march 2014 constructionworld - crown publications · at the recent cesa (consulting engineers south...

The business magazine for the construction industry MARCH 2014

Construction www.crown.co.za

WORLD

PORTAL FRAMEsteel structures for Africa

Designing WORLD-LEADING STADIA

Noblesfontein WIND ENERGY FACILITY

Facilities Management BEYOND BUZZWORDS

http://www.tugelasteel.co.za

http://www.creditguarantee.co.za

1

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2014

KwaZulu-Natal based company – Tugela Steel – is expanding its niche for portal frame clear span steel buildings, deploying a fleet of Cat telehandlers at its Colenso production facility to meet materials handling demands.

> CONTENTS

20COVER STORY

04BEYOND BUZZWORDS What are the new buzzwords in Facilities Management?

10WIND ENERGY FROM NOBLESFONTEIN A new wind energy facility near Victoria West will be completed by May.

12GREATER ENERGY EFFICIENCY Improve the use of technology to improve your building’s energy efficiency.

16RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY DEVELOP-MENT LISTING Company to provide unique opportunity for investors.

24GABORONE’S NEW ICON Work on the 15 storey tower building is fast nearing completion.

28TWEEFONTEIN OPTIMISATION PROJECT A profile on the Best Projects award winning project in Mpumalanga.

32WORLD-LEADING SPORTS STADIA DESIGN Aurecon has been involved in several celebrated stadia design projects.

35CREATIVE USE OF DECORATIVE CONCRETE A focus on a house that showcases the creative use of concrete.

38CREATING CONCRETE ‘TREE TRUNKS’A Colombian building showcases the use of pigment in concrete.

40INNOVATIVE AND GREEN PARKING Portside shows just why it received a five star design rating.

42BUILDING THE ‘FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE’ A new bridge in Vietnam is both innovative and spectacular.

44LESSONS FROM CHINA The proposed Durban-Gauteng railway can learn from China.

47VERSATILITY AND MOBILITY A recently launch compactor-line builds on its pre-vious generation.

4

10

16

24

32

44

52

60

REGULARS

Marketplace

Environment

Property

Project Profile

Projects & Contracts

Equipment

Products & Services

Diary & Appointments

10

32

42

47

2


>

COMMENT

EDITORWilhelm du Plessis [email protected]

ADVERTISING MANAGEREugene Botha [email protected]

LAYOUT & DESIGNLesley Testa

CIRCULATION Karen Smith

PAID CIRCULATION:(First Quarter ’13)

49

FREE CIRCULATION:(First Quarter ’13)

4 650

TOTAL CIRCULATION:(First Quarter ’13)

4 699

PUBLISHERJenny Warwick

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BYCrown Publications ccP O Box 140BEDFORDVIEW, 2008Tel: 27 11-622-4770 • Fax: 27 11-615-6108

PRINTED BYTandym Cape

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher.

CESA has, over the years, been proactive in attracting more to the construction industry. Key is obviously making engineering (or other built environment related qualifications) more attractive to prospective students.

There has, however, been a growing divide between academia (especially at university level) and industry. This has been a small, but contributing factor to South Africa producing less and less engineers, prompting a very particular skills shortage.

At February’s Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) Postgraduate Conference at the University of the Witwa-tersrand (Wits), Professor Adam Habib, Wits’s vice-chancellor, said that fundamental to the evolution and development of South Africa’s engineering and construction industry and academia, is the development of meaningful and sustainable partnerships. These will lead to the transfer of knowledge and innovation. He said that it is vital to have national and international higher education and industry partnerships as he believes that the industry will die if the university system dies.

With the divide, both sides lose out: industry needs to constantly renew itself

by developing new ideas while academics need to test ideas around the industry. Habib maintains that the divide is a product of South Africa’s politics and that this has made our urban landscape exclusionary.

Besides breaking down the divide, it is also imperative to establish international partnerships and to increasingly exchange ideas related to construction across borders. This will make South Africa globally more competitive as Habib says, from a university perspective, Wits (or any university) will never be successful if it uses only local ideas and applies these ideas only to the local context.

Being competitive, by the way, came out very clearly in Deloitte’s recent ‘Construction Trend’ report that found that South African companies, although very active in Southern Africa, are facing stiff competition elsewhere in Africa (competitive here includes pricing and innovation).

Participants to the conference said it was of critical importance that universities taught practical problem-solving techniques.

