges from the construction industry has been appointed. They are Trueman Goba, chairman of Hatch Goba; Naude Klopper, former executive director of the Gauteng Master Builders’ Association; and Rob Newberry, managing director of Newberry Development (past president of the Chartered Institute of Building).

Each criterion as set out for the various categories will be scored out of 10 – with 10 being the highest score and one being the lowest – it is therefore VERY important that entries address the criteria for the particular category it is entering.

In each category and Overall Winner Award and one or two Highly Commended Award(s) will be made. A ‘Special Mention’ award may be given.

Special issueThe December issue of Construction World is dedicated to the various winners and entries and is thus an overview of activity in the built environment during the past year.

Submitting entries• Each entry must be accompanied by the

completed entry form. This is available from www.crown.co.za or by requesting it from [email protected].

• The maximum length for submissions is 2 000 words

• Each submission must clearly state which category is entered for*

• IMPORTANT It is to the entrants’ own advantage to address ALL the criteria as set out in the category being entered

• The written submission must be accompanied by up to six high resolution photographs with applicable captions

• The submission must also contain a summary list of important project information such as client, main contractor etc. – i.e. the professional team involved in the project

• Electronic submissions are acceptable – entrants do not need to produce hard copies of entries

* Construction World retains the right to move entries into a more appropriate category

DeadlinesDeadline for entries is Friday, 6 September 2013 at 17:00.

Awards eveningThe awards evening, in the form of a cocktail function, will be held on Tuesday, 29 October 2013 at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, Johannesburg.

Contact For further information contact the editor, Wilhelm du Plessis on 011-622-4770 or [email protected]


19


20 property

Ingredients for success“What are the key ingredients which signal the start of a precinct and what shapes this cycle in its life? How does a precinct attain an identity or sense of community of real inter-est to stakeholders and how can developers positively influence the direction or creation of a precinct,” says Reid.

“Obvious success stories include Mabo-neng Precinct with its popular Arts on Main and Melrose Arch in Johannesburg, Century City in Cape Town’s northern suburbs, Gate-way’s Newtown centre in uMhlanga, KwaZulu-

Natal and St Georges Mall in Cape Town’s CBD.“Naturally there are different types of

precincts. A precinct may grow from natural town planning parameters with a combina-tion of shops and offices, such as, Rosebank, Newtown and the CBD in Johannesburg. “

Reid says it could in a sense be consciously superimposed on an area, such as Melrose Arch, Canal Walk and Century City, and Water-fall Estate – strategically positioned between Johannesburg and Pretoria. “Those with vision have identified a specific locale and because of its unique qualities and proximity to motorways, public transport and amenities have decided it has the potential to become a different type of development within its hub. It may arise from an assembling of land opportunities or the purchase of old proper-ties and redevelopment thereof, but with a central vision and creation of its own identity.

“Take for example, Rivonia Boulevard, which has retail – including anchor shops, entertainment, residential, restaurants and offices, all of which complement each other to form an identifiable node. For some time this area went through the doldrums, but now appears to be re-emerging. One can see that very often a precinct is driven by devel-opers who recognise the potential positive aspects of a precinct and that development land is earmarked and gradually triggered by incoming trends.

“It is also interesting to look at relatively old shopping centres, which tend to have all the necessary services required such as supermarkets, banks, dry cleaners, post office and the like and because they are in a densely developed and trafficked area they continue to thrive, such as Dunkeld West and the Val-ley Centre in Craighall. However, it must be pointed out that cost structures in respect of older centres tend to be very different from cost structures of the newer or refurbished centres, and this is also a contributing factor to their success.

“A precinct may also arise from a particular requirement, for example a student accom-modation precinct has been created to cater for the requirements of a young population in proximity to educational facilities, such as in Braamfontein in Johannesburg and Hatfield in Pretoria. It is critical for developers and financial institutions to understand the nature of a precinct before they commence planning. The aesthetics and ambience of a precinct need to be considered as a whole. For example Johannesburg’s Main Street precinct between the Magistrate’s Courts and

Gandhi Square was created out of a desire to preserve the value of the office buildings in the neighbourhood – and so the street was acquired by local landlords on a leasehold basis and converted to a pedestrian mall. In St Georges Mall in Cape Town’s CBD the landlords similarly came together and formed a city improvement district,” says Reid. “In ad-dition, a precinct could be located at a mining town, such as Burgersfort, but instead of in the town centre, the precinct is developed on the outskirts, with shopping facilities, resi-dential and all the ingredients for a precinct but on the periphery of the town.”

OpportunitiesSo where are opportunities highlighted for the potential creation of a successful precinct? Reid says typically it would be in a high traffic zone with ageing buildings which have the potential to be redeveloped. And it would require those with the capability, drive and vision to make it happen – such as Arts on Main in Maboneng Precinct.

“Consider how Bryanston has evolved from residential and offices and a very upmar-ket shopping centre to almost become a CBD on its own. Randburg is also interesting as it has evolved out of a transport hub and with retail, commercial and government offices, is becoming a key node of its own,” says Reid.

“Sandton is an interesting case in point, as this area is going through another cycle in its life. In the last 15 years it has seen unprecedented development by a limited number of developers on the back of a strong tenant demand. Buildings here tend to have a lifespan of 10 - 15 years before they become dated and are replaced, and we are seeing an inner movement within Sandton with corporate and office tenants relocating just 500 m down the road to secure more modern, prime accommodation.

“For example, Alexander Forbes has moved just two blocks from a 26 000 m2 space to the same size office accommodation a short distance away. The reason is the dynam-ics of the area have changed, and businesses such as these are positioning themselves in new, better quality offices in a financial dis-trict at the ‘gateway’ to Sandton and in close proximity to the Gautrain station.”

Reid says this also raises the question as to whether developers build according to a lease formula – do developments have an economic lifecycle longer than 10 years, after which the developers then look to sell, and what impact can this have – potentially negative – on a building or buildings within a precinct? How do you avoid the latter? The fact is one has to acknowledge the finan-cial undertow which has a major influence on the lifecycle of a precinct. And to also realise that the stakeholders or landlords within a precinct have a management role within that precinct, possibly in the form of an improve-ment district. ●

What constitutes a successful precinct?There is much to be said for the rejuvenation of decaying suburbs or

the creation of vibrant, thriving nodes within city areas, but what precisely is it that makes for a successful precinct, and gives it a clear and appealing identity of its own, asks David Reid, investment

sales broker for JHI Properties in Gauteng.

4th Avenue in Parkhurst, Johannesburg.

44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark.

Parktown North: a view of the shopping precinct.


21

One of South Africa’s most recognisable office locations, the Sandton City Office Tower, is to receive a significant facelift to its façade. Co-owned by Liberty Holdings and Pareto, the upgrade will be managed by Liberty Properties. The Sandton City Office Tower has been a focal point in Sandton from its location on 5th Street since it opened for business in 1973. Visible from vantage points across the greater Johannesburg area, the 22 storey high-rise is one of the most recognisable landmark buildings in the Sandton node.

property

“DURING ITS 40 YEAR tenure, the build-ing has undergone routine maintenance and safety checks. The building remains structurally sound but, given the age of the building, routine restorative and preventa-tive maintenance needs to be undertaken,” says Graham Kusano, divisional director: property development, Liberty Properties. Two independent firms of structural engi-neers completed recent audits of the build-ing to assist in developing the programme.

Kusano says a decision to launch a simultaneous aesthetics and security up-grade of the building coincides with the maintenance works. He adds that the ex-terior of the building will be revived in line with current development in the broader Sandton complex. “A new glass façade will ensure it remains relevant in the presti-gious Sandton Central node. In addition to the refurbishment of the façade, routine maintenance work will be conducted and we anticipate the project to be completed in approximately 18 months. Existing ten-ants are fully apprised of the situation and can rest assure that all occupational, health and safety regulations will be adhered to at all times during the course of the project.”

Amelia Beattie, chief investment officer, STANLIB Direct Property Investments, the asset manager on behalf of Liberty and Marius Muller, chief executive of Pareto Limited in a joint statement say: “The in-vestment is in line with both Liberty and Pareto’s strategy to ensure the properties

Sandton City office tower facelift

are kept well-maintained and pertinent to their surroundings, and coincides with the current multi-million rand rejuvenation of the Sandton Twin Towers complex to create the prestigious Atrium on 5th commercial

development. As co-owners, we are proud to be working on another project which will enhance the value of the property and over time the refurbishment will make the building more appealing to tenants.” ●


22

In June 2012 work commenced on a new bunded storage facility for an oil tank project for GPS

Chemoil, situated at the major bunkering port of Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman in the United Arab Emirates. Riaan Rademeyer of Kaytech

was instrumental in supplying and installing Kaytech’s EnviroFix Geosynthetic Clay Liners

(GCL) as lining for the bunded storage facility.

environment

AS A PRECAUTION to contain leakage or breakage of the oil tanks, the bunded storage facility had previously been lined with HDPE. Installation and welding of this lining was carried out by a local specialist contractor, which proved difficult and costly. After careful consideration of all other alternatives, the construction engineers concluded that geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) would be more effective and simpler to install than HDPE lining. While investigating various alternatives, the company discovered that the supply and installation of Kaytech’s EnviroFix GCLs from South Africa was more economical than similar products. This is due to HDPE requiring a specialist contractor to repair any tears by welding patches over the damaged areas on site, but a GCL can be repaired by a generalist or in-house maintenance worker. Using a GCL also obviates the need for a cushioning geotextile to protect the HDPE liner.

Manufactured in South African, EnviroFix Thermal Lock GCLs are needle-punched, reinforced composites that combine two durable geotextile outer layers with a uniform core of natural sodium ben-tonite clay to form a hydraulic barrier. By needle-punching fibres through the sodium bentonite clay layer, a completely uniform GCL is produced. A proprietary heat-treating process (Thermal Lock) is then used to modify and more permanently lock the needle-punched fibres into place, resulting in increased internal shear resistance and long term creep resistance. This unique product is more durable over a wider range of installation conditions and can significantly reduce the adverse effects of premature hydration during installation.

EnviroFix is suitable in several applications; due to the efficiency of the high swelling sodium bentonite clay, it can completely or partially replace thick, multi-lift compacted clay layers in composite landfill liners and caps; it provides exceptional liquid containment, for instance, in reservoirs and irrigation canals and can also be used as a secondary containment barrier in above-ground tank impoundments such as at GPS Chemoil.

The engineering contractors who were awarded the construc-tion contract for Phase IV of the oil storage terminal at GPS Chemoil, employed local labourers and two local contractors to begin lining site tank 1008 with Kaytech’s EnviroFix. The local contractors had previous experience with installation of HDPE linings.

EnviroFix is a naturally heavy product due to its bentonite powder content and thus it usually necessitates the use of a TLB (Tractor Loader Backhoe). In this instance it was not possible to employ a TLB due to the many pedestals supporting overhead oil transfer pipes. As a result, rolls of EnviroFix were placed as near as possible to the areas being covered, and then manually unrolled. This time-consuming labour was exacerbated by the extremely high summer temperatures prevailing in the Middle East. Another challenge experienced on site was the time consuming effort of ensuring the GCL was properly sealed with bentonite paste.

By June 2013, 70 000 m2 of oil storage was lined with EnviroFix X800 GCL, providing an efficient, cost effective solution to the challenge of lining the oil tank for long-term stability and easy maintenance. ●

Oil tank containment

The area is protected by Envirofix.

Ensuring correct overlap area is set.

Manually rolling out the Envirofix X800 GCL.

Sealing the overlaps with bentonite.


24

Five stars for Cape Town’s tallest

On 25 May, Teri Kruger, juwi’s director stakeholder relations, was awarded with the ‘2013 Regional Business Achiever Award' in the Corporate category by the Western Cape branch of the

Business Women’s Association.

environment

SHE RECEIVED THE prize for her inspiring work in energy and pioneer-ing renewable energies in South Africa with recognition for her legacy projects in local communities. Only a few days later, on 28 May, juwi inaugurated its first solar project in Rustenburg.

In particular the judges honoured Teri Kruger’s passion for sustain-able solutions and her enduring love of nature. Furthermore, she was acknowledged for her diverse set of skills that she uses on sensitive energy management in response to the global concern around climate change and its far-reaching impacts.

Her work previously has received prestigious awards – for her contri-bution to consumer protection and for outstanding contribution to science, engineering and technology.

Jochen Magerfleisch, COO of the German juwi group, was one of the first to congratulate: “Kruger was one of our first employees in South Africa and helped to shape juwi’s particular approach to business in Africa. Her award shows that effort and dedication for a carbon-free energy production based on 100% renewable energies is a target worth pursuing”.

Greg Austin, juwi South Africa’s managing director, also con-gratulates: “This is an important award for her but also for juwi and the company’s activities in South Africa. juwi Renewable Energies through its ongoing leadership and support has provided a platform for Kruger to both participate and excel in this noteworthy business award competition”.

Since 2010 juwi Renewable Energies, a subsidiary of the German juwi-group, plans, finances, constructs and operates renewable energy power plants with a particular focus on the wind and solar energy sector in South Africa. On 28 May the company’s first photovoltaic construction project was inaugurated. When commissioned in October this year, the free field PV park in Rustenburg will also be South Africa’s first large-scale solar farms under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme. ●

THE RATING SYSTEM recognises achieve-ments in sustainable architecture. This acknowledgement makes Portside the first 5 Star Green Star SA certified high rise office development in South Africa.

The five star rating recognises South African excellence in terms of green design. According to the GBCSA, the Design rating is based on design documentation.

“We are proud that Portside has achieved this rating for the 'Design' category,' says Derick Henstra, executive chairman of the dhk Architects.

Artistic impression by dhk Architects.

Portside (Buitengracht Street, Cape Town), designed by dhk

Atchitects in a joint venture with Louis Karol Architects, was awarded a five star Design rating under the

Green Building Council of South Africa’s (GBCSA) Green

Star rating system for offices.

“The design was sensitive to both the environmental and aesthetic requirements of the building. We believe that we have successfully balanced the two imperatives; this rating is evidence of this.”

“A particular challenge was the balanc-ing of a vast double glazed curtain wall façade with the mechanical and electrical services necessary to maintain high occu-pant comfort. This is great example of our commitment to sustainable architecture and green design,” says Steve Peters, the dhk director responsible for Portside. ●

Inspiring work in renewable energies

Teri Kruger with Davin Chown, chair of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA).

About juwi Renewable Energies juwi Renewable Energies is a full-service partner in all aspects of project development. It plans, finances, constructs and operates renewable energy power plants with a particular focus on the wind and solar energy sector in South Africa. Their vision is that of 100% clean energy, security of supply, and independence from en-ergy imports. Their network of international investors and a proven track-record across the globe are some of the keys to their success.

cover story

A subsidiary of the international Lafarge Group, the global leader

in building materials, Lafarge South Africa has for some

time clearly demonstrated the meaning behind the Group’s repositioned branding and new logo

signature of ‘Building better cities’ that embod-ies more housing in cities, more compact cities, more durable cities, better connected cities and more beautiful cities. Whether it is for today’s cities or the rural towns that will be tomorrow’s cities, or the infrastructure that is needed for sustainable development, Lafarge is committed to providing innovative products and solutions to help create a better living environment for all our people. Renew-able energy is an exciting part of this picture.

Renewable energy projects are often in remote locations but Lafarge South Africa

was well prepared with a fleet of mobile batch plants to expand its concrete business. The company could offer contractors rapid establishment of a concrete supply on site and the assurance of consistent concrete quality with traffic congestion and long haulage distances removed from the perfor-mance equation. Combined with its technical strength to offer customised and innovative low carbon footprint extended concretes, Lafarge is building an impressive track record.

Wind farm projectsCurrently the Lafarge Readymix team has deployed mobile concrete plants on site for four wind farm projects. Construction of the foundations for the Hopefield wind farm near Saldanha in the Western Cape started in May 2013 and will require 18 000 m³ of concrete. Foundation work for 67 wind tur-bines at Cookhouse in the Eastern Cape be-gan in July and will use 30 000 m³ of concrete.

Based on the success of the Hopefield project mobilisation, Lafarge was awarded a further two wind farm projects, the first being at Oyster Bay in the Eastern Cape, where the company is supplying 18 000 m³ concrete to construct the 33 wind turbine bases. The other new award is to supply the ready-mix concrete requirements for the Sere Wind Farm, close to Koekenaap on the West Coast, which will consist of 44 wind turbines.

Success of the project batch plantsBuilding on the success of its mobile project batch plant, Lafarge South Africa has re-cently expanded its project plant resources by acquiring mini-project units. “We felt that we could only supply a certain size project with our existing equipment and opportunities in a sector of the industry were being missed,” commented Lafarge South Africa’s Dave Miles, industrial & performance manager readymix. The small concrete plants can be installed and commissioned in two days and are ideal for projects ranging in size from 2 000 to 10 000 m³. The policy quickly proved its worth, with the recent award of a project in Mokopane (previously Potgieterus). “It is exciting to be able to extend our service and offerings to clients,” adds Miles.

Solar power in the Northern CapeSolar power projects are another commercial success for Lafarge. “Since September last year, we have been supplying concrete for two solar power projects at Khi Solar Farm near Upington and Kaxu Solar Farm near Pof- adder in the Northern Cape,” says Miles. “Each one will require around 30 000 m³ of concrete for the foundations and ancilliary electri-cal installations. Servicing the sites, which are in remote locations near the Namibian border, is a challenging exercise but we had the competitive advantage of being able to deploy our mobile concrete batch plants.” The Lafarge Lichtenburg Cement Works in North West Province is supplying the site with the versatile low heat of hydration Powercrete Plus 42,5R premium technical cement and classified siliceous fly ash is coming from fly ash supplier, Ash Resources.