A solution to bridge the gap between academia and industry would be to co-fund research projects, collaborate on proposals,

At the recent CESA (Consulting Engineers South Africa) presidential address, its new president, Abe Thela, unpacked the body’s objectives for the year – and longer. One that I feel is particularly ambitious is that CESA wants the unemployment rate to decline from its current 24% to 6%. The construction industry, that employs thousands, can be key to achieving this.

Not everything academia does is relevant to the construction industry and contractors. This industry wants questions to be answered as opposed to academics that want questions to arise from what it focuses on.

student placements, guest lecture, access to industry’s case studies (by academics and students) and workshop involvement.

Wilhelm du Plessis

Twitter: @ConstWorldSA

3


http://www.scaw.co.za

4


TechnologyA huge buzz word. Nothing new, right? But of course there is always something newer than new, with the rate of innovation accelerating. What, specifically is relevant regarding technology in FM? Here are six technical trends that cannot be ignored.

Data Security The recent National Security Agency (NSA) eavesdropping affair brought to light the prevalence of espio-nage, not only in politics, but the corporate world as well. Private firms are now selling mass surveillance systems. Is your building, occupancy, and energy data well protected? How do you know it is not vulnerable to attack? There is a definite trend in 2014 to seek better security methods.

The Cloud The hottest topic in data storage might also be the biggest question in data security. If there is one trend that everyone is talking about, the Cloud is it. It offers fantastic flexibility for collabora-tion and nearly limitless storage capacity, but what are the consequences of this for data security? Do you know where your facilities data is stored and how to keep it safely backed up?

Building Intelligence, Big Data, and Metrics Everyone’s talking about big data,

but few organisations are really able to capture and analyse it on an ongoing basis. Now is the time for implementation of systems that collect real-time energy, occupancy, and related facilities data. The challenge to corporate real estate and FM professionals is, centralising portfolios, integrating data from various systems and defining metrics that really matter to their organisation. Moreover, most customers will need help to interpret the data, to make it meaningful to them. This will bring the ‘holy grail’ – understanding total occu-pancy cost – into arm's reach.

3D Printing Manufacturing and logis-tics enterprises are already feeling the impact of this exploding technology. How can FM capitalise on the opportunity to generate replacement parts quickly and efficiently onsite? Where else can this inno-vation be applied, to promote efficiencies in building equipment maintenance?

Robotics/Automation Again, with a little reminder from our friends in National Security who have perfected the drone for spying, there has been a trend toward automating many personnel functions. In facilities, the trend will continue with opportunities for robotics to fulfil roles particularly at times or in locations where

it is not ideal to employ human capital. Drones can ensure a greater level of safety and consistency in operations, especially in dangerous conditions.

Biometrics Apple launched finger-print touch ID this year and Tesco announced plans to use facial recognition scanners for targeted advertising. Technology is plug-ging into our physical beings as much as we are plugging into devices. Workspace engineers have jumped on this bandwagon with the development of sophisticated sensors that auto adjust lighting, desk height, and other environmental factors to meet the needs of individual workers. We will no doubt see this trend continue. Will the touch of a finger or an eye scan initiate workspace adaptation? The poten-tial for utilising this technology in time-share offices is enormous.

Climate threatsIn recent years, the world has witnessed climate catastrophes on a scale unknown to recorded history. Hurricane Sandy. Typhoon Haiyan. Blizzards in North America. Earthquakes in Asia. Global Tsunamis.

The implications for the FM industry are enormous and range from practical matters of designing critical environments that can withstand the forces of nature and devising energy security measures to ensuring, more importantly, that human capital are protected and can be assisted efficiently in emergency situations. Workspace engi-neers as well as facilities managers need to develop detailed contingency plans that factor in the potential for natural disas-ters, recognising that the intensity and frequency of such events is increasing.

> MARKETPLACE

By Phil Gregory, senior regional executive: Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions, Middle East & Africa.

BEYOND BUZZwords

As we move into 2014, the workplace and industry in general is bombarded by new

buzzwords and trends that can sometimes be over-used yet not fully understood. We at

Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions recently conducted a study on all of the relevant

industry trends identified by Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions highlighting 2014’s

buzzwords in the FM arena.

5


New relationship modelsOrganisations in almost every industry are realising that to be successful at their core business means developing relation-ships that shift responsibility for non-core operations to a third party. Healthcare networks, for instance, are in the busi-ness of healing patients. Managing their hospitals and laboratories is essential to this task, but not their core function. So vested outsourcing is the solution. But it is not old-school outsourcing.

The trend is toward long term symbiotic relationships that involve an assignment of risk and requires deep understanding and trust. Further compounding it is the trend toward global, integrated solutions, so the number of partners is limited but the span of services expanded. Achieving high-value partnerships like this can be at odds with traditional cost-based procurement processes. Thus the procurement process needs critical evaluation. A rigid method will not work for a relationship with value beyond the initial bottom-line. The FM industry must be prepared to provide custom-crafted, commercial solutions.

Accelerating changeThe adage is true: The only thing constant is change. But the trend now is for major organisations to fundamentally trans-form their business operations. Part of this stems from the new relationship models, part is driven by economic vola-tility, evolving trade regulations and new

market opportunities. What is pertinent for FM is to be extremely agile and ready to support the core business’ transfor-mations with things such as flexible lease contracts, and the ability to expand or shrink real estate portfolios as required. Hence the evolution in FM of ‘liquid space’ accompanied by an emphasis on agility in leadership and growing focus on effective change management.

Ultimately, all these technological, climate, relationship and business devel-opments have significant implications in one of the hottest buzzing trends: the war for talent.

War for talentOrganisations competing for top talent need a battle strategy to win it on three fronts:

Demographic Diversity There is plenty of buzzing about Digital Natives, Generation Y, or Millennials. And there is obviously an increasing impetus to attract these bright young minds and harness their innovative talents on their terms. Traditional Fortune 500s are revolutionising employment policies and practices to compete for a talent pool of young workers who demand greater flexibility.

However, the FM industry also has a cache of ‘graying’ workers, Baby Boomers with a wealth of knowledge and experi-ence to be retained on somewhat different terms. These workers may not be as tech-savvy as their younger colleagues and

often prefer traditional workspace models. Successful organisations will be able to engage workers across the age-spectrum with a mix of flexible workspaces.

Cultural Diversity The trend toward cultural diversity is not new, with the innovation advantages of varied perspec-tives and styles well documented. But the necessity of such diversity in FM is taking off like never before. Hand in hand with the trend toward integrated, global solu-tions in the new relationship model, facility managers with a multinational portfolio will have widely varying needs from one location to another. To meet those needs, facility managers must have a culturally diverse team of experts who can provide locally-appropriate solutions throughout a global organisation.

Skills Diversity To keep pace with all of the trends, today’s workforce needs to be agile at every level, ready to apply knowl-edge to diverse tasks, adapt quickly, absorb new skills, and think creatively. The lifespan of knowledge acquired at university is now about three years. Coupled with the fact that there is already a shortage of talent coming out of science and engineering programs, there is a real dilemma for the FM industry. Thus, developing continuing education and on the job training programs to fill the skills gaps will be as essential as competing for the best talent.

Anticipating these trends, under-standing their impact on your business, and being able to meet the challenges they present is critical to success.

About Global WorkPlace SolutionsJohnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions is a leading provider of facilities, commercial real estate and energy management for many of the world’s largest companies. It creates business advantages for customers through tailored solutions that optimise real estate performance and employee productivity while reducing total occupancy costs. Its 21 000 employees have delivered over USD3-billion in savings for our customers over the last 10 years and ensure the business continuity of the 1,8 billion square feet of real estate that it manages in more than 75 countries.

6


The quality of construction work is merely one of several vital issues to consider

before building should be allowed to start on major projects such as the Tongaat Mall, which recently

collapsed during construction, cautions Doug Michell, construction health and safety manager of Master Builders

Association (MBA) North.

Sarah Mnyandu, education, training & transformation admin-istrator of MBA North, says the

new Jobs Portal will offer students who have completed their studies the opportunity to publicise their CVs online, for perusal by the Association’s members and anyone else visiting the MBA North website.

“This will allow the construction industry to see new and existing talent available. This opportunity is for students who have completed their studies at universities, colleges, technikons or any other Training Institutions. Employers will then have the opportunity to contact these students directly and invite them for job interviews,” says Mnyandu.

Curriculum Vitaes received for inclu-sion in the Jobs Portal will be categorised according to field, qualification, degrees and diplomas.

“The Jobs Portal will also allow employers to post any staff vacancies they might have. Students and other job seekers will then have the opportunity to apply directly to these employers for the positions listed. This too will be sorted in appropriate categories or fields for easy navigation.”

Although not immediately available or active on the website, MBA North proposes to, in future, allow space where interested job seekers and employers can register their career needs – whether seeking or offering jobs – and those registered will then be notified of vacan-cies available in their field.