The Lafarge Readymix team is supply-ing its specialty Ultra Low Heat grade of concrete, formulated with 55% siliceous fly ash to help control heat of hydration in the mass pours, for the solar array foundations. The first base was cast in November 2012 and involved placing 4 500 m³ of concrete in a single operation. Due to the large size of the foundations, Ultra Low Heat concrete is being used on these projects. The set of the concrete has to be controlled carefully with ambient temperatures varying from 45 °C in summer to below freezing point in winter.

At the Khi Solar Farm site, a giant 235 m high solar energy collection tower is being constructed using 13 500 m³ of Lafarge Ultra Slide concrete in a continuous slide. The slide was started in the first week of May and is anticipated to take about 90 days, with cast-ing 24 hours a day.

Providing sustainable solutions“Our Readymix and Cement teams have shown their ability to innovate and organise resources quickly to operate in challenging locations,” says Lafarge’s Country CEO, Thierry Legrand. “They are providing customers with optimal concrete solutions combined with a unique supply service.” ●

Lafarge set up a mobile concrete batch plant to support the construction of the bases for the Hopefield wind turbine towers.

Winds of changeSouth Africa’s wind and solar renewable energy programme has moved into top gear. Through visionary preparation and innovative solutions, the readymix and cement business

lines of Lafarge South Africa are playing a key role.

Lafarge project plant established at the Khi solar farm near Upington.

cover story


26


27

HERE ARE SOME of the top achieving South African women in Lafarge, who are providing different perspectives on business issues and contributing to more effective solutions.

Nonkqubela Noloyiso Mazwai is a respected advisor and board member of many South African blue chip companies and

2727

About LafargeLOCATED IN 64 COUNTRIES with 65 000 employees, Lafarge is the world-leader in building materials, with top-ranking posi-tions in its Cement, Aggregates and Concrete businesses. In 2012, the Group posted sales of €15,8-billion.

Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construc-tion and architectural creativity to help build better cities around the world: more beautiful cities that are better connected, have more housing, and are more compact and durable. Since 2010, the Lafarge Group has been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, the first global sustainability benchmark, in recog-nition of its sustainable development actions.

In South Africa, the company manufactures and supplies cement, aggregates, readymixed concrete, gypsum plasterboard and interior building fittings. It focuses on providing solu-tions to help the sustainable development of better cities that benefit the country’s people. Through having a strong presence in all of its business lines, it is in a unique position to con-tribute to urban construction, while also help-ing to build better rural towns and villages.

Lafarge South Africa also demonstrates active concern for the conservation of the country’s wildlife heritage and is a major sup-porter of the world’s first dedicated baby rhino orphanage in Limpopo Province. The Group has for many years been a leader in sustain-able development and was the first industrial group to enter into a worldwide ‘Conservation Partnership’ with the environmental protec-tion organisation, WWF International.

Women, a key part of sustainable development at LafargeLafarge views the greater involvement of women in its global business to be an important aspect of sustainable development. The Group actively promotes their employment and offers motivating career paths.

is now serving her second term as chairperson of the Lafarge Indus-tries and Mining boards. She enjoys working with the many different people at Lafarge: from strategic interactions with the companies’ stakeholders and board members, to informal meetings with employ-ees on all levels.

Dr Mikateko Shisana is the Lafarge Group occupational health vice-president, based in Paris. She has also been appointed an executive director of Lafarge In-dustries South Africa and Lafarge Mining South Africa. Shisana is committed to seeing employees healthier than when they joined the company and helping the Group move towards zero occupational injuries and illnesses.

Maria Sazeides, Lafarge South Africa’s national sales & marketing manager – cement says she is a strong believer in the virtues of a positive outlook. In the increasingly competitive world ev-eryone has to learn to change direc-tion at short notice or be left behind.

Nomveliso (‘Veli’) Gwamanda worked for various multinational corporations in South Africa before joining Lafarge South Africa as country HR director. She is an executive direc-tor on the boards of Lafarge Industries South Africa and Lafarge Mining South Africa, and a member of the Country EXCO team. Gwamanda considers it immensely rewarding to be able to play a larger role in the development of such a people-focused Group.

Sal Govender is Lafarge South Africa’s readymix national marketing manager. Highly experienced, she has a background predominantly comprising diverse roles in marketing, strategy and change management, and communications with well-known South African brands. She says it is exciting to be marketing the vital role of readymix concrete in sustainable construction and, importantly, developing sustainable mutually beneficial partnerships with Lafarge customers.

Alta Theron is the project manager driv-ing Lafarge South Africa’s business expansion programme. She is also a member of the Country EXCO team. The dynamic Theron is dedicated to her job and thrives on the opportunity to grow the business in today’s competitive environment.

Charlene Lamb is Lafarge South Africa’s dynamic country communications manager and a member of the country EXCO team. Currently spearheading the repositioning of the company’s brand in line with the inter-national Group’s focused signature theme of ‘Building better cities’, she is a driven consum-mate professional, who is passionate about communications and people. ●

cover story



28 projects & contracts28

THIS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM will ulti-mately supply safe drinking water to 550 000 residents and 20 000 households. The Royal HaskoningDHV lead consortium has been commissioned by Fundo de Investimento e Patrimonio do Asbestecimento de Agua of Mozambique (FIPAG) to implement all services required for the Development Phase of this project that will be funded by the Netherlands Government via an ORIO Grant. The contract value for Royal HaskoningDHV and VEI’s services amounts to €2,2-million.

The new water distribution system will be part of the so-called Corumana Water Supply System, a USD130-million World Bank funded project through a loan to the Mozambique Government. The Corumana System will initially supply 60 000 m3 per day of treated drinking water from the Corumana Dam to Maputo. This capacity will be extended dur-ing a second phase to 120 000 m3 per day.

The new distribution system will cover an area of about 900 km2 that is now rapidly urbanised.

Although Mozambique as a whole is likely to meet the millennium development goals for water in 2015, the coverage of potable water supply in the capital city Maputo is still below 50%. The Corumana Water Supply System will enable FIPAG to cover all inhabit-ants of the city.

Future proofRoyal HaskoningDHV and VEI are respon-sible for the design of the water distribution system including new distribution centres, a main distribution ring, at least 192 km of primary and secondary distribution lines and 20 000 new household connections. It is currently planned that the design works will be completed in April 2014 and construction works will start at the end of 2014.

"The new sustainable urban water supply system will provide good quality drinking water for more than half a million inhabitants in northern Maputo. The new system will improve drinking water quality and quantity, and will reduce the costs per litre for the inhabitants that now depend on unreliable sources,” said Bob Bakker, project director at Royal HaskoningDHV.

As well as helping to improve existing living conditions, the system will be future-proofed to accommodate Maputo's rapidly growing population.”

Services supplied by Royal Haskoning-DHV and VEI include among others: socio-economic surveys to provide demand and financial stability analysis, topographical and geotechnical surveys on which to base preliminary and detailed designs and detailed plans for implementation, operation and

Water for 550 000 peopleInternational consultancy, engineering and project management

service provider Royal HaskoningDHV together with international water utilities company Vitens Evides International (VEI) will develop a new water distribution system for northern Maputo, the capital

city of Mozambique.

maintenance, organisational development, and finance. The consortium will also produce tender documents to procure contractors to build the water distribution system.

"It is exciting to have the opportunity to provide a system that will make a real differ-ence to the quality of lives of so many people, and help to enhance the Maputo community in such a positive way," Bakker adds.

Funding of the €2,2-million Development Phase was awarded by the Netherlands gov-ernment after an ORIO request for funding was submitted by Royal HaskoningDHV, VEI and FIPAG.

After approval by ORIO of the studies of the Development Phase, the value of the ORIO Grant for implementation will be around €20-million and operation and main-tenance for the first 10 years will add up to around €1-million.

Rapidly growing populationBakker continues: "The new Corumana Water Supply system will be Maputo's second water supply system, and is needed as the existing supply system is no longer able to deal with demand. Our main challenge will be to design a distribution system that will cope with a rap-idly growing population and to construct it in an area where urban infrastructure facilities such as roads are still under development.”

After completion of the Construction Phase Royal HaskoningDHV and VEI will con-tinue to provide technical support to FIPAG and the future water supply operator of the Corumana Water Supply System. ●

Laying of distribution lines.

A water meter and tap.

Royal HaskoningDHV Royal HaskoningDHV, headquartered in Amersfoort (the Netherlands), is a leading, international engineering consultancy service provider, ranking globally in the top 10 of independently owned, non-listed engineering con-sultancy companies and in the top 40 overall. It specialises in aviation, build-ings, industry, energy and mining, in-frastructure, maritime and waterways, planning and strategy, rivers, deltas and coasts, transport and asset manage-ment, and water technology.


30

Construction is booming at Coega as current projects amount to R1,2-billion, with

over 2 500 jobs created.

projects & contracts30

BUILDING PROJECTS IN the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) have injected over R1,2-billion into the Nelson Mandela Bay con-struction industry over the past two quarters.

Six major construction projects are cur-rently underway in the Coega IDZ including erection of:• Chinese car and truck manufacturer First

Automobile Works’ (FAW) plant;

• Famous Brands’ cold storage plant;

• DCD Group’s wind tower manufacturing plant;

• the addition of Coega Cheese onto the Coega Dairy outfit;

• Agni Steels’ R400-million smelter facility;

• Rehau’s extension in the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park (NMBLP).

Industrial gas company, Air Products South Africa, is also about to begin construction of its R300-million state-of-the-art air separation unit in Zone 3 in July, bringing the total num-ber of projects being built to seven.

“The global economic climate is still not stable, yet investment continues to flow into the Coega IDZ and is literally taking root in the construction projects underway,” said Ayanda

Vilakazi, Coega Development Corporation (CDC) head of marketing and communica-tions. “We currently have 20 operational investors, and once these seven construction projects are complete, we will be up to 27 operational investors by mid-2014.”

Vilakazi said the activity meant major spinoffs not only for lead contractors, but also subcontractors, suppliers and the whole built environment supply chain: “At a time when there is industry malaise at a national level, the Coega IDZ is experiencing a construction boom to the value of R1,2-billion.

“The unaudited results 2012/13 financial year also show that construction jobs in the Coega, IDZ and the NMBLP for April 2012 to March 2013 amount to 1722 and investor jobs created are at about 856 – so just over 2500 jobs created directly through activity in the Coega IDZ,” said Vilakazi, adding that it was through these major investments that the CDC was delivering on its mandate to create jobs.

Famous BrandsThe Famous Brands project is nearest comple-tion and the company was given access to the warehouse portion in the first week of May allowing its service provider to start with racking on the warehouse floor.

The warehouse is operational and Famous Brands moved its stock into the cold storage unit on 10 June.

“Everything is on track, with timeframes tight but on target to be met. The project is still well within original time, cost and quality

Delivering on jobs and investment promises

parameters set – despite loss of a number of days due to inclement weather, mainly wind and rain,” said Bruno Ponzi, CDC senior project manager for infrastructure development.

The company – which owns the likes of Steers and Debonairs – was also given ac-cess to the ground floor of the office block portion this week, with the balance of the building due for hand over on June 21. Once delivered Famous Brands would become the newest operational tenant in the Coega IDZ.

Vilakazi said Famous Brands was a prime example of the short conversion times inves-tors experience from the point of signing a lease with the CDC to full operation.

“The turnaround times are much quicker now than they were a couple of years ago and we are able to construct buildings for

A worker on site at the FAW plant in Zone 2 of the Coega industrial development zone.


31projects & contracts

investors relatively quickly, meaning that they move to operational phase within about a year of signing, depending on this size of the project,” said Vilakazi. “This has implications for investors’ bottom dollar as they are able to start production relatively quickly.”

A partnership between Famous Brands and Coega Dairy has also seen the dairy expanding its operations to supply cheese products to the group in a project dubbed ‘Coega Cheese’ with a joint valued invest-ment of R45-million pouring into the Coega IDZ as a result.

FAWIn addition, says Vilakazi, the construction activity is creating needed jobs for the city, particularly on the FAW site, with the R200-

million FAW construction project well un-derway. To date about 304 construction jobs have been created on its site, a number that grows week to week. In total the construction phase will see about 2 000 jobs generated over the year-long duration. In the operation phase of the truck assembling plant a further 280 jobs will also be created.

According to Arnie van Jaarsveldt, WBHO Construction Eastern Cape managing direc-tor and lead contractor on the FAW project, the highlight of the construction will be its architectural finesse.

Van Jaarsveldt said Eastern Cape Archi-tects Studio d’Arc wanted to make a state-ment with the Chinese automotive giants’ building in Zone 2 of the IDZ.

“Its prime position on the N2 means it

will get heightened attention. FAW manage-ment loved Studio d’Arc’s unique design on the office and reception area – particularly the exceptional use of concrete, so that is set to be the highlight of the building,” said Van Jaarsveldt.

“Otherwise, we are working hard to keep to a strict timetable, and you will see the columns almost completed and some initial top structures going up over the factory portion. With a long way to go, the skeleton is definitely taking shape.”

Van Jaarsveldt said construction is on-track for completion end December 2013, adding that there was significant collabora-tion between the Chinese engineers and their South African counterparts – a coup for skills development and mentorship.

AGNI SteelsAgni Steels is also wrapping construction of its R400-million steel plant in Zone 6 of the 11 500 ha IDZ. Agni Steels will operate in a high-tech smelting facility to produce mild steel billets from scrap metal. The plant at Coega will use 10 000 tons of scrap metal in Phase I and 20 000 tons in Phase II.

DCD GroupDCD Group is also in the early phases of its R300-million wind tower manufacture fac-tory which when completed, is expected to employ 168 workers, and produce between 110 and 120 wind towers annually. “Coega is boldly delivering on our jobs promise through the attraction of investments,” said Vilakazi. “The construction boom is just a taste of things to come. Never before has it been so important to say: watch this space.” ●

LEFT: The Famous Brands cold storage unit in Zone 1 of the Coega Industrial Development Zone is

almost complete with the company scheduled to take occupation of the building next week. RIGHT:

A snapshot of the inside of the Agni Steels plant in Zone 11 of the Coega Industrial Development Zone.


32 projects & contracts

PHILIPS HAS APPROXIMATELY 1 000 real estate locations worldwide. The project management contract applies to relocations, office build-ing refurbishment, research and development facilities, projects at industrial sites, environmental projects and office decommissioning, among others. The three year contract includes two possible exten-sions of one year.

Peter Warmerdam, group executive vice-president of Philips Electronics said: “We are proud that we have achieved the creation of a team with best in class service providers. This will enable Philips to bring its offices and manufacturing facilities up to excellent standards.”

Royal HaskoningDHV has worked with Philips for more than 60 years, and has delivered a wide variety of services at many of the company’s worldwide locations. Some of these include the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, and the Philips Innovation Campus in Shanghai, China.

Jos van de Loo, director business development at Royal Haskon-ingDHV said: “Our vast global office network, multidisciplinary consul-tancy and engineering services will substantially contribute to helping Philips achieve its challenging worldwide objectives. We are delighted to continue our long standing partnership with Philips through this significant project management contract.” ●

ANNUALLY, IN RECOGNITION of the impor-tance of property development to the South African economy and the community which it serves, SAPOA honours those property innovators, developers, owners and built environment professionals who, through the quality of their products, have contrib-uted significantly to the enhancement of the industry (Sapoaawards.co.za).

“The panel of expert judges had their work cut out for them with the exceptional scope and quality of the submissions. Eco-nomic viability, the meeting of both investor

and user needs, as well as architectural ap-peal and functionality were all considered,” explains Pieter Engelbrecht, chairman: SAPOA Awards Committee (SAPOA Awards booklet).

This year, Aurecon is proud to have been part of the project teams of no less than four award-winning projects:• The 13 248 m2 Ellerines Furnishers

Distribution Centre in Port Elizabeth, developed by Growthpoint Properties, triumphed in the ‘Industrial Develop-ments’ category. The intent of the project was to create a centralised distribution

warehouse for goods distribution in the greater Eastern Cape region. Aurecon provided principal agent, civil and structural engineering services as well gave Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) input for this high tech facility.

• Lakeside Office Park Block 3, located o p p o s i t e t h e G a u t r a i n S t a t i o n in Centurion, won the SAPOA 2013 ‘Overal l Green Award’. The major refurbishment of the building was undertaken by Growthpoint Properties in collaboration with AMA Architects. Aurecon acted as the Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) consultant. The building, designed to achieve a 4 Star Green Star SA Office v1 rating, embodies environmental preservation through

At the contract signing are from left: Peter Warmerdam (group executive vice-president Philips Electronics), Jos van de Loo (director business development Royal HaskoningDHV), Eugene Grüter (buildings director Royal HaskoningDHV) and Kees van der Linden (global head of transactions and project delivery real estate Philips).

Gobal project management contract International consultancy, engineering and project management service provider Royal HaskoningDHV and Royal Philips have signed a framework agreement for delivering worldwide project management services. The services include the deployment of Philips’ Global WorkPlace Innovation programme.

Involvement in four award-winnersThis year marked the 45th South African Property Owners Association

(SAPOA) convention. Held in May, the event also saw the winners of the 2013 SAPOA Awards for Innovative Excellence in Property

Development announced.

LEFT: The Aula foyer at the University of Pretoria. RIGHT: Freedom Park was launched in 2000 as a response to a need identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for symbolic reparation of past conflicts in the history of South Africa.


33projects & contracts

the re-use of an existing structure. It also incorporates various sustainable features, amongst which energy efficient air conditioning and lighting, heat pumps, water saving fixtures, a recycling waste storage facility, etc.

• In order to cater for demand and to increase their output of engineering graduates, the University of Pretoria expressed the need for various new engineering facilities on their main campus. The Engineering III building and the new 550 m2 foyer at the Aula theatre was subsequently developed and forms part of new, quality facilities which will cater for more under and postgraduate engineering students.

LEFT: Lakeside Office Park Block 3, located opposite the Gautrain Station in Centurion, won the SAPOA 2013 ‘Overall Green Award’. RIGHT: Ellerines Furnishers Distribution Centre in Port Elizabeth, developed by Growthpoint Properties, triumphed in the ‘Industrial Developments’ category.

This project took pole position in the ‘Mixed-use’ category with Aurecon providing structural, civil and wet engineering services for the full project.

• One of 11 Presidential Legacy Projects, Freedom Park was launched in 2000 as a response to a need identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for symbolic reparation of past conflicts in the history of South Africa. Located on a 52-hectare site on Salvokop in Pretoria, the park has become a place where South African citizens and international tourists alike have found a space to reflect on the past and celebrate a beacon for the future.

Aurecon’s involvement at Freedom Park

started from Phase I which was completed in March 2004. A joint venture between Aurecon and BEE partner Leslie Madinga Associates (LMA) saw the companies awarded the tender for the design of all structural engineering services for all subsequent phases. Recently completed Phase II achieved top honours in the ‘Heritage Development’ category.

“We are extremely proud to have been involved in these four stellar projects and privileged to be able to partner with leading property developers and project teams.

"It is extremely gratifying that our innovative solutions for our clients have been honoured at the highest level with the achievement of these awards,” comments Ermis Marques Aurecon’s industry leader, property. ●


34

The long wait for housing is finally over for over a thousand shack dwellers who are now proud home owners as the Happy Valley Phase II Housing Project

gathers speed in Cape Town.

projects & contracts

SINCE ITS INCEPTION in November 2011, 716 units have been completed and handed over to beneficiaries. South African consulting engineering company, GIBB has been at the forefront of the project in providing a turnkey solution for the implementation of this much-needed, low-cost housing project in the infor-mal settlement area. This approach ensured that the top structures could be constructed as soon as possible. The project aims to build up to 1 452 formal houses by October 2013 for the identified beneficiaries.

Breaking New Ground (BNG) is an initiative for the roll out of low cost housing in South Africa and the Happy Valley project is an ex-ample of such a top structure with additional enhancements – such as a longer roof over-hang and a small stoep at the front door - that aim to improve the aesthetics and insulation of the units, at no extra cost to the beneficiary.

The R200-million injection into the project is a joint collaboration between the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Provincial Government. The project is a sterling example

of the successful implementation of the Up-grading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP), which supports the conversion of an informal area into a formal serviced township. The land on which these houses were built was previously home to approximately 1 300 informal structures.

The project funding was approved by provincial government in January 2006 and the planning component started in 2007 with design initiated early in 2008. GIBB was appointed as the project manage-ment team in March 2011 and subsequently, for the site monitoring and contract adminis-tration component.

According to GIBB’s general manager: integrated infrastructure, Sean Molloy, the project illustrates GIBB’s expertise in finding

“WE ARE CURRENTLY busy with the concept design for the upgrad-ing and it has been proposed that the upgrade is achieved through phases,” says GIBB’s technologist and project leader, Gerald Smith.

Smith reports that the project’s first phase, which is expected to begin during the course of 2013, is aimed at addressing service

backlog issues, after which it is expected that the new inlet works will be constructed. The last phase is anticipated to take place towards 2020. The project value is estimated at R130-million.

GIBB’s appointment by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality came after the company’s environmental study recommendations.

GIBB was commissioned by the municipality to evaluate the risk that the migration of the Noordhoek dune field had on the Cape Recife WWTW and other infrastructure in the region.

The mandate from the municipality stipulated that two alternative management methods be investigated, one being the stabilisation of the Noordhoek dune field and the other, the relocation of the infrastructure in the area.

However, during the course of the study, another option emerged from the research. While abandoning of the existing maturation ponds had considerable advantages, a proposed upgrade of the WWTW presented the opportunity to extend the existing delivery of treated effluent for irrigation purposes to more users than just the nearby Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and the Humewood Golf Course. A return effluent scheme supplying water to inner city and beachfront lawns, flower beds and trees has long been on the cards. The improvement in quality rendered this a safe and highly desirable option.

Remarking on other projects that GIBB is currently undertaking in Port Elizabeth, Smith says that the company is busy repairing water leaks at schools and indigent households. “We are also busy with the construction of township services as well as construction of services at the Walmer Park Shopping Centre.” ●

Cape Recife WWTW on track The Cape Recife Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW ) Project is on track, says consulting engineering company, GIBB which was appointed by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to carry

out the entire upgrading of the Cape Recife WWTW.

Halfway mark

integrated solutions for the infrastructural needs of South Africa.

“GIBB has once again demonstrated our solid relationships with local government and we look forward to the project’s comple-tion in October this year when everyone on the beneficiary list will be living in their new homes,” he says.

Molloy added that there were many chal-lenging issues that came with the project.

“Finding common ground with different stakeholders means negotiation and rational conclusions but together we have managed to exceed expectations and meet critical dead-lines. With the co-operation of the community and other role players, we are confident that we will make this project a success for the people of Happy Valley,” he explains. ●


36

Using a PERI climbing formwork solution precisely tailored to meet the project requirements and reduced material requirements, nine silos

grew steadily upwards in regular two-week cycles. Ready-to-use elements supplied directly from the PERI formwork assembly hall

ensured dimensional stability.


RISING 52 M HIGH into the sky, the recently completed nine grain silos have significantly expanded the storage capacity for the Molino Agugiaro & Figna Collecchio company which is based near Parma.

The circular silos, with a 7 m inside diam-eter and 25 cm wall thickness respectively, are connected to each other and are posi-tioned on a 5,45 m thick reinforced concrete foundation. Some 1 350 tons of wheat can be stored in the silos; a neighbouring building constructed at the same time houses the new cleaning and grinding plant which has a daily production of 30 t.

Reduced on-site material requirementsIn order to maintain the tight eight-month construction schedule as well as ensuring optimal building progress, PERI engineers combined a complete platform level on the basis of the CB climbing system with the amount of wall formwork reduced by half. as a result, rapid and continuous working operations – reinforcement, forming, concret-ing – could be achieved with reduced on-site material requirements.

The concept, with 16 climbing cycles and 3,25 m concreting cycle heights in each case, took into account that only one crane was available and could not be worked around the clock.

The CB climbing system ensures safe working operations with wall formwork at all heights. The well thought-out construction combines easy handling together with a fast moving procedure and problem-free adap-tation to suit different building shapes. The high load-bearing capacity of the brackets facilitates the use of large scaffolding units – this saves on time-consuming tie points and the time required for climbing. With the CB 240 system, the strongbacks are connected to the brackets by means of a formwork car-riage mounted on roller bearings together with a rack and adjustable braces. A retraction distance of approx. 75 cm creates an obstacle-free working area in front of the formwork. The decking of the CB 160 is only 1,60 m wide – here, the formwork is tilted, which is connected by means of an adjusting unit and adjustable braces.

Ready to use pre-assembledVARIO GT 24 girder wall formwork elements were used to form the silo walls, and the formlining for the 3,5 m and 3,75 m internal and external radii respectively was adapted to suit the curvatures by means of shaped timber formers. These were accurately pre-assembled at the PERI assembly facility and delivered ready-to-use to the jobsite. Tight connections were ensured by using articulated couplings which also meant that the formwork elements could easily be posi-tioned. In addition, the site-compliant PERI implementation planning took into consider-ation efficient striking procedures within the constraint points between the silos.

Safe accessEighty eight CB climbing platforms with CB 160 brackets on the internal and CB 240 on the external sides formed one complete working level. Including the finishing plat-forms on the CB brackets and concreting scaffolds on the internal formwork, optimum accessibility and safety was ensured on three levels. The access and safety concept was complemented by a steel staircase on the basis of the PERI UP Rosett Flex modular scaffolding system. Mounted as a 10-legged tower, access could quickly be adapted to suit the construction progress right through to

High quality in continuous two-week cycles

the final staircase height of almost 40 m. Here, the lightweight individual steps were quickly mounted on the stringers without requiring any tools: they interlock during installation and are immediately secured.

The 1 m step widths of the PERI UP Rosett Flex Steel stairs together with separate landings provided site personnel sufficient space also when simultaneously using the stairs in both directions. Furthermore, the stair tower construction is designed for a high load-bearing capacity of 3 kN/m². Toe boards on the landings and closed risers reli-ably prevented any small parts from falling to the ground. ●

1.

2.


37projects & contracts 37

1. Cost-effective PERI climbing concept: with a complete platform level and halved on-site wall formwork requirements, fast and continuous work-ing operations were achieved.

2. Type-tested and a high level of safety in all opera-tional areas: PERI CB 240 and CB 160 climbing scaf-fold systems on the inside and outside respectively.

3. Optimal jobsite results: PERI climbing formwork solution with CB climbing platforms and accurately rounded VARIO GT 24 wall formwork.

4. Safe and convenient: PERI UP Rosett Flex Steel alternating staircases with 1 m step widths and separate landings.

(Photos: PERI GmbH)

3.

4.


38

The 50 storey high Carlton Centre, was officially opened in 1973 at a total cost of over R88-million. Forty years later, it still stands proud as the tallest building on the African continent. In 2012, an event of spalling occurred which resulted in owners, Transnet Properties urgently

engaging SMEC Vela VKE Consulting Engineers for advice.


ALTHOUGH JUST A SINGLE piece of debris had apparently fallen onto the roof of a steel framed structure to the west of the Carlton Centre, Vela VKE recommended that an emergency restoration project be initiated. Several products from Sika’s Concrete Repair and Protection System were specified, given their durability and cost effectiveness.

Due to the sheer height of the Carlton Centre, which stands at 223 metres, as well as unpredictable winds and atmospheric condi-tions surrounding it, the highly experienced SA Rope Access Company was awarded the hazardous task of applying Sika’s high per-formance products. The team chosen met the challenge with great enthusiasm and photographs of the workers seen suspended from the roof bear testimony to their bravery.

Once preparations, which included chip-ping away the contaminated and spalling concrete as well as splicing the old rusted rebar, were completed, repair work com-menced. SikaTop-Armatec 110 EpoCem (35 kits), a cement-based, epoxy-modified, three-component, anti-corrosion coating and bonding agent was used in conjunction with Sika Rep LW (200 bags), a one-component, non-sag, cement-based, multi-purpose patching and repair mortar.

SikaTop-Armatec 110 EpoCem provides excellent adhesion to concrete and steel and acts as an effective barrier against penetration of water and chlorides. It is an outstanding bonding agent for subsequent

applications of Sika repair mortars, whether cement or epoxy-cement based, and provides a high degree of mechanical strength. Con-taining corrosion inhibitors, it is ideally suited for repairs to concrete in which corrosion of the reinforcing steel has occurred.

Sika Rep LW, used for cosmetic or structur-al repair of deteriorated concrete or mortar, can be applied onto interior, exterior, vertical or overhead surfaces. It is easy to mix, apply and finish, and while providing excellent ad-hesion, is also shrinkage compensated. Sika Rep LW is permeable to water vapour and of-fers a high resistance to freeze/thaw cycling.

Cracks in the concrete were repaired with Sikadur-31 CF Normal (20 kits), a moisture-tolerant, thixotropic, structural two-part adhesive and repair mortar based on a com-bination of epoxy resins and special fillers. It is easy to mix and apply onto either dry or damp concrete surfaces and hardens without shrinkage. No primer is required when using Sikadur-31 CF Normal and it is impermeable to liquids and water vapour. Although used for crack sealing on the Carlton Centre, this versatile product is also suitable as a high strength adhesive on a wide range of surfaces including concrete, ceramics, masonry, steel, iron, aluminium, wood and glass. Further advantages include high initial and ultimate mechanical strength, as well as good abrasion and chemical resistance.

Sika FerroGard-903+ (1 000 litres), the fourth product in the repair and protection

To the rescue of the Carlton Centre

system, was applied to treat the entire top ream of the Carlton Centre. This treated area, located on the fiftieth floor, covers the 360o Observation Deck, known as the Top of Africa.

Sika FerroGard-903+, a surface-applied, mixed corrosion inhibitor, is based on organic compounds designed to penetrate concrete to form a protective monomolecular layer on the surface of reinforcing steel. Penetration depth can be tested on-site, using the Sika “Qualitative Analysis Test”. Protection with this innovative product delays the onset and decreases the rate of corrosion, thereby increasing service and maintenance life cycles by up to fifteen years. It is especially suitable for extending the life of aesthetically valu-able fair-faced concrete such as on historical structures, as in this case, the Carlton Centre.

Complying with principle 11 of EN 1504-9 method 11.3, Sika FerroGard-903+ protects both cathodic and anodic zones of reinforced steel. It does not change the appearance of the concrete structure and does not alter the water vapour diffusion properties of the concrete. Providing long term protection and durability, this product, which is easy and economical to apply, can be used where no other repair/prevention options are viable.

Due to the excellent workability char-acteristics of the Sika products used in this concrete repair and protection program, and despite adverse weather conditions, contrac-tors were able to complete the project within the specified time schedule. Sika is justifiably proud to have been chosen to supply its state-of-the-art products to restore and pro-tect an important South African landmark. ●

The 50 storey high Carlton Centre, was officially opened in 1973 at a total cost of over R88-million.

Due to the sheer height of the Carlton Centre, which stands at 223 metres, as well as unpredictable winds and atmospheric conditions surrounding it, the experienced SA Rope Access Company was

awarded the task of applying Sika’s high performance products.


39projects & contracts 39

ABLAND, TOGETHER WITH Standard Bank and Pivotal Property Investment Fund, will be opening the doors to just such Triple A Grade office space in August 2013.

The Alice Lane project will involve the demolition of the existing Standard Bank building. The end result will be three new prominent buildings that will change the Sandton skyline. Phase I will be available for occupation from August 2013, while Phase II and III will be available from August 2014 and August 2016 respectively. Tenants will have access to 70 000 m² of rental space including retail and office offerings.

An extensive basement parking struc-ture will ensure that all tenants and visitors have sufficient, safe and secure parking.

Alice Lane is centrally situated in the heart of Sandton on the corner of Alice Lane and 5th Street, opposite the Sandton City Shopping Centre. The property is in close proximity to the M1 national highway via Grayston Drive, and can be accessed from Alice Lane, 5th Street and Fredman Drive. The Sandton City Shopping Centre, Sandton Convention Centre, the Sandton Towers Hotel and the Sandton Gautrain Station are all within walking distance from Alice

Modifying the Sandton skyline To be classified as ‘Triple A Grade’ office space, the most prestigious

buildings are required. These facilities have high quality finishes, state of the art systems, incomparable accessibility and a positive,

unambiguous market presence.

Abland is a South African based property development company. The company's core business is to provide a fully integrated property development and man-agement service. Commercial, retail and industrial properties form part of the company's portfolio of services. Property management and administration is handled by Abland’s management company, Abreal. The company belief is that its services are built on the cornerstones of quality and commitment.

Continued on page 40


40 projects & contracts

“I AM CONSTANTLY amazed how the standard of entries seems to improve each year. Considering the history of high-level work that has been entered into Steel Awards over the years, it is most encouraging that the bar is raised on such a consistent basis,” Erling says.

He adds that the work at the UNISA Cape Town Campus is certainly an example of this ongoing quality and innovation in local structural steel design and construction. “An aspect of this year’s theme is ‘proudly South African’ and the UNISA project amply displays the power of local ingenuity for an institution that ranks among the greatest of its kind in the world,” Erling says.

Located within a light industrial urban context the previous UNISA facilities consisted of a combination of new educational and converted industrial buildings. The increase in student numbers and the subse-quent burden on the facilities had compelled UNISA to rent nearby factory space, resulting in a sprawling and disparate campus. A decision was made to assimilate all these needs back onto the main campus by erecting a significant extension to the existing building.

The design brief included additional administrative space, contact classrooms and examination halls and the creation of social spaces where the distance learning students could interact with each other and sample campus life that hitherto was not possible.

The architects were tasked with designing a building that was environmentally responsible. “This meant that energy conservation, material selection, natural lighting and ventilation and the conserva-tion and recycling of natural resources consistently informed every aspect of the building from inception to detail resolution,” said Michele Sandilands of MSa Michele Sandilands architects.

Innovation and the use of steelBecause of the need to build as quickly as possible and with as little disruption as possible to the existing campus life a steel frame was, according to the project team, the ‘optimum way to go’.

“Steel framing and the use of the innovative Cobiax system enabled flexible, unbroken and highly adaptable teaching spaces. The combined use of the steel frame and the Cobiax slab enabled the steel to span even further. With a significant weight reduction of up to 35%, that of a standard flat slab, there was a significant decrease in the number of columns required with uninterrupted spans of 10 m x 20 m which could be demarcated into teaching spaces and Examination Halls with ease,” they say.

Furthermore, the entire building is designed for adaptation. All cross-walls are dry walls so they can be positioned in different com-binations allowing for smaller or larger spaces. Every module has dry

An exciting entryThe extension project at the existing UNISA Cape

Town Campus, situated in Parow, Cape Town, is one of several exciting entries to this year’s Steel Awards. This is according to Spencer Erling, Southern African

Institute of Steel Construction education director.

The extension project at the existing UNISA Cape Town Campus, situated in Parow, Cape Town, is one of several exciting entries to this year’s Steel Awards.

Project team• Developer/owner: University of South Africa (Unisa)• Architect: MSa Michele Sandilands Architects cc• Structural engineer: Nadeson Consulting• Quantity surveyor: BTKM Quantity Surveyors• Main contractor: Filcon Projects• Steelwork contractor: Raven Steel• Steelwork contractor (secondary elements): Olympic Steel• Mechanical and electrical engineer:

BVi Consulting Engineers• Landscape architect: TK Landscape Architects

jointed door openings with lintels in place to enable an instantaneous knock-out when required.

Significantly the architects wanted a building system that, in its simplest form, was devoid of ‘artificial ornamentation’, and would still provide key articulation elements and rhythm to the façade. “This desire for an honest and clear building system was well met with the use of steel. Important too was the way in which the building related to its semi-industrial environment adjacent to the major railway line. The use of steel framing and detailing was perfect and tied the building back to its surrounding environment with ease,” concludes the project team. ●

Lane, with a Gautrain bus collection point conveniently located on the corner of 5th

Street and Alice Lane. Alice Lane will offer far more than

mere rental space. The development will also feature a central streetscaped piazza between the three phases. This square will be pedestrian friendly and will contain a naturally green environment; a first for Sandton office offerings.

The piazza will be home to convenience service related retailers, including; Standard

Bank, restaurants, coffee shops, hairdressers, dry cleaners and convenience food outlets. The Virgin Active Premier gym, which will be easily accessible from the piazza level at phase one, will also provide convenience for those who want to work out after work without having to travel far. Tenants can rest assured that careful measures have been taken to ensure minimum tenant risk exposure and maximum safety and security, despite the increased foot traffic as a result of the piazza offerings.

The impact of adequate infrastructure on productivity and brand quality cannot be overstated. Working environment is listed as one of the greatest factors in business success. According to Pearl Buck, Nobel Prize winning novelist; "The secret of joy in work is contained in one word – excel-lence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it." When an office environment is crafted in excellence, it entices those working within it to work in excellence. Alice Lane will do just that. ●


42 project profile

July 2013CONSTRUCTION WORLD

1.

ver the last year a striking new build-i n g h a s a r i s e n . It will be the new head off ice for Wo r l e y Pa r s o n s - TWP, being built

by Basil Read at a construction cost of

about R350-million.

WorleyParsons, the Australian-based global engineering, procurement and construction management group, recently announced the completion of the R900-million acquisition of EPCM business TWP Holdings from Basil Read.

Nigel Townshend, chairman of Worley- ParsonsTWP says that the company’s existing offices, also in the Melrose Arch precinct, are quite disjointed. “The building that we cur-rently occupy was never intended for single

Ideal building, ideal locationMotorists driving on the M1 in Johannesburg would have noticed an interesting addition to the row of office buildings facing the highway in the Melrose Arch precinct.

By Wilhelm du Plessis

tenant use – it was intended for multiple, smaller tenants. It does not work well as a corporate location.”

“We love the location of Melrose Arch, but we do not love the building that we are in,” adds Franco Pellegrini, deputy CEO of WorleyParsonsTWP. “They are ‘ok’ – we are in a great location – they work, but they are not ideal. So we thought: ‘let us have an ideal building in the right location’.”

The current building that WorleyPar-sonsTWP occupies does not lend itself to productive staff interaction. “The building is disjointed and does not encourage people to come together. It does not have any common spaces to get staff interacting or have staff meetings,” says Pellegrini. He adds that since Townshend started the company it has always

May 2012.

February 2013.

April 2013.


42

October 2012.


43

The interior has to reflect and lend itself to that,” says Steenekamp.

“Parts of the building have been ‘lifted’ off the ground – this has created a transpar-ency through the building at street level and from the building looking outward. The way it relates to the precinct is very special,” says Steenekamp. “It is a tremendous value-add to the urban fabric of Melrose Arch. We have been very careful to create a sense of trans-parency to ensure that there are views down the principle axis of the building and the way the public spaces are configured.”

Pragmatic designPellegrini elaborates on the importance of spaces for interaction. “For the interaction we have had to design interactive areas. While everyone is going to have their own workspace there is a need for coffee/pause areas, meeting rooms, quiet rooms (where people will meet with clients as well as with colleagues to bounce ideas off). WorleyPar-sonsTWP puts teams together – these need to interact with one another and with other teams. The design reflects this need. Our cur-rent building does not allow for this as it was not designed in that way.”

Seamless design process The design was done as a three-way col-laboration between LYT (as the designers), WorleyParsonsTWP (as the end user – the building had to reflect their brand image) and Amdec who are the owners of the precinct and for whom the building had to enhance the Melrose Arch aesthetic. “During the pro-cess,” says Steenekamp, “all the parties bought into the process.

had a culture of having a community spirit. “In a building with public spaces you create much more of a community spirit among the workers.”

WorleyParsonsTWP was assisted by architectural company LYT (formerly TPS.P Architects) in creating this ideal building. “We have been consultants to WorleyParsonsTWP for about five years on different project op-portunities – some in Rosebank and latterly here in Melrose Arch. The designing process on this particular project started in earnest three years ago when (the then TWP) moved into their current offices in Melrose Arch. It was therefore a logical extension to build new premises at Melrose Arch as everyone was already used to the precinct. We assisted with identifying the particular site that it is being built on – which is the best available site in the precinct. Together with Nigel Town-shend, Franco Pellegrini and Digby Glover (CEO of WorleyParsonsTWP) we developed the scheme which is roughly 20 000 m2 of office space and that will accommodate 1 400 people,” says Guy Steenekamp, director of LYT.

Construction of the new head office started on 1 May 2012 and is scheduled to be completed at the end of March 2014. Wor-leyParsonsTWP will then vacate its current offices to move into the new building. The current and new offices are owned by Amdec.

Design considerationGuy Steenekamp says there were three drivers with the design of the building. “The biggest driver was the need for a well-designed, efficient, and modern build-ing to effect cultural transformation. With modern office buildings, corporations like WorleyParsonsTWP have a realisation that

the premises they are in – particularly their corporate head quarters – has a fundamental impact on the brand value. Its siting, location and visibility are extremely important factors for a corporation building a new head office – this was the second driver. ” The third driver, says Steenekamp, was the need for greater operational efficiency.

The reason why WorleyParsonsTWP moved to Melrose Arch initially was a co-location driver – the company was scattered around the city which, according to Town-shend, is a dysfunctional model. “That is what happens when companies expand by acquisition or organically.”

“Cost is also a driver,” adds Steenekamp. “The new building, in the way that it has been designed, is not necessarily more expensive than the current rentals. The building does not come with enhanced cost, but with its modern design it comes with enhanced efficiency.”

Exterior and interior reflecting the brand “The new building’s architectural theme is about an ‘engineered building’,” explains Steenekamp. “It looks like it has been con-structed out of components; the forces that hold it together are clearly defined and expressed in the structure that you see. That notion is expressed in the external architecture. The internal spaces carry the external theme through: the common spaces, the central atrium, the ability to see out of it, and the provision of large internal and external spaces where people can get together. It is a large company of people that do need to get together. The inhabitants of the building need to interact, share idea, etc.

December 2012.

May 2013.

“The biggest driver was the need for a well-designed, efficient, and modern building to effect cultural transformation. "



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Green Star rated building The new building will seek a 4 Star Green Star SA Certified Rating which recognises best practices. “We have the right professional team to engineer the building for energy efficiency.

The orientation of the building is fairly harsh as it has a significant east and west façade. Those are dealt with adequately in terms of sun-screening and solar protection and high performance glazing,” says Steenekamp.

The new building will also aim to maximise the health of those that will inhabit it. “We have change rooms so people can cycle to work and run during lunch – and space for people to park their bicycles. All this is to create a sustainable spirit,” says Pellegrini.

ObstaclesBuilding in an operational precinct can be tricky, but Steenekamp says that it has been achieved with very little disruption. “Fortunately there is an adjacent site to the north where the site establishment is – as opposed to the boulevard itself.” There was little excavation as the building is built on the platform that was pre-existing.

The site is bounded by an exist-ing basement structure and on the other side by the district cooling plant (the entire Melrose Arch precinct has a centralised chilling plant as well as a standby power plant). “All of these are in an exist-ing structure that is on the highway side of the building – the new build-ing fits in between. Those systems could not have any downtime – so it was a challenge to reinforce the new structure inside the function-ing plant.”

Contribution to the Melrose Arch precinct “The new building starts to com-plete the precinct. There is currently over 300 000 m2 of developable area still left in Melrose Arch. Be-tween 100 000 and 200 000 m2 of this will be office space. The precinct has been static for a while in terms of new development.

“It has created a different way in which the buildings relate to the boulevard edge towards Corlett Drive: the sense of transparency of the new bui lding is one that you hope will be carried through in other developments,” concludes Steenekamp. ●

Architectural impressions of the completed building.

project profile


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How vibrant is the shopping mall and office development market in South Africa?At the moment it is very vibrant, Murray & Rob-erts Construction has a number of projects that have kicked off since December 2012. Our Buildings business is constructing the Wonderpark Shopping Mall (for Eris) in Pretoria and has just commenced with the Baywest Mall, an 87 500 m² mall – located on the western side of Port Elizabeth – a joint development between the Billion Group and Abacus Asset Management.

T h e M a t l o s a n a M a l l d e v e l o p -ment in Klerksdorp has also started – a 65 000 m2 mall being managed by Abacus Asset Management on behalf of Redefine Properties also recently commenced. In ad-dition we are involved in various other retail projects under construction. In Gauteng there are also several other retail develop-ments about to start that we are not involved in, including Mall of the South, and the Steyn City development and other big refurbish-ments of existing malls are on the cards.

So retail is very buoyant. Office devel-opment on the other hand has been slow; however this is showing very positive signs of a big return in the coming financial year.

And the rest of Africa?In the rest of Africa there is also a big drive towards centralised shopping and shopping malls, aided by amongst others, the likes of Shoprite Checkers expansion plans and this is, in turn, driven by the urbanisation of communities, especially around areas where there are big infrastructure developments.

Big populations are needed to service the mega industrial developments we are seeing in Africa (such as those for the oil and gas industry) – and with this serving as a catalyst to create the need for regional malls and strip malls. This is especially the case in the West Africa coastal regions (Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast) where the population is over 200 million and growing.

How are you involved?In terms of our involvement we want to work in countries where we can set up an operation similar to the existing operations we have in Botswana and Namibia. This is the model that we aspire to – we have a sustain-able business model that we can transpose into a specific country.

There is a growing need for skills transfer-ence and for companies to become part of the fabric of society. We are an African com-pany and we should operate in a sustainable

Gavin Taylor, chief operating officer – Buildings and Construction Africa for Murray & Roberts Construction talks to Wilhelm du Plessis about how this division plans to move further into Africa by

creating sustainable operations.

shopping malls & office development

way to help Africa develop. This we see as a USP – we have a model that has worked for us: we have been operating in Botswana and Namibia for over 45 years. Those businesses are operated and managed by the nationals of those countries. We want to replicate this model in other African countries.

There is also a growing backlash against the ‘raid and pillage’ type operations that one often finds in Africa whereby just mega-projects are serviced – and once these are completed companies retract and do not leave behind any tangible local benefit. This type of engagement certainly does not find favour with the host governments and the people in those countries.

What trends are emerging for office space and shopping malls? There is a move towards nodal and mixed use development. Accra (Ghana) and Lagos (Nigeria), for instance, have over the years developed almost by default, initiated by largely unplanned and rapid urbanisation.

These cities’ infrastructures have generally not caught up as society has been largely based on the informal trader type of devel-opment. In the wake of new found wealth a more holistic development arrangement is emerging that combines commercial, resi-dential and retail developments – essentially mixed use developments. This is in reverse to what has happened in Dubai, but in Africa we have obviously started from a very low base as the mineral wealth discoveries have been largely post urbanisation and not as in Dubai a driver of urbanisation.

How has Murray & Roberts Construction changed operationally in the SADC coun-tries since you were appointed chief opera-tions officer?We have become a far more customer and solutions focused business. This started in South Africa: when dealing with contrac-tors, our customers want to have the same experience regardless of the area or province in which they choose to develop. This is only possible to achieve when you ensure that your workforce is flexible and it takes a real commitment and investment in career development of our people. We have ensured that the business units in these regions are controlled and managed by individuals that understand their local markets.

We are, for example, working closely with Eris on a number of projects in Cape Town, Gauteng, Namibia and Botswana. Our aspiration is to give them the same or better

experience with our company as our relation-ship grows – it becomes a relationship driven business. As a consequence this model will be better suited to improve and de-risk their experience in the SADC region and further afield as we will have a real understanding of their businesses and by taking individuals that have been through the learning curve and transporting them onto the new projects,

Creating sustainable operations

“We have been operating in Botswana and Namibia

for over 45 years. These businesses are operated and managed by the nationals of those countries. We want to replicate this model in other

African countries.”

iTowers One. Murray & Roberts has just been awarded iTowers Two, a commercial and

residential development which at 30 stories will take over the bragging rights of the first tower

as the tallest in Gaborone.

Gavin Taylor, chief operating officer – Buildings and Construction Africa for

Murray & Roberts Construction.


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47shopping malls & office development

Murray & Roberts Western Cape is advanced with construction of the iconic Portside building in Cape Town.

Baywest Mall entrance.

Work in progress at 102 Rivonia Road, the new South African headquarters for Ernst & Young in Sandton.

base as we are allowing our business units the potential to flatten the cycles of feast or famine by being able to operate in other regions in Africa which may be more buoyant during difficult domestic trading conditions. What we aim to do is to de-risk our operations by expanding our value chain and at the same time adding value to our stakeholders and customers by being more predictable and demonstrating value on three fronts:

the bottom line, and the environmental and social responsibility agendas.

This is a potentially difficult sell in a capi-talist market – but one that is gaining support under the banner of responsible capitalism. Our customers and stakeholders no longer want to invest in companies that are purely focused on the bottom line. They want to invest in companies that are successful and exhibit real social responsibility and are envi-ronmentally aware thus adding value to their business offering.

What is your definition of sustainability?‘Sustainability’ for Murray & Roberts Con-struction means operating in a manner that responds to the long term aspirations of society. It includes being socially responsible in education, skills transference, essentially the general upliftment of the society in which we work. As I said the agenda is moving from pure bottom line value to how we respond in moving towards a world-class socially responsible and environmentally responsible business. Regardless of which stance you take in the global warming debate, it is socially responsible to look after the environment. We should not be driven into a ‘tick box’ scenario, but be driven by a quest to oper-ate in a way that responds positively to the environment in an innovative way.

How have you overcome the difficulties caused by the economic downturn?We have responded by becoming more predictable in delivery, focusing on opera-tional excellence and entering into diverse markets and by driving an agenda with cus-tomers and various public bodies in support of a construction industry that is focused on win-win solutions.

Seven of the world’s fastest growing economies are in Africa, albeit starting off a low base. What we have to do is to address and engage those markets in a respon-sible and pro-active manner. While they are buoyant and South Africa lags in terms of recovery, you can start balancing the whole spectrum of your operation over a far larger geographic area.

The danger in South Africa is that we may come out of the current depressed cycle and go into an overheated phase. We have lost a lot of skills across the industry during the global downturn and we need to address this issue and insure that our industry is one that is able to attract the very best talent.

There are different drivers of the re-covery in South Africa: a number of big developments are coming to fruition in Johannesburg. This is being driven by nodal development – the Gautrain has changed the environment. Big organisations want to consolidate operations along the nodes that this world-class transit system has created. In Sandton there is a move to consolidate offices of some of the major corporations. We need to ensure that when these potential mega-projects come to market, they do not detract from what we (and other major players) are doing elsewhere as they have the potential

we ensure the transfer of the lessons learnt. It becomes a holistic and sustainable way of interaction and doing business. This is a slower process to simply attacking an op-portunity as it comes to table – but it is far more rewarding in the long-run.

How does this benefit Murray & Roberts Construction?We are better positioned to retain our skills


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The new Bridge Park development is the epitome of contemporary architecture and will be located in the heart of the new Bridgeways Precinct.

shopping malls & office development

IT WILL OFFER 18 700 m² of prime office space in its striking Century City location. Designed by dhk Architects for developers, Rabie Prop-erty Group and Growthpoint Properties, the site will be a new focal point for the area.

Construction on the new office buildings is due to commence at the end of 2013 and the completion thereof scheduled for early 2015.

The four storey buildings, located on an attractive green podium, will dominate the view from both Ratanga Road and Bridgeway with their striking glazed and aluminium panelled facades, large balconies and enclosed private forest spaces. The focus has been on both aes-thetic and functional aspects of the space so that it truly is a wonderful place to work.

“The design seeks to leverage the position of the site so that the views are unparalleled. Design ethos is carried throughout, with each

New focal point in Century City

building receiving generous lobbies, a full height central glazed atrium and a private enclosed forest, creating a powerful design statement. The communal spaces within the buildings provide meeting points and spaces for collaboration, while, the tranquillity of the forest areas, provide places for contemplation,” says Derick Henstra, executive chair-man of dhk Architects.

The design of the façades and of the glazed atriums ensures optimum light penetration throughout the office spaces, while carefully controlling both glare and heat gain, ensuring the comfort of the occupier.

The large floor plates promote efficiency, flexibility and connectivity for prospective tenants. Secure basements provide parking at a ratio of 3,5 bays per 100 m² of GLA, while visitors parking and cyclist facilities are provided on the green podium.

Bridge Park East and West are designed to provide a healthy and productive working environment for occupants. “The project is reg-istered for a Green Star SA Office Design v1 rating. We recognise the importance of sustainability and ecological responsibility within our designs and have worked hard to ensure that our buildings achieve these ratings,” says Henstra. ●

(if they all come to market at the same time) to take a large slice of the construction capacity out of circulation for a few years very similar to what the stadium building programme did before 2010.

Who are your strategic building partners?In South Africa they are the major developers who are mature and looking at building de-velopments for the long term. They demand consistency of delivery and demand quality. These include Growthpoint, Eris, Abacus, Re-define, Atterbury and Zenprop – companies that we have delivered for in South Africa and as they move into Africa we want to move with them. It is also about having good relationships with the funders of projects in the rest of Africa because our biggest driver as a contractor is obviously surety of payment. Once we have this surety we can approach the other agendas in a confident and proactive manner.

What is Murray & Roberts Construction’s African agenda?As a company we have five values: care, respect, integrity, accountability and commit-ment. We want to live by those and take them with us into Africa and create a sustainable cross border business. As a consequence we want to work in politically mature countries that have a system of stable law that will help in part to de-risk our momentum into the continent. As more countries mature, become politically stable and focused on delivery, corruption will slowly be weeded out of the

system. While all countries have different cultures and different political structures there are certain base criteria that will satisfy us in terms of confirming that we will be welcome and can operate efficiently in the host country.

What are the major projects that you are currently working on?I n Ca p e Tow n we a re b u i l d i n g t h e Portside building, a flagship development for Eris and Old Mutual. It is that city’s tallest commercial building.

In Johannesburg we are building 102 Rivo-nia another flagship project for Eris for Ernst & Young. There are other projects running at the same time – the already mentioned Wonder-park Shopping Centre, we are finishing work for Zenprop in Bryanston and the shopping malls in Klerksdorp and Port Elizabeth.

In Namibia we are working with Atterbury Properties on The Grove Shopping Centre in Namibia and reconfiguring the Maerua Mall for Oryx Properties.

In Botswana we are building iTowers One (we have just been awarded iTowers Two, a commercial and residential development which at 30 stories will take over the brag-ging rights of the first tower as the tallest in Gaborone). Botswana is one of those countries where there is a backlash against the manner in which the Chinese have conducted their construction operations in Africa. This will as-sist us in proving that there is a different model of engagement driven by African companies. We have to address local issues, create local

partnerships with local contractors, and see where we can add value – all done on a basis of mutual trust looking for solutions that cre-ate win-win outcomes for all the stakeholders.

Realistically, how proactive can contrac-tors be?The market in South Africa, in my view, is very traditional. Contractors get involved in the process only after the building’s design has been completed. In that situation contrac-tors can add very little. That is why our focus is changing to being customer-centric and solutions focused in order to generate trust that will allow the customer to involve us early in the project and to use our expertise to unlock the solutions to address and solve certain project challenges.

I believe we can potentially challenge and change the South African model by engaging differently in Africa where they are much more open to new ideas. By being proactive we will be able to demonstrate our value to our clients as contractors and part of a team early in a project cycle.

As previously stated the skills base across the industry has been depleted and while we need to address this, the only way to counter-act this loss in the short term is to start working as integrated project teams. If you work in isolation and double team each other at every turn, too many holes are left and opportunities lost. When different skills are brought together in a focused manner usually an ideal solution is found. ●



49shopping malls & office development

SO EXPLAINS MIKE RUTTELL, Redefine Properties’ Head of Develop-ment. He advises the project – Redefine’s single largest commercial office development to date – is on track for completion in July 2014. Redefine is developing a 16-storey premium-grade office building of 19 343 m2 at 90 Grayston in Sandown, central Sandton. It includes 11 levels of parking – five basement and six above ground, achieving a parking ratio of nearly five bays per 100 m2. There are nine levels of offices above an elevated atrium, and the building will also have its own cafeteria.

“The 90 Grayston flagship development furthers Redefine’s strategy of achieving a range of higher quality premium-grade properties in our investment portfolio. We are making good progress on the development, and it is exciting to see this landmark taking shape in the sought after central Sandton node,” Ruttell says.

Superbly placed in the heart of Africa’s business hub, next to the Investec building, 90 Grayston is being redeveloped on the site of the former Allcare House, demolished in March 2012. It is surrounded by an impressive line-up of blue-chip companies, leading legal firms as well as banking giants, and is only a short walk from the JSE.

“The Sandton business hub has unmatched appeal as a corporate address,” says Ruttell. “It provides an exceptional selection of amenities with hotels, gyms, conference centres and wide-ranging retail including Sandton City, one of the most prestigious malls in Africa.”

City Improvement district manager for Sandton Central Management District, Elaine Jack says: “Redefine is a one of our big partners in shaping Sandton and we do value its investment and confidence in the future of Sandton. Every development in Sandton Central is a welcome addition to the district as it can only mean that developers and property owners value the importance of this node.”

With its central location, 90 Grayston is easily accessible from the highway and important northern suburb arterials including Rivonia Road, Katherine Street, Sandton Drive and William Nicol Drive. It is also near the Sandton Gautrain Station, which is the quickest route to O R Tambo International Airport, providing a direct link.

“90 Grayston represents an iconic, sustainable office development which optimises energy consumption, reduces running costs and uses resource-efficient methods of construction and installation of services,” says Ruttell. The building will achieve a GBCSA Four Star Green Star rating. Incorporated in its forward-thinking vision, the building’s two top parking levels are designed to be reclaimed as offices, as South Africans increase their future use of public transport. 90 Grayston’s extremely flexible design creates a superior quality business building ideal for branded corporate headquarters or a vibrant multitenant environment for offices starting from around 1 250 m2. ●

Supporting world city status

Redefine Properties’ R505-million redevelopment of the 90 Grayston commercial office address contributes to the vibrant and constant upgrade of Sandton,

ensuring it keeps pace with other advanced cities


50 shopping malls & office developments

EXPLAINS SEAN LIEBENBERG, new business executive for EFM: “The new method was introduced as a far more accurate means of measuring floor areas for office, retail and industrial space and SAPOA recommends its use for both existing and new buildings. As members of SAPOA and as intended, both EFM and our clients are embracing this new method in order to achieve national uniformity in regard to the measurement of rentable area.”

He says it is interesting to note that in gen-eral, landlords benefitted from the fact that the remote common areas have now been allocated on a proportionate basis to ten-ants. On the other hand total rentable areas decreased because supplementary common areas, such as stores in office blocks, now come out of the total rentable area of a build-ing and are listed separately and charged at a rate or cost at the landlord’s discretion.

Liebenberg says in the past EFM had to produce measurements with four deci-mal places in order to balance with prop-erty management systems rounding off at three or less decimals. Adoption of the SAPOA recommendation of rounding off to the near-est full square metre eliminates numerous debates with various consultants over minor decimal differences.

“We are now applying the following rules when measuring areas for the various building types. Firstly, in regard to offices, the rentable area comprises the usable area plus the common area.

“The common area is broken down into two further categories, namely the primary common area on any given floor, and the remote common area such as entrance foyers, plant and service rooms located elsewhere in the building, or on site and not on the given floor. The rentable area excludes a supplementary area that may produce additional revenue.”

Liebenberg says in EFM’s experience these definitions have made quite substan-tial changes in comparisons of old to new measurement methods. Remote common areas have increased the rentable area while in turn the supplementary common areas have reduced the rentable area.

“This varies from building to building and in some cases they either even each other out, or increase or decrease the total rentable area – depending on respective sizes and areas. Overall we have noted an increase of between 2,5 to 5% in rentable area across office build-

ings we have re-measured. The challenge for landlords and property managers is how to apply these new rentable areas per tenant into current leases and property manage-ment system records. We recommend that SAPOA looks into how remote common areas located in the common site in an office park with varying building sizes are applied.“

Retail spaceIn regard to retail space, the rentable area comprises the usable area plus the secondary common area serving only one tenant. The useable area is the area capable of exclusive occupation by the tenant and is the total area enclosed by the lease line, the demising walls and external walls, whether or not a shop-front is erected behind the lease line.

The common area consists of the primary and secondary common areas. The primary common area comprises all building areas that are not part of the rentable area, and the primary common area is not charged to tenants and includes parking areas. The secondary common area is an area such as an access passage, plant room, toilets, loading docks, etc. Any secondary common area dedi-cated to serve one tenant becomes rentable.

“Our challenge now and in the past has been the interpretation of the lease line. SAPOA indicates that this is the notional line determined by the landlord as the maximum extent of the shop-front position separating the shop unit from the primary common area. The actual position of the shop-front behind the notational lease line is not taken into account in the measurement of the usable area,” says Liebenberg.

“Often the lease line, especially with old buildings, is not indicated on any hard copy drawings or historical records. Determining the maximum extent is open to interpretation so we have relied on landlord interpretation and opinion. Applications vary from the inner surface of the glass or shop-front detail to the furthest extent of structural columns protruding into the primary common area and between consecutive shops. Isolated columns and enclosed penetrations are excluded from the usable area irrespective of size, while projections in demising or external walls exceeding 0,25 m2 in the sectional area are also excluded.”

Liebenberg says that columns have created somewhat of an issue as the new method refers to isolated columns and pro-jections in demising walls. However, the text

and diagrams in use in the current SAPOA document leave room for differing interpre-tations. Isolated columns are easy to identify and remove while demising projections could be interpreted differently, either in or out depending on sectional area calculations.

“We suggest having these interpretations and decisions documented and approved by the landlord as the applied rule which can be retrieved and justified should another party challenge the measurement. We have noted an increase in retail rentable areas even with the exclusion of columns and projections in demising walls. A large component of the increase relates to the inclusion of second-ary common areas dedicated to one tenant. Quite often the larger retail stores will include service passages, dedicated plant rooms, toilets and loading docks. Again this varies from store to store, but across the board EFM has encountered increases in rentable area between 2,5 and 7%,” he says.

Industrial propertyIn regard to industrial property, the major change with industrial buildings is the clas-sification of the buildings into two catego-ries – single tenant industrial buildings and multi-tenant industrial buildings. In single tenant industrial buildings the rentable area is the entire construction area measured at each covered floor level over the external walls to the external finished surface – without any deductions.

In multi-tenant industrial buildings the rentable area comprises the usable area plus the common area. Says Liebenberg: “While we have made adjustments to re-

New method garners supportWhile the SA Property Owners’ Association’s (SAPOA) new method for

measuring floor areas was approved for use in August 2005, it is only in the last two years that Excellerate Facilities Management (EFM) has seen a marked increase in interest among commercial property

landlords to amend records accordingly.

Sean Liebenberg, new business executive for EFM.


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cords for single tenant industrial buildings, in our experience very little has changed regarding multi-tenant industrial buildings. The adjustment in rentable area is quite no-

East Rand Mall’s Woolworths Court.

ticeable for single tenant industrial buildings.This project is extremely worthwhile and

welcome the new measurement method. In the end the areas will not change immedi-

ately for a tenant lease but in the long term on renewal or negotiation of new leases a definite increase in rentable area and prop-erty value will be experienced. ●


52

The festivities and excitement of the official opening of the Gwashamba Mall on 1 June 2103 may be a fading memory, but the long term socio

economic impact the N$140-million development brings to the local economy will penetrate beyond job creation and training to include additional value chain opportunities. It is estimated that business

through the mall will boost the local economy with a N$21-million financial injection.

shopping malls & office developments

NMC CONSTRUCTION NAMIBIA, main contractor on the project, broke ground on 12 March 2012. More than 300 jobs were created during the 13 month construction phase, with a further 350 retail opening up with the project’s completion.

“NMC Construction Namibia, imple-mented skills development and training programmes with a strong focus on bringing long term value to the local construction supply chain. These programmes include mentoring programmes for local subcon-tractors and the up-skilling of local workers.

"Ondangwa based Tommy Group, the concrete flooring contractor, offering spe-cialist concrete services, is the successful outcome of the intensive training offered by NMC’s specialist concrete flooring division to local un-skilled labour. Tommy Group not only cast the high quality floors of the mall, but is currently contracted to the Keetmans- hoop retail development,” says Dr Leake

Hangala, executive chairman, NMC Construc-tion Namibia.

The Gwashamba Mall is strategically located in Ondangwa, which is viewed as the natural gateway to the northern regions, which includes oil-rich Angola. Ondangwa, located on the B1 highway, is rapidly expand-ing in terms of infrastructural development and is the only town in Northern Namibia with international airport facilities. With a population exceeding 9 000 there is a lot of potential for economic growth and property development – and the new Gwashamba Mall is one of the many exciting developments for this burgeoning region.

The Mall (named after Queen Gwasham-ba) was from the outset designed to be a meeting place for the local community. Christiaan le Roux of SLT Architects explains that the African mall market intention of the design brings to the town a retail facility comparable to anything a large-city-dweller

Namibia’s flourishing retail sector would experience (both in design and retail offering), while at the same time creating an environment new in level of sophistication, yet familiar in feel and texture.

The strip mall approach incorporating aspects of closed mall design and layout, offers the user and retailer get the best of both worlds; the protectedness, envelopment and retail-friendly double-sided arcade layout of a closed mall, yet the open and airy experi-ence of an old fashioned city high street.

The Gwashamba Mall covers 11 315 m2

and opens up 40 new shops to the local com-munity who now have access to leading retail brands such as Shoprite, Jet Stores, Mr Price, Foschini Markhams, Exact, Fashion Express, Hungry Lion, Dunns, Pep Stores, Ellerines and Clicks. The development also brings relief to the shortage of commercial space in the fast growing town.

“The opening of the Gwashamba Mall comes a month after the opening of the Town Square Mall in Otjiwarongo. Other projects currently in the Safland pipeline include the Grove Mall in Kleine Kuppe, Windhoek and another exiting project in Ondangwa. The retail and wholesale sector is the second largest contributor to the Namibia GDP and these developments are indicative of the growth within this sector, particularly in the Northern regions where there is a demand for retail rental space as a result of cross-border trade,” says Safland Property Group CEO, Kallie van der Merwe. ●


53shopping malls & office developments

The NMC Construction Group is a privately owned multi-disci-plinary construction group offering clients integrated building civils services in all sectors of the economy. Operations span nationally and include the SADC region. NMC Construction Namibia is a member of the NMC Construction Group with 30% local shareholding. With its offices located in Windhoek it is well positioned to undertake projects throughout Namibia and its neighbouring SADC countries.


54 health & safety54

“RECENT ARTICLES IN the media have incorrectly quoted figures regarding injury statistics, which paint the construction in-dustry in a very poor light,” says Deon Bester,

occupational health and safety manager for the Master Builders Association of the Western Cape (MBAWC). “Although we have seen some improvement in the number of accidents and fatalities, these figures are still disturbingly high. One accident or one fatality is one too many.”

“It is interesting to note that on average, half of the fatalities experienced in the indus-try are as a result of motor vehicle accidents. These are accidents that occur when people are being transported to site or from one site to another with the use of a company vehicle and are not accidents directly related to actual construction activities. These need to be policed by the traffic department, but this does not appear to be happening, as one sim-ply needs to drive on our roads and observe the way in which people are transported on the backs of open vehicles. However, we, as an industry, must take responsibility for our actions and inactions,” he continues.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act clearly defines the duties of the employer, employees and chief executive officer as well as acts or omissions by employees,

Collective construction industry concernAccording to statistics from Federated Employers Mutual Assurance

(FEM), over the past three years the number of accidents has decreased from 9 150 in 2010 to 7 947 in 2012. The number of fatalities

too has declined from 96 to 69.

in terms of upholding health and safety at work. In 2012, government, organised labour and organised business came together and wrote the Construction Health and Safety Accord, the purpose of which was to promote better occupational health and safety in the construction industry by having this tripartite agreement in place. “Unfortunately, it seems that to date, the only party doing anything towards improving health and safety is organised business. Despite this, the employer is continuously blamed when accidents hap-pen,” states Bester.

“While there are employers who ignore the basic health and safety requirements, as set out in the Act and Construction Regulations that are currently under review, anecdotal evidence indicates that 80% of accidents are caused by employees acting unsafely. This, after companies have spent hours training and informing employees on safety procedures and have paid vast sums of money to provide personal protective equip-ment which is simply not used. Furthermore, employees ignore basic health and safety rules. All of these contribute to the high number of incidents recorded. The MBAWC has tried on many occasions to engage the unions and the Department of Labour on this issue but to no avail. We need to work together to improve the situation,” he explains. “Health and safety is a collective concern and I call on all parties and relevant departments to step up and take action,” concludes Bester. ●

Deon Bester, occupational health and safety manager for the Master Builders Association

of the Western Cape.


55health & safety

MSA AFRICA PRODUCT manager for portable gas detection, Tshepo Lebona notes that the automated test stand offers high performance as either a stand-alone unit or as an integrated portable detector management system, which enables data access and control of MSA’s ALTAIR Gas Detector fleet.

"Due to the fact that the MSA GALAXY GX2 Automated Test System can be used with a PC or as a stand-alone system, it can be used as an effective solution for large fleet end users, as well as for smaller applications," he explains.

The new system provides simple and intelligent testing and calibration of MSA ALTAIR and ALTAIR PRO Single-Gas Detectors, as well as ALTAIR 4X and ALTAIR 5X Multigas Detectors, which are driven by the most advanced technology available in any portable gas detector – MSA XCell Sensors.

"Once any ALTAIR branded gas detector is placed within the GALAXY GX2 System, it can be tested, calibrated and charged auto-matically. Flexibility allows for up to ten test stations, four cylinder holders and multi-unit charger within one GALAXY GX2 System," Lebona continues.

MSA Link Pro Software – which transfers portable gas detector records to a connected PC – enables the user to proactively manage safety by addressing gas exposure information and missing or failed calibrations and bump tests.

"Another distinct advantage of MSA Link Pro Software is the fact that it provides calibration gas and expiration warnings in a number

of commonly spoken languages, thereby ensuring that no vital information is lost in translation," adds Lebona.

Advanced MSA Link Pro Software also enables the user to print detailed calibration, bump test and health reports and open each entry for additional information, while live filtering can be viewed, printed and saved as Microsoft PDF, Excel, or Word documents.

According to Lebona, the MSA GALAXY GX2 Automated Test System reduces the total cost of ownership by more than 50%. He notes that this cost saving can also be achieved on calibration gas expenses when combined with high-performance MSA XCell Sen-sors. "MSA XCell sensors are engineered using MSA’s proprietary

application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design. By miniaturising the sensors’ controlling electronics

and placing them inside the sensor itself, MSA XCell Sensors offer superior stability, accuracy and repeatability," says Lebona.

MSA XCell sensors are a break-through in chemical and mechanical sensor design, enabling faster response and span calibration times. Lebona

indicates that with less time spent on calibration and bump tests, the user saves calibration gas, maintenance costs and, in turn, overall costs. "But most importantly, saving seconds on re-sponse time can also mean saving lives."

Lebona concludes by adding that the MSA GALAXY GX2 Automated Test System is ideally suited to numerous African industries, including; oil & gas,

confined space, mining, construction, utility & municipal, hazardous materials, welding and general industry. ●

Gas detector testing and calibration simplified

A comprehensive range of MSA ALTAIR portable gas detectors can be swiftly and effectively

automatically tested and calibrated, following the introduction of the company's new

GALAXY GX2 Automated Test System to the African market.

MSA Africa's GALAXY GX2 Automated Test System.

MSA Africa product manager for portable gas detection, Tshepo Lebona.


56 health & safety56

IN SPITE OF HEALTH and safety regulations for welding, there are a large number of welding-related injuries every year. Such injuries include hot metal slag burns, injuries from flying par-ticles, radiation exposure or exposure to fumes, vapours or chemicals. “A cost effective and highly efficient way of eliminating exposure to ultraviolet (UV) and infrared radiation, as well as splatter burns is to install a high-quality welding curtain or safety screen,” Wim Dessing, managing director at Apex Strip Curtains & Doors, says.

Superior materialDessing says that welding curtains can be installed at any place where there is a need to use an arc welding machine. “This could be in an industrial scenario, in a car repair garage or on a construction site. Extensive research and development has resulted in Apex Strip Curtains & Doors offering welding and safety screens constructed from a specially formu-lated PVC. material. This material incorporates a heavy-duty ultra violet light absorber that

ensures that dangerous UV radiation is safely contained in the curtained off area.

“To assure customers of the legitimacy of our claims we submitted the products to extensive testing at the SABS. The first test measured the level of ultra-violet transmit-tance. Conventional materials provided read-ings of 0,0005%, 0,008% and 5%, while the Apex product readings were 0,005%, 0,001 and 0,005%. In another test, the SABS measured the total visible light transmitted through the material. The conventional material allowed 78% transmittance, while the Apex material allowed only 15,5% light transmittance,” Dess-ing continues.

Another point that Dessing considered critical in the material used for the Apex Welding and Safety Screens was its ability to remain impervious to burning should it come into contact with welding splatter.

ConvenienceDessing explains that solid wall barriers are costly and often inconvenient. Similarly,

Enhanced personnel safety Occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations ensure that people

employed as welders are safeguarded through the donning of protective wear. However, the level of protection afforded to other employees in the vicinity of the welding operation is often questionably low.

Appropriate measures are necessary to ensure that all employees receive adequate shielding from UV rays and welding splatter.

makeshift protective measures in the form of wooden or metal partitions, or opaque canvas sheeting hung from the ceiling and cross beams, do not provide worker protec-tion and safety.

Customers cite flexibility and safety as their top requirements for welding enclosures. The Apex Welding and Safety Screens are avail-able as either fixed installations or as portable welding screens that allow for rapid set-up and more than adequate protection. These enclosures not only confine weld splatter and prevent fumes from migrating to other work areas, but they are also ideal for protecting the eyesight of any workers in the immediate vicinity.

Apex Welding and Safety Screens are available in several configurations to suit individual requirements. “From a convenience perspective, the portable freestanding frame version has proved to be the most popular. It has a very small footprint due to the design of its angled feet, which allows the screens to be butted together at a 90˚ angle. In addition, access to the welding areas is easy, as the pat-ented Balledge® design on the individual strips facilitates easy movement of both personnel and equipment.

“Ensuring that all possible measures have been taken to prevent accidental burns or UV radiation exposure is considered responsible welding practice. By installing a proven weld-ing curtain or safety screen, the risk of third party welding accidents occurring is signifi-cantly minimised,” Dessing concludes. ●

Apex Welding and Safety Screens are available as either fixed installations or as portable welding screens.

Business Times (Sunday, 21 April 2013 of the Sunday Times) writes that construction deaths have surpassed deaths

in SA’s much-scrutinised mines, according to industry calculations. Statistics from the Federated Employer's Mutual Assurance Company show construction-

related fatalities total about 150 a year and the industry suffers about 400 accidents a year.

health & safety

THESE STATISTICS DO not include motor vehicle-related accidents expe-rienced by the construction industry as a whole, so a further 150 fatalities could be added to the above-mentioned average. On average these statistics push annual construction-related fatalities to 300 in an industry that employs 429 000 people. This is higher than the average annual 123 deaths (as at 2011) that occur in SA mines, which employ 519 000 people. Currently, the labour department spends about R2,5-billion a year on health and safety compensation claims in the construction sector.

The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) is very con-cerned about this grave matter. The civil engineering and construction fraternity involved in projects need to take cognisance of this distressing accusation. To further emphasise the urgency of this matter, it is noteworthy that the current Health and Safety Act will hold company directors liable for fatal accidents as a result of employee negligence. Are companies factoring this risk into their budgets? According to the Business Times the greatest risk will be for the account of the primary contractors, the /big five’, i.e. Murray & Roberts, Group Five, WBHO, Aveng and Steffanuti Stocks.

The industry is accused of being behind their counterparts in developed countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States of America by a good 10 to 15 years. If we are executing the excellent projects we all know about, how is it that we are non-compliant in the important health and safety issues? It does not make sense to build infrastructure to better people’s lives, but to jeopardise the lives of others while constructing it.

Remember the blitz inspection by the Department of Labour in 2007, when 1 415 sites were visited and 1 388 of these were non-compliant with the Health and Safety Act? One would think this would have been a wake-up call? Statistics unfortunately show the contrary.

Anton Krause, chairman of the Association of Construction Health and Safety Management stated that “the South African construction industry had not improved much, if at all, in reducing the high level of fatal accidents and non-fatal accidents over the past 10 years”.

This is a serious blemish on the reputation of our country’s excellent corps of engineers and construction practitioners, and SAICE will include this as a topic for in-depth discussion during the Civilution Congress to be held from 6 to 8 April 2014 at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, if not sooner.

Addressing any initiative to reduce construction related fatalities fits well within the Civilution goal of “what engineers should do differently going forward”. SAICE wants this upcoming congress to be the advocate of change.

With government expected to conclude the collusion charges against some of our major construction companies soon, how can the industry afford not to address health and safety issues with their integrity already at stake?

People’s lives are in jeopardy. How can anyone calculate the worth/value of a life or the monetary/pain implications of an injury? No money can pay for such eventualities. The civil engineering and construction practitioners should now prove that they are indeed the solution-finders to challenges and at the same time save lives and prevent injury – it should be easier than designing a complex structure. ●

“Death and injury stalk construction sites” – SAICE


57


58

Re-engineered products are well received by CPMs

AfriSam’s Rapid Hard Cement in the 52.5R strength class, introduced during a re-engineering of the company’s entire product portfolio in 2012, has been extremely well received by South African

concrete precast manufacturers (CPMs).

precast concrete products58

WITH ITS EXCELLENT early strength char-acteristics, this cement is performing so effectively in precast conditions that several local CPMs have now harnessed Rapid Hard Cement to develop a variety of new high specification products such as highway barri-ers, roof tiles, retaining wall systems, culverts and concrete pipes.

AfriSam is the only company to manufac-ture 52.5R Rapid Hard Cement as a standard product, supplied in both bags and bulk to the precast sector.

“The South African cement market is fiercely competitive and we continue to look at innovative solutions to win over new customers and retain existing customers,” Samantha Aylwin, AfriSam multi-products account manager, says. “Our top of the range Rapid Hard Cement was developed for spe-cialist concrete product manufacturers where quick mould turnaround or early formwork stripping times are required. Being able to offer this product in the 52.5R strength class means the cement will achieve a minimum of 30 MPa at the two-day mark, as measured by the standard ISO compression test; this compared to the previous hurdle rate of 20 MPa. These improvements have created a super-performing product for a niche market that faces specific challenges.”

In 2012 AfriSam also upgraded its 42.5N

High Strength Cement to the 42.5R strength class improving its early strength perfor-mance from an original target of greater than 10 MPa to more than 20 MPa within two days. This cement has been specially formulated and activated to allow for further extension with additional mineral components in the production of structural concrete. Although commonly used to achieve strengths of between 10 and 50 MPa, it is also suitable for concrete strengths of up to 80 MPa.

“Our offering to the CPMs revolves around open relationships with our customers, their requirements and expectations,” Aylwin com-ments. “It is not just about selling products – it’s more about being a reliable supplier who delivers products of a consistent quality. We are very confident in our products and we add value to them by working alongside custom-ers to enhance the performance of AfriSam cement in their precast products. In fact, we have won over many customers by success-fully contributing to their performance and quality objectives.”

AfriSam is recruiting and deploying an increasing number of technical consultants to customer sites to answer queries and help with troubleshooting. In addition, the compa-ny is able to demonstrate the advantages of using a particular cement in trials conducted at its central SANAS-accredited laboratory

in Roodepoort to ensure the recommended product is fit for the customer’s purpose. These initiatives are part of the company’s commitment to offering the shortest possible turnaround time on queries and laboratory test results for its customers.

“Our ultimate aim is to become our cus-tomers’ technical partner of choice in the cement and concrete arenas. We have regular meetings with customers and, based on their input over the years our products have evolved and been enhanced to the current top of the range performance,” says Aylwin.

“This is all part of AfriSam’s in-house Cus-tomer Value Management initiative that seeks to unlock value for our customers across the board in new and innovative ways and it’s proving to be a major market differentiator. We are experiencing measurable growth in the CPM market, where companies are under more pressure than ever before to be cost competitive. Our innovative approach to this market allows us to make a genuine contribution to their requirements,” she adds.

LEFT: AfriSam’s offering focuses on meeting customer requirements and expectations through high quality service and product consistency. RIGHT: Technological advances in AfriSam’s products are geared to ensuring strength, performance, durability and workability, without sacrificing sustainability.

AfriSam High Strength cement and AfriSam Rapid Hard cement.


59precast concrete products

CHRYSO SOUTHERN AFRICA is the sole distributor of Lanxess inorganic iron oxide Bayferrox pigments for the Southern African construction industry. Based in Germany with a global distribution network, Lanxess is one of the world’s most respected produc-ers of pigments for coloured concrete.

Engelbrecht says the vital factors to consider when producing pigmented concrete are:

Cement Portland cement can vary significantly in colour – from light to dark grey. This change in colour can influence the final colour of pigmented concrete. “That is why it is important to use the same cement throughout the production of coloured con-crete. White cement should be used when producing pigmented concrete with great colour clarity, particularly for bright colours. The higher the cement content, the more intense the colour,” Engelbrecht explains.

Aggregates The colour of aggregates also influences the ultimate colour so it is important to ensure that the entire surface area of the aggregate is coated with the pigmented cement paste so that the final product is not a mixture of the colour of the pigment and the colour of the aggregate.

Mixing water Water dilutes the colour of the pigments in the mix and excess water evaporates from concrete, leaving behind pores that scatter incidental light

and lighten the colour of the pigment. “Excess water also causes excessive bleeding and a non-uniform colour,” Engelbrecht states.

Formwork The type, colour and condi-tion of formwork can influence surface colour. Formwork with different rates of absorption will create surfaces with different colour shades. Absorption discolouration also occurs when release agents are not applied uniformly. Formwork that pulls away from the concrete surface, or has leaky joints, can cause uneven water loss from the concrete and cause a streaky surface.

Dispersion It is important to mix the pig-ment with the aggregate before the cement is added. From then on, the mixing process is the same as for un-pigmented concrete.

Temperature during drying In higher temperatures, fine crystals develop in the cement matrix. These crystals determine how the light that falls on the concrete is scattered. The smaller the crystals, the lighter the pig-ment in the concrete.

Efflorescence “This is the result of free lime formed when the cement sets that, dissolved in the mixing water or in external water such as rain or dew, migrates through capillaries in the concrete matrix to the sur-face. There it reacts with carbon dioxide in the

Guidelines for coloured concrete

There are seven important factors that influence the

quality of coloured concrete, says Hannes Engelbrecht,

Chryso S.A. business manager: concrete aesthetics.

air to form insoluble and unsightly calcium carbonate deposits particularly noticeable on the surface of pigmented concrete,” Engelbrecht says. “Care should be taken when using admixtures with high levels of calcium chloride as this can cause primary efflorescence. The more impermeable the concrete, the less likely that efflorescence will appear.”

All Bayferrox pigments are UV-stable and comply with quality standards EN 878 (the use of pigments for colouring building materials), and ASTM C979 (pigments for integrally coloured concrete), and carry the CE mark on their packaging. The CE mark is a mandatory conformity marking for products sold in the European Economic Area (EEA).

Chryso S.A. has a colour laboratory in Jet Park that houses sophisticated equipment such as a Colourimeter that can measure the colour strength of pigmentation.

The laboratory can provide customers with specifications to colour-match avail-able concrete masonry production lines at competitive rates. ●

Hannes Engelbrecht of Chryso says there are seven important factors to consider when

producing coloured concrete.

Mike McDonald, AfriSam product manager, comments that with carbon tax looming on the horizon, the company is also focusing substantial time and investment on develop-ing carbon efficient products.

“We are proud to have achieved an ‘R’ rating with the two products offered to the CPMs, while retaining an extremely low carbon footprint,” he says. “In effect, we have introduced technological advances that have boosted performance in terms of the strength, performance, durability and work-ability associated with advanced composite cements, without sacrificing sustainability. ●

All products are tested at the company’s SANAS-accredited laboratory in Roodepoort.


60

In order to overcome the logistical challenges associated to rough terrain and remote locations in Africa, mobile brick making machines have been launched in the regional market by

Pan Mixers South Africa (PMSA).


PMSA MARKETING AND sales manager Quintin Booy-sen points out that the com-pany delivered several mobile plants, including a mobile VB1X concrete block making machine in May 2013 to a construction client based in the Democratic Republic of Congo. "As Africa develops and infrastructure is rolled out, the demand for mobile machines in various forms is increasing, and PMSA has identified this trend early."

The VB1X is capable of

Mobile solutions for African customer base

producing up to 60 000 stock bricks per day, and Booysen highlights the fact that the mobile version of the machine does not force the owner to invest in a large capital outlay into fixed infrastructure that is typically left behind when a proj-ect is complete."The mobile machine can simply be moved on to the next site, thereby enabling customers to produce high volumes of bricks without constantly investing additional capital, even in the most remote locations," he explains.

The mobile VB1X block making machine features remote electro-hydraulic controls to ensure a trouble-free operation, in addition to a high energy double-shaft directional vibrator with maintenance-free dynamic braking. Booysen notes that the electro-hydraulic operation of the tamper, mould box and feed drawer ensures auto-matic filling of the mould from the over-head concrete holding bin. "An automatic hydraulic pallet feederfeeds pallets from the magazine to the moulding head and ejects them onto the take-off conveyor," he continues.

Booysen notes that the mobile VB1X block making machine is purpose built for the challenging African terrain and weather conditions. "PMSA is the leading and largest supplier of brick and block making machinery in Africa, and all our equipment is capable of producing high quality end products that meet the SANS standards. Furthermore, PMSA also offers both fixed and mobile machinery with topping feed attachments for paving manufacture that requires SANS 1058 for concrete paving blocks."

In addition to the VB1X, Booysen adds that PMSA also supplies the RE600, VB1 and UNI Plant block making machines in mobile models.

"Development in Africa is taking place at a rapid rate, and as industrialisation continues, I believe that mining, housing and government projects in particular will benefit from the PMSA mobile plant range where high capacity bricks and blocks are required in the most remote of locations."

Booysen stresses that the company is able to deliver the highest standards of customer service and quick turnaround time on spares, due to the fact that it has a comprehensive stockholding onsite to eliminate the associated risks of downtime for its clients.

“PMSA prides itself on assisting its customers in being successful in every aspect of their business, by consistently delivering on its promises. We always endeavour to ensure that we can source a part that is a non-stock item in the short-est time possible, in order to ensure that customers remain successful, competitive and productive,” he says.

Booysen points out that PMSA produc-es all the principle components and assem-blies in-house for the range of equipment manufactured by the company. “PMSA reduces its reliance on outside suppliers, as their level of service does not always meet with the company’s high expectations of quality, delivery and turnaround time. By manufacturing our own components, in-house specialists are able to source and address any problems swiftly and effectively,” he concludes. ●

VB1X plant with bagbreaker and gantry on site in the DRC.


61

The Concrete Institute MD, Bryan Perrie, this month concludes

Construction World’s two-par t discussion on the

importance of water quality in the concrete mix:

precast concrete products

THE QUALITY OF THE mixing water for pro-duction of concrete can influence the setting time, the strength development of concrete and the protection of the reinforcement against corrosion.

When assessing the suitability of water of unknown quality for the production of concrete, both the composition of the water and the application of the concrete to be produced should be considered.

SANS 10100-2:1992 states, in clause 4.2.1: “Water shall be clean and free from injurious amounts of acids, alkalis, chlorides, organic matter and other substances that could im-pair the strength or durability of concrete or metal embedded in the concrete. (It should be noted that sea water contains injurious amounts of chlorides and alkalis.)”

It is recommended that SANS 51008; 2006 be consulted when assessing the suitability of water for use in the production of concrete.

Types of waterIn general the suitability of water for the pro-duction of concrete depends upon its origin. The following types may be distinguished:

Potable waterThis water is considered as suitable for use in concrete and does not need testing.

Water recovered from processes in the concrete industryThis water will normally be suitable for use in concrete, but should be assessed.

Water from underground sourcesThis water may be suitable for use in concrete, but should be tested.

Natural surface water and industrial waste waterThis water may be suitable for use in concrete, but should be tested.

Sea water or brackish waterThis water may be used for concrete without reinforcement or other embedded metal, but is in general not suitable for the production of reinforced or prestressed concrete. For con-crete with steel reinforcement, or embedded metal, the permitted total chloride content in the concrete is the determining factor.

Sewage waterThis water is not suitable for use in concrete.

Recommended limits for various substances in mixing waterSANS 51008 recommends a series of prelimi-nary tests which assess the water acidity and for the presence of:• Oils and fats

• Detergents

• Suspended matter

• Odours

• Humic matter

ChloridesThe chloride content of the water expressed as Cl-should not exceed the following levels:• Prestressed concrete or grout – 500 mg/l

• Concrete with reinforcement or embedded metal - 1 000 mg/l

• Concrete without reinforcement or embedded metal - 4 500 mg/l

SulphatesThe sulphate content of the water, expressed as SO42-, should not exceed 2 000 mg/l.

AlkaliIf alkali-reactive aggregates are expected to be used in the concrete, the water should be tested for its alkali content. The equivalent sodium oxide content of the water shall not normally exceed 1 500 mg/l. If this limit is exceeded, the water may be used only if it can be shown that actions have been taken to prevent deleterious alkali-silica reactions.

Harmful contaminationIf contamination is suspected, qualitative tests for sugars, phosphates, nitrates, lead and zinc may be carried out. If the qualita-tive tests show a positive result, either the quantity of the substance concerned should be determined or tests should be carried to determine whether setting time and com-pressive strength are compromised.

The limits for harmful substances are as follows:• Sugars – 100 mg/l

• Phosphates; expressed as P2O5 – 100 mg/l

• Nitrates; expressed as NO3-– 500 mg/l

• Lead; expressed as Pb2+ 100 mg/l

• Zinc; expressed as Zn2+ 100 mg/l

When tested then:• The initial setting time obtained on

specimens made with the water shall be not less than 1 hour and not differ by more than 25% from the initial setting time obtained on specimens made with distilled or de-ionised water.

• The final setting time shall not exceed 12 hours and not differ by more than 25% from the final setting time obtained on specimens made with distilled or de-ionised water.

• The mean compressive strength at 7 days of the concrete or mortar specimens, prepared with the water, shall be at least 90% of the mean compressive strength of corresponding specimens prepared with distilled or de-ionised water.

For further information, contact The Con-crete Institute on telephone 011 315 0300 or [email protected] or visit the website www.theconcreteinstitute.org.za ●

Concrete solutions from the Concrete Institute

Seawater is not suitable for making concrete with steel reinforcement and should not be used in prestressed concrete due to the risk of corrosion of the steel.


62

A successful product is one that gets used more than once, having satisfied the expectation of

the client. Below is a showcase of a Terraforce noise barrier retaining wall that used the same

local retaining block to a extend long-standing retaining walls.


KNOWN AS THE CITY OF Tshwane’s Shovagakula (Easy) Paving Project, it is being run over three years in several phases and aims to encourage the use of bicycles in the place of cars for travel within Olievenhoutbosch.

Phase I, which was begun in April and completed by the middle of June, involved the construction of pavements 2,2 m wide 1 600 m long using 50 mm bevelled pavers as well as Figure 10 and 12 concrete kerbing supplied by Concrete Manufacturers Associa-tion (CMA), member MVA Bricks.

Construction involved compacting in-situ material to 90-93%, adding and compacting a 150 mm layer of G5 mixed with four percent of cement, and topping that with 20 mm of river sand. Once the pavers were laid, they were covered with plaster sand to fill the

joints between the pavers. The surface was then swept and compacted to form a very attractive and hard-wearing surface.

The terracotta coloured pavements were edged with a header course of charcoal pav-ers which were also used for decoration strips at every five metres.

The main contractor on Phase I was MK Brick and Earthworks, owned and run by Nathaniel Kgobe.

Kgobe says that 35 people were deployed for the execution of Phase I, 28 of whom were unskilled members of the local community.

“We trained them in all aspects of CBP surfacing including the preparation of the sub-base, the actual laying of pavers and the installation of kerbing, and they have acquired skills which they can use on other projects of this nature,” said Kgobe. ●

Noise barrier wall extension The wall, approved by Harries Projects, is a long wavy sound barrier along Ratanga Road that shields residents of the Oa-sis Retirement Centre from excessive noise and prying eyes. The steep road-facing wall was designed with three curving ter-races to reduce the overall footprint of the 500 m earth berm and to improve overall noise absorption.

Growing a vintage wall into the futureThe retaining wall, installed in 2006 by Cape Town based Terraforce approved contractor, Decorton Retaining Systems, consists of around 8 000 Terraforce L12 Rock Face blocks with a concrete foundation for each terrace. A subsoil drainage system is located behind the bottom row of blocks while the earth backfill is reinforced with Polytex 115 geo fabric every third row of blocks. The three meandering terrace walls each reach a maximum height of 1,8 m to create terraces of varying width.

Seven years later the wall is completely covered by (mostly) water wise, indigenous plants that are also effective in preventing wind erosion on the gently sloping embankments that face the buildings. Pleased with the way the wall has been performing, Harries Projects approved an extension of the noise barrier by around 13 000 blocks, as the development keeps growing. Construction was completed by Decorton in December last year. ●

LEFT: The new section of the noise barrier wall. RIGHT: The old section as it looks today.

CBP used in paving projectPrecast concrete block pavers (CBP) and kerbing have been used to construct safe, attractive and durable pavements in Olievenhoutbosch Ext 36, for

both pedestrians and cyclists.

LEFT: Newly laid pavers at The City of Tshwane’s Shovagakula (Easy) Paving Project in Olievenhoutbosch Ext 36.

A header course of charcoal pavers being laid in Olievenhoutbosch Ext 36.

MVA Brick’s Figure 12 kerbing is installed prior to the construction of CBP pavements.

equipment

THIS WAS SAID BY Gary Bell, CEO of Bell Equipment, officially opening the second Public-Private Infrastructure Forum in Johan-nesburg recently. Bell Equipment is the main sponsor of the forum.

“We would like to pay tribute to the President of South Africa for driving the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Com-mission (PICC) with its 18 strategic integrated projects that will cost somewhere in the order of R4-trillion,” he went on to say. “These are overarching projects that have up to 20-year project life cycles as opposed to the typical five-year projects designed to coincide with election cycles.

“Colleagues, we would know that infra-structure drives growth and development as it lays the foundation on which the indus-trial activities and economy of the nation takes place.”

According to Bell, his company has closely followed the work of the PICC since its establishment and is excited by the possibili-ties it represents.

The further possibilities created by the work of the National Planning Commission coupled with the evolution of the National Development Plant and the Industrial Policy Action, could see South Africa becoming a global powerhouse.

“The New Growth Path (NGP) is an ambitious plan designed to enhance growth, employment creation and equity and we fully subscribe to its strategic objectives,” he added.

“Bell Equipment from its humble origins in Empangeni in 1954 has managed to grow its business and now supports and sustains more than 3 500 quality direct jobs world-wide and somewhere near 10 times that, through our multiplier effect. Support from government and its various programmes has assisted this growth.

“We see the infrastructure programme as promoting broader industrialisation of the economy, through the use of locally manufactured components and supplies. In this context infrastructure must also drive skills formation, particularly in critical areas such as engineers, artisans and technicians.

"As the only sizeable local manufac-turer and distributor of mining, construction, agriculture and infrastructure equipment necessary for these projects, we reaffirm our pledge to support there various govern-ment programmes.”

Bell emphasised that his company had invest-ed heavily in the South African manufacturing sector and boasts an industry-leading 24 Cus-tomer Service Centres with 30 more spread across the rest of the African continent.

“The test of our effectiveness will be how well we can coordinate and integrate our work and the different elements of the Infrastructure Plan,” he said. “This means addressing capacity constraints in the state, promoting wider partnerships in the society and improving coordination.

“Our government is helping to build infrastructure that will create opportunities for South African companies such as Bell Equipment to expand trade and investment across our borders. As an example, the Development Bank of South Africa and the Industrial Development Corporation are ac-celerating investment into the SADC region and are supporting infrastructure projects in numerous countries, particularly in the key ar-eas of electricity generation and transmission, and in strengthening road links in the region.”

These, according to Bell, are sectors in which Bell Equipment has a direct and vested interest. “We have no doubt that as Africans working together we can build a brighter future for all our people,” he said. ●


63Bullish about infrastructure initiatives

Bell Equipment, as the largest manufacturer of infrastructure equipment on the African continent, felt it was important to answer the South African government’s call for strategic partnerships.

Gary Bell, CEO of Bell Equipment.


64 equipment

THE SUCCESSFUL EXECUTION of a safety driven heavy lift is determined by careful, sys-tematic planning. “A complete understanding of the nature of the lift, the risks involved, and any limitations is critical to the success of a heavy lift.

The planning process begins with a site inspection followed by a more intensive on-site visit by Johnson Crane Hire’s technical heavy lift team. This allows the team to verify measurements and dimensions. Once the details are acquired, a CAD rigging study, in 2D or 3D, is undertaken,” Peter Yaman, general manager of Johnson Crane Hire, says.

Johnson Crane Hire use LICCON software to simulate the lift. This software is specific to individual cranes and allows Johnson Crane Hire to confirm that they have specified the crane correctly for the lift. It confirms that the capacity is correct and verifies the counter-weight needed. In addition it will simulate the ground pressure that the crane generates in various scenarios.

The next step involves determination of the required load bearing capacity. This information is relayed to the customer who can then ensure that the site is prepared to accommodate the high loadings generated by cranes. Once the rigging study is complet-ed, a method statement and risk assessment is undertaken.

With South Africa’s largest fleet of mobile cranes, it is critical that Johnson Crane Hire

is able to select the crane best suited to the application. By interpolating all of this impor-tant information prior to the lift and leverag-ing its past experience in the field, Johnson Crane Hire is able to precisely pinpoint the fit for purpose crane in each situation.

The recent investment of R1-billion in an equipment expansion programme ensures that any crane deployed to site will be the latest technology.

A strong relationship with primary sup-plier Liebherr as well as with Tadano and Grove, has resulted in a top-quality fleet primed to enhance safety and productivity.

In order to provide and uninterrupted service to its clients, Johnson Crane Hire runs a well-equipped workshop manned by a mechanical team with strong technical knowledge of cranes. Each crane in the fleet undergoes regular, scheduled inspection and maintenance in accordance with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Johnson Crane Hire’s team of 40 mechan-ics report directly to four field service fore-men. These service foremen travel between the company’s branches to provide training and conduct evaluations of the standard of work undertaken by the branches.

When required, on-site repairs are con-ducted by experienced field service techni-cians. A fleet of 32 fully equipped two-wheel and four-wheel drive service vehicles are sup-

A holistic package Heavy lifts are the source of numerous safety risks. The ability to execute

a heavy lift in a safe, yet time sensitive manner is achieved through a combination of procedural excellence, experience, expertise and top quality resources. With 36 years of comprehensive experience

in a multitude of industries and applications, Johnson Crane Hire has earned its stripes as a heavy lift specialist.

ported by four operational mobile workshop service trucks.

Underpinning the company’s reputation is a team of potential crane operators receive a solid grounding at the company’s training school in Vanderbijlpark. “All would-be opera-tors are appointed as crane assistants for a period of 12 to 18 months and form part of a crane support crew. In this environment they begin to learn about safety and gather basic knowledge about crane operation and site management. From this group we select the candidates for operator training.” ●

The successful execution of a safety driven heavy lift is determined by careful, systematic planning.

The planning process begins with a site inspection followed by a more intensive on-site visit by Johnson Crane Hire’s technical heavy lift team.

With 36 years of comprehensive experience in a multitude of industries and applications,

Johnson Crane Hire has earned its stripes as a heavy lift specialist.


65

High Power Equipment (HPE) Africa – the sole Southern African distributor for internationally

recognised crushing, screening and recycling equipment manufacturer

McCloskey International – has introduced the company's new 516RT trommel in South Africa.

equipment

HPE AFRICA MCCLOSKEY representative Alan Straw notes that the tracked 516RT combines larger capacities and increased mobility to provide highly efficient materials processing for numerous industries. "Enhancements made based on feedback has led the company to include even more customer focused features to the newest member of its 516 product line," he explains.

The 516RT boasts a heavy duty chassis with four independent stabi-liser jack legs, integrated hydraulic folding conveyors and a radial con-veyor with a 180 degree swing that delivers a 4,13 m stockpile height.

Straw adds: "Powered by a CAT C4.4 100 Hp engine, the 516RT fea-tures an over sized hydraulic tank and hydraulic oil cooler for maximum cooling capacity and high efficiency throughout the hydraulic system." According to Straw, the 516RT trommel boasts a number of features that place it ahead of competitors in the same category.

"A significantly longer and wider direct feed 5,25 m3 hopper pro-vides a large loading area, while a wider feed opening allows for the free flow of material and high volume capacity. The rubber belting extends along the length of the machine to reduce blockages, even when working with wet and sticky materials."

With the 5" x 16" screening surface, Straw reveals that material such as topsoil, compost, sand, gravel and wood spend more time in the

drum for better results. "The three screen sections allow for flexibility in sizing to maximise productivity. For heavy duty applications, a remote control hydraulic tipping grizzly can be added to scalp off large mate-rial. Ground adjustable brushes on the 516RT keep the screen clean and rotate away from the drum for ease of drum change."

As with all McCloskey equipment, the 516RT has an accessible engine service bay for ease of maintenance and service, thereby saving time and reducing costs.

"With additional options like a radio remote control for tracks, a variety of drum and screen combinations, and a hydraulic tipping grid, the 516RT is a highly productive and highly mobile trommel," Straw concludes.

McCloskey International Limited designs and manufactures innova-tive crushers, impactors, trommel screeners, vibrating screeners, feed-ers, stacking conveyors and picking stations. Since 1985, McCloskey International has been exceeding customer expectations with reliable, durable and high performing products.

McCloskey equipment is used by topsoil producers, landscape contractors, composting facilities, waste management and recycling operations, aggregate producers and mining and quarry operators to help achieve profitable volumes. ●

New trommel launched


66 equipment

FUEL EFFICIENCY IS A TOP priority for construction equipment owners. That is why hundreds of engineers in Volvo Construc-tion Equipment’s (Volvo CE’s) Technology function are busy working on innovations to make equipment as fuel efficient as possible. One area of technological development is machine-to-machine (M2M) and machine-to-infrastructure (M2I) communication.

“One of the advanced engineering proj-ects we are working on is wireless ma-chine communication technology,” says Peter Wallin, research coordinator at Volvo CE. “By increasing machine intelligence and making it possible for machines to ‘talk’ to each other, we can reduce operational costs through improved fuel efficiency, while also increasing safety and maintaining productiv-ity. So far we have looked at the quarry and aggregates segment and road construction – but this technology can be used in all the applications Volvo machines work in.”

Fleet optimisation Volvo CE has conducted tests to calculate the potential fuel savings M2M communication could bring to articulated haulers working in the quarry and aggregates segment. The project monitored a hauler, loaded with rocks from an excavator, travelling to the crushing site. The machine was fitted with an internal measurement system to verify the fuel consumption. The hauler was operated by different drivers, at both constant and varied speeds, with different amounts of idle time and both with and without stops along the way. Tests showed that when the hauler travelled faster than necessary to the crusher,

and as a result had to wait before unloading, fuel consumption was up to 30% higher compared to when the hauler travelled at a constant speed and arrived at the optimum moment.

“In conjunction with the tests carried out in Braås, Sweden, we have visited customer sites and monitored how the machines are used,” says Wallin. “Today sites are not optimised and usually there is not a structure stating when the haulers should arrive at the crusher. Often the machines are driven at maximum speed but when you look at the amount of idle time it is clear that this is not always necessary. When the machines are stationary, waiting to unload, they are wasting time and money. By using M2M com-munication the operator would know exactly when to arrive at the crusher and what speed to travel at to get there. Through reducing machine speed and idle time we are reducing fuel consumption and wear and tear on the machine as well as facilitating an efficient flow of equipment.”

Looking to the future “The next stage of the project will be to provide the operator with information – such as target speed and arrival time – inside the cab,” Wallin continues. “This live information will support and guide operators to the most fuel efficient operation and could be presented in future concepts like heads-up displays and other innovative approaches. If all the equipment on a job site was fitted with this technology the machines could be

Technology unlocks fuel efficiencyEngineers at Volvo Construction Equipment are developing Intelligent

Transport Systems (ITS) which could reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% in certain applications and increase safety.

linked to a central control point – such as a tablet device used by the site manager to optimise the efficiency of the fleet. The results from this project will determine if, when and how this technology will reach the market.”

Active safety“An undoubted advantage of increased machine intelligence is the ability to intro-duce active safety,” he concludes. “Volvo has set itself the target of reducing accidents relating to its equipment to zero – and future technology like M2M communication will play a major part in achieving this ambition.

For example, if we combined M2M communication technology with an auto-matic braking system it would prevent the possibility of a collision between two Volvo machines – and by equipping site workers with a wireless beamer or a transmitter, machines could also detect and avoid humans in the vicinity.” ●

Babcock International Group

As the exclusive distributor for Volvo Construction Equipment in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Lesotho, Babcock International Group offers a full aftermarket support capability including maintenance, repair and overhaul utilising comprehensively equipped workshops. Babcock backs the Volvo brand with experienced staff to support customers quickly and efficiently – wherever they are. The Group’s market-leading reputation is based on one key fact: Babcock is a partner that can be trusted to deliver.


67equipment

LOADER-MOUNTED BOBCAT grader attachments can now be combined not only with a new comprehensive choice of Bobcat laser grading equipment but also the new Bobcat sonic tracer kit, the first sonic tracer system of its kind for compact loaders, to provide automatic grade con-trol in applications where lasers may not be suitable.

Laser grading requires the job site to be on a plane, whereas the sonic tracer can follow nearly every terrain. The sonic tracer also provides an advantage when grading inside buildings with obstacles where the laser beam could be interrupted.

The Bobcat sonic tracer kit is designed for use with the new enhanced 274 mm wide HD Grader 108 and 244 mm wide HD Grader 96 heavy duty grader attachments which will also be shown for the first time at Bauma 2013.

New heavy duty gradersThe new HD Grader 108 heavy duty attach-ment is approved for use on the Bobcat S770 and S850 skid-steer, T770 and T870 compact tracked and A770 all-wheel steer loader models. The HD Grader 96 attachment covers the same models with

the addition of the smaller T650 compact tracked loader.

The new graders feature a 6-way blade plus hydraulic side-shift of up to 33 cm left or right, both of which are fingertip controlled so that the operator can grade nearly any surface without needing to take their hands off the control levers. There are four two-way hydraulic functions including left side up/down; right side up/down; blade rotation left/right and blade side shift left/right.

The hydraulic side-shift allows the blade to get further into corners when working in confined areas.

Easy to convert to laserThe new graders can be converted from standard units to laser graders quickly and easily. The operator only needs to mount the receiver poles, clamp the newly enhanced Bobcat laser receivers onto the poles and plug in the harnesses. Designed to operate using CAN-bus communication, the new Bobcat laser receivers are easier to mount and dis-mount and offer several features and benefits.

The receivers retain the indication ar-rows that visually inform the operator if they are above, below, or on grade. Single click ‘on/off’ of the automatic laser also remains

Expanded range of grading solutionsBobcat is now offering a new wider range of grading solutions based

around the company’s compact loaders and grader attachments. The new expanded range of grading equipment is designed for use by asphalt and concrete contractors for excavating and grading

work for new roads, pavements, concrete flatwork, tennis courts, utilities and landscaping projects.

unchanged, and operators can still mo-mentarily override the automatic system.

For compact loaders with Bobcat Selectable Joystick Controls, there is an added feature with additional buttons on the joysticks. The grade can be changed at the receiver by 2,5 mm increments, up or down, +/- 50 mm in either direction. This allows the operator to change grade elevation from within the cab using fin-gertip controls.

Complementing the laser receivers are the laser transmitters from Bobcat – the model GL412, a single-slope version, and the GL422, a new dual-slope transmitter which comes standard with a handheld CR600 receiver. The latter forms a cost-efficient alternative to Bobcat’s other dual-slope transmitter, the GL722, which forms the deluxe model in the range.

Sonic tracer grading system Installed on the blades of the HD Grader 108 and HD Grader 96 heavy duty grader attachments, the sonic tracer emits ultra-sonic signals to maintain a set distance or elevation from an object, surface or the ground, allowing the graders to be used to grade, level, and backfill on a multiple slope terrain when following a string line, kerb stone, the gutter or even a previous pass as a grade control. Grade accuracy is 6,4 mm, and the detection range of the sonic tracer is from 200 to 1300 mm.

The Bobcat system comprises a sonic tracer, two slope sensors and one rotation sensor, all of which are high quality Trimble components. The sensors communicate directly with the Bobcat Attachments Control Device (ACD). ●


68 equipment

DELIVERING A PRODUCTIVE work at height solution, the JLG 1250AJP’s boom can be extended safely to its maximum height in under two minutes with the unique JLG QuickStick, which raises the tower boom and main boom simultaneously.

Versatility on site is further achieved with the JLG-developed JibPLUS, which enables the platform to reach around structures by up to 2,44 m, allowing operators to get to difficult to reach areas safely. “The JibPLUS further allows for more precise handling at height, which reduces the risk of coming into con-tact with structures, and provides more user comfort with reduced sway when the boom is rotated at significant height,” says Eazi Sales & Service’s managing director, Larry Smith. The platform offers an unrestricted capacity of 230 kg and 450 kg – restricted at a slightly reduced working envelope.

“These features make the JLG 1250AJP ideal for constriction, steel erection, as well as mining and petrochemical plants where high-reach versatility is required for mainte-nance projects. Its popularity is extended to power plants, construction of large industrial facilities, ship building and various other ap-

plications where getting the job done faster and safer is of paramount importance, not to mention the substantial cost savings to our customers,” says Smith.

“Murray & Roberts is currently using sev-eral JLG 1250AJP boom lifts, along with sev-eral other MEWPs at the Medupi and Kusile power plants to help workers safely brace, position and weld steel sections into place at height, paint and conduct procedures previously only possible with expensive and often cumbersome scaffolding systems,” says Smith. “Our access solutions have forced the industrial market to rethink what is achiev-able when working at height.”

With such incredible platform heights, the JLG 1250AJP is built with safety in mind. It is designed with appropriately-weighted counterweights, extending axles, automatic platform levelling, and an automatic work envelope management system which auto-matically limits the boom to operate within safe tolerances.

The diesel-powered platform further comes standard with an auxiliary electric motor, which safely lowers the platform in the event of an emergency decent, as well

40 metres in under 2 minutes Eazi Sales & Service has extended the capabilities of working at height

during the construction of mines and petrochemical sites across Southern Africa with the JLG 1250AJP Ultra Series Articulating Boom Lift which features an up and over height of over 18 metres

and a horizontal outreach of over 19 metres, bringing a platform working height to over 40 metres.

as a sophisticated engine distress warning system. “The machine comes standard with oscillating axles, traction control, tilt alarm, 4-wheel drive, crab steer and all-wheel steer,” says Smith.

Tailored accessories for your applicationThe JLG 1250AJP can be customised for even greater functionality and highly specific applications by using tailor-made accessories. The Workstation in the Sky® Package, ideal for electrical work, supports battery-powered tools while keeping them off the floor and within easy reach. The SkyAir, SkyWelder, SkyPower and SkyCutter packages take compressed air, welding machines, genera-tor power and cutters to height safely and swiftly. The Nite Bright Package – consisting of 40-watt lights for any low lighting require-ments – further extends the JLG 1250AJP’s working hours through the night.

Emissions and efficiency“Using ADE [advance design electronics], JLG platforms use only the energy necessary to perform a task which reduces fuel consump-tion as well as overall emissions. This is a technology unique to JLG,” says Smith. JLG access platforms comply with worldwide emission regulations, including those of the USA, the EU and Australia.

Rough-terrain applications“Over 40 metre working height and rough-terrain ability combined make the JLG 1250AJP truly unique to the local market,” says Smith. ●


69

Professional contractors specialising in large scale precision cutting and demolition projects can benefit from the new range of Titan high frequency wall saws.

products & services

THESE WERE INTRODUCED to the local market in June 2013 by Diamond Products – a leading specialist in the manufacture, assembly and sale of diamond tools and equipment for industrial applications. Direc-tor Darryl Gray reveals that the technologi-cally advanced Titan high frequency wall saws can be diagnostically tested and even repaired using mobile phone technology. "In the event of failure, Diamond Products is able to log in directly into the Titan control unit by means of the telediagnostic service and telemaintenance system via mobile communication, in order to detect and ad-dress the cause of failure."

This technologically advanced system allows for parameters to be modified for special applications, and also allows for the latest programme versions of the automatic control system to be transmitted to any control unit, regardless of time or location. “The remote system also has tracking ca-pabilities, thereby reducing losses related to theft," adds Gray.

Diamond Products co-director Brian Clark highlights the fact that the Austrian-manu-factured Titan wall saws boast a far greater life expectancy than competitor electric wall saws, thanks to a unique low motor speed design. "The motor speed is just 6 500 rpm, compared to the industry standard of 30 000 rpm, thereby ensuring a significant reduction in maintenance and service costs."

With high torque and lower speeds, the Titan range of high frequency wall saws can accommodate blades of up to 2 000 mm in di-ameter, with high performance and precision. Clark notes that the Titan wall saws operate at maximum precision using ARIX G2X Diamond blades, in which diamonds are aligned in an almost grid-like system to allow for consistent drilling and sawing speeds.

Gray explains that another unique aspect of the Titan high frequency wall saws is that they can accommodate a drive pulley for wire sawing applications, through specialised pulley and storage attachments, which elimi-nates the need for large and costly machines.

Wall saw range launched

According to Clark, the blade and the feed operations are electrically driven by motors ranging between 11 kw and 22 kw, thereby eliminating the need for costly and bulky hydraulic power packs on site. Clark believes that the Titan high frequency range of wall saws will gain measurable market share across Africa in the short term. "Investment in infrastructural development is continu-ing to increase at an exponential rate. I am confident that the Titan range will be seen as a viable solution," he concludes. ●

The new Tital wall saw being demonstrated.


70

Few products can claim to be as versatile as expanded

metal, largely as a result of the reliability, durability and economy represented by the simple idea of slitting

and expanding a solid sheet of metal into a lattice of diamond-

shaped meshes.

products & services

ANDREW MENTIS, A LEADING engineering and manufacturing company in Elands-fontein, was the first company to begin manufacturing expanded metal more than sixty years ago, and is today considered the leading supplier of quality expanded metal in a variety of sizes and materials.

According to Elaine van Rooyen, market-ing manager at Andrew Mentis, a myriad of applications are served by expanded metal because of its inherent structural integrity which is not compromised during the manu-facturing process.

“During the manufacturing process no material is lost, and in fact the original sheet of metal can be expanded into anything up to ten times its original size. The result is a mesh which is considerably lighter than the equivalent area of the original piece of metal expanded,” Van Rooyen says.

The expanding process creates a network of rigid strands which add strength, while allowing free passage of light and air. As the metal is expanded to an area longer than its

original length it becomes lighter than the original equivalent mass. The raised mesh or Mentex, as it is called, can be put through an additional process in which the raised meshes are flattened into the same plane as the sheet of metal expanded. This is known as Flatex.

With extensive experience in the various applications of expanded metal, Andrew Mentis manufactures both the raised and flat-tened meshes, and according to Van Rooyen the correct selection of the appropriate mesh depends on the application at hand.

Typically, both Mentex and Flatex expand-ed metal is manufactured from high quality local mild steel, but can be manufactured from any other ductile metal. The product is normally supplied unpainted, but readily lends itself to any of the normal finishing processes such as painting, stove enamelling, plating and galvanizing.

Mentex and Flatex expanded metal is available in a comprehensive range of sizes, mesh sizes and thicknesses and the fabri-cation of the expanded metal in any form is done with ease. The mesh can be bent, shaped to radii, angled or notched while maintaining its inherent rigidity. It is also available in various mesh sizes, from mini meshes with small openings of 1,4 mm by 2 mm, and with a thickness of 0,4 millimetres, to larger meshes with 115 mm x 300 mm openings, and a thickness of 6 mm.

Van Rooyen says that expanded metal has found applications in mining, con-struction, food and other industries. It is used for screens, grates, shelving, racks, protection guards, internal partitioning, burglar proofing, fencing, reinforcement, walkways, platforms and stairs, beds, garden furniture, braai grids, filters, dividers, scaffold-

Still a popular choice

A myriad of applications are served by expanded metal because of its inherent structural integrity which is not compromised during the manufacturing process. INSET: Mentex and Flatex expanded metal is available in a comprehensive range of sizes, mesh sizes and thicknesses

and the fabrication of the expanded metal in any form is done with ease.

ing, truck bodies, tunnel and shaft linings, grain silos and even decoratively – to name but a few applications.

“In an industry where quality pays in the long term, a great variety of customers are bound to benefit from the extensive experi-ence and expertise within Andrew Mentis, especially when it comes to the application of expanded metal. The uses of expanded metal are many and varied and are limited only by the vision, creativity and imagination of the designer. Its versatility is endless,” Van Rooyen concludes. ●

Andrew Mentis manufactures both the raised and flattened meshes.


71products & services

“AS A LEADER IN the cement industry, PPC Ltd believes that it is essential for every builder to have all the latest tools available at their exposal. This will enable them to work more efficient and safe money. We believe that this App will do just this and enable every project that uses it to be successful, said Sibongile Mooko, PPC’s general manager of marketing Services.

The easy to use application provides many practical functions for professionals in the building or construction market and avid DIYers in the home, including; a quantity calculator that enables the users to accurately calculate the amount of cement needed to complete a job based on the dimensions the user inputs. The application also includes a Weather Watch tool that will advise on the best time of day to lay concrete or build based on the weather forecast and conditions. The Weather Watch tool allows professional master builders to list several locations, where they may monitor the weather conditions

across all of their building sites, speeding up the decision making process and prioritisa-tion of jobs to be managed and completed.

Other functionalities include a complete product overview, store locator with Google enabled maps and directions, and FAQ. Says Yaron Assabi, CEO and founder of Digital Solutions Group: “One of our specialities lies in finding the most appropriate mobile solution that will help a client mobilise their business, products or services toward an enhanced customer experience. The vision behind this application was to allow custom-ers to engage with the PPC Cement brand in an immersive experience, while still offering them access to useful information and tools.

“This application will assist us in effective engagement with our customer and further cement our brand promise of given you more cement per bag. We believe that this app will effectively eliminate any potential mistakes or miscalculations; saving you both time and money,” said Mooko.

Revolutionary Builder’s AppPPC Cement has partnered with Digital Solutions Group to deliver

a first to market mobile application designed and customised for those in building and construction in mind, as launched at the

2013 TotallyConcrete Expo.

“As the leading cement suppli-er in Southern Africa, this app enables us to be with you at every step of the way. The app will calculate how much cement you can buy and where to buy it. By using this App, you will be able to get in touch with PPC and fully benefit all that we have to offer,” she said.

This launch phase of the application will be available on IOS, Android and Black-Berry operating 6+. “Though this is the launch phase, we have already begun planning exciting new additions and integrations for phase two that will continue to promote a user friendly experience.

"Also, we will undertake regular mobile analytics and quality rating surveying to ensure that PPC Cement’s remains customer relevant while building on greater customer experiences,” concludes Assabi.

T h e P P C A p p w a s av a i l a b l e fo r download on Google Play and the Apple App Store on 1 June and on the BlackBerry App store on 15 June. ●


72

From 29 September to 1 October 2013, Master Builders South Africa (MBSA) – the leading representative body in the building industry

and the national body of the provincial Master Builders Associations and its affiliated members – will be hosting its annual Congress at

the Indaba Hotel and Conference Centre in Fourways, Johannesburg.

THE THEME FOR THIS year’s Congress is ‘Building South Africa: Bridging the gap’ which aims to address the subjects of transformation, skills, standards and sustain-ability within the building and construction industry. As SA’s leading construction body, the MBSA Congress brings together role players from different aspects of the industry including industry leaders, built environment professionals, academia, youth and member associations as well as the public sector.

“The industry has noted a slight but gradual recovery in 2013 which has contrib-uted to industry confidence and growth, albeit slow. This makes the 2013 Congress an ideal opportunity to address challenges our members’ businesses face, look at ways to enhance skills capacity and review important infrastructure projects and opportunities in South Africa and the rest of the continent,” says MBSA executive director, Tumi Dlamini.

Minister of Public Enterprises, Malusi Gigaba whose department and its state-owned entities are responsible for the vast majority of public infrastructure spend – has

diary & appointments

NHBRC (National Home Builders Registration Council)

Boost to the building industry

confirmed that he will be this year’s key note speaker. “Over and above gaining insight from the Minister’s address, the Congress provides a great opportunity to understand local and global best practises, keep up to date with leading and innovative trends, to network with industry members and to see who the top performers are in the Health and Safety Awards,” adds Dlamini.

All members of the building and construc-tion industry are invited to attend the MBSA Congress. For engineers, architects, construc-tion managers, regulators or contractors both large and small the Congress is an important event in the industry calendar to address issues effecting businesses. Construction managers, engineers and architects attend-ing the Congress will gain Continuous Profes-sional Development (CPD) points.

Sponsorship and exhibition opportuni-ties are available to companies wishing to support the event and ensure visibility of their brand, products and services to industry players. For more information, please visit www.mbsacongress.co.za

INDUSTRY LEADERS AT THIS year’s Sarma Conference will outline the way forward for the local construction indus-try as it enters a new phase of develop-ment fuelled by growing requirements from the public and private sectors.

Johan van Wyk, general manager of the South African Readymix Association (Sarma), says the industry is in a state- of-change with new requirements and new expectations surfacing on a constant basis.

“This year’s conference will not only address these issues, but will also usher in a new era for the South African Readymix Association (Sarma), as we broaden our focus from mainly influencing standards and regulatory matters, to further focus on promoting the use of readymix and engaging all stakeholders (including end-users) to redefine requirements in a changed environment.

The conference will be held at the Alpha Conference Centre in Broederst-room on 1 and 2 August 2013. There will be indoor and outdoor exhibitions, as well as practical demonstrations of new equipment and modern techniques being used to make readymix concrete. For registrations and more information call Sarma, Mary-Ann Sutton, on +27 (0) 11-791-3327, email: [email protected].

Readymix conference

Sarma general manager, Johan vanWyk.

LEADING LOCAL AND international sup-pliers to the industrial and mining sectors will gain valuable exposure to the Southern African mining market at Electra Mining Botswana 2013.

Botswana’s thriving mining and indus-trial sectors makes it the natural choice for the expansion of Electra Mining Africa fol-lowing many successful years in South Africa as the largest mining, industrial, power and construction exhibition in Africa.

“But its focus is not only mining,” says says Gary Corin, managing director of spe-cialised exhibitions Montgomery, organisers of the show. Corin. “Based on the successful

Appo

intm

ents

EMA Botswana model of Electra Mining Africa, the Botswa-na exhibition embraces mining, industrial, power generation and construction which cover a much broader footprint drawing in many stakeholders from the various sectors.”

The exhibitor profile will include mining and related products, industrial engineering and manufacturing, general engineering and manufacturing, electrical engineering and power generation, materials handling, safety, health and environment, and con-struction. Electra Mining Botswana takes place at the Gabarone Fair Grounds from 3 to 5 September. To find out more phone +27 (0) 11-835-1565.

Ferdi Nell, office manager – Cape Town.

Phil Hendricks, office manager – Gauteng.

Mongezi Mnyani, chief executive officer.

Aurecon

Creating SUSTAINABLE...“We have some 3 200 vendors on our vendors list and each one appreciates its importance to our company. We consider a range of criteria that vary from total

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