Mnyandu emphasises that this new MBA North service is not in any way similar to the work of recruitment agencies. “We are providing a network scenario where employer and employee can link up. MBA North sees this as an extended service to our members in response to the many calls we receive regarding employment available and people seeking jobs,” she adds.

“As construction health and safety practitioners, we tend to look mainly for non-compliance legal issues which, in this incident,

appear to be many. But we should also be looking deeper into the root causes, such as the issues of designer competencies, construction programmes, selection of contractors, and the competency and extent of authority of construction supervisors,” Michell adds.

“A tragic event like this will have reper-cussions dealing with quality issues in general and the possible long term safety of the tenants of other completed build-ings.The collapse of the Mall left two people dead and 29 injured and placed an unde-sirable discredit on the entire construction industry,” Michell states, noting that there was no Master Builders SA member involved in the construction of Tongaat Mall.

Phumudzo Maphaha, the Department of Labour’s manager of occupation health & safety: construction, has been appointed presiding inspector for a Section 32 hearing. Section 32 inquiries are usually appointed by the government against parties whose negli-gence results in occupational injuries and death of workers.

“According to reports, the developer, when interviewed after the accident, suggested that it was ‘normal’ practice

for developments to begin before proper permissions are secured. Until the find-ings of the government investigations are published, we can only speculate regarding the causes of the accident. There have been reports that suggest that construction continued despite a procedural work stop-page ordered by building inspectors. Eyewit-ness accounts suggest that there was no form-work in place below the concrete slab and a site worker, who escaped injury, alleg-edly stated that there was no scaffolding in place under soft concrete.

Michell says the proposed amendments to the government’s Construction Regula-tions will require that a client applies for a construction work permit before work can be commenced. “But the question remains whether the municipal, building and construction regulations and permits now in place will avert a similar incident in future. Because of the additional prescrip-tive requirements, unscrupulous contrac-tors may be encouraged even more to avoid bureaucratic ‘red tape’ by providing generic documentation that will not address the relevant issues the regulation calls for. The intention of the construction work permit is for relevant baseline risk assess-ments, and specific health and safety specifi-cations, to be submitted with the application for the construction permit,” Michell adds.

> MARKETPLACE

warrant ‘deeper look’CONSTRUCTION DISASTERS WEB JOB

PORTAL Master Builders Association (MBA North) is launching a Jobs Portal on its website from early February 2014 to extend its services to MBA North members and the wider public.

>

>

Doug Michell, construction health and safety manager of MBA North.

7


http://www.kaytech.co.za

8


Since 2007, international engineering consultants Royal HaskoningDHV has been conducting maths, science and engineering graphics and design Saturday classes for learners from government schools.

The classes – held in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Durban, Pieter-maritzburg and Cape Town – are consistent with the Department of Education’s syllabi. The 2014 classes will commenced in February.

Royal HaskoningDHV CEO Nyami Mandindi says: “This initiative has helped a number of learners to realise their dreams and aspirations. This is in line with our philosophy of pursuing solutions-driven partnerships with our key stakeholders. We are aware of our responsibility to the communities where we operate. This affirms our guiding principle of enhancing society together”.

Since its inception, more than 1 000 learners have benefited from the initiative. Tutors at the school are drawn from Royal HaskoningDHV’s staff members.

Section 32 deals with procurement of goods and service under contracts secured by other organs of State.

“Under no circumstances does the Section state that contracts secured by other organs of State are transfer-rable, which may lead to the illegal bypassing of internal supply chain management processes such as calling for tenders,” proclaims CESA CEO Lefadi Makibinyane.

He avers that CESA views this practice as irregular and says it may well lead to corruption and is to the detriment of CESA members and the public at large.

Makibinyane adds that what is happening is that municipalities use this clause to illegally extend existing contracts that are coming to an end. “They use it to avoid going out to tender for new projects, leaving it open to abuse as these contracts may be given to their cronies or family members.”

He believes that as it provides a loophole for corruption this clause needs to be tightened up but in light of the existence of Section 36, which provides for deviations from and ratification of minor breaches of procurement processes, Section 32 is actually unnecessary.

During the course of the past year, the division – which is part of the multidis-ciplinary Liviero Group – achieved the

safety milestone of 2 million LTI-free (Lost Time Injury-free) hours. It then went on to surpass this, with the accomplishment of a full year without an LTI, reports CEO Neil Cloete.

“For an operation of this size to have safely conducted its business without a Lost Time Injury to our 650 employees is an outstanding achievement, of which we are very proud,” adds Liviero Civils managing director Stuart Knight. “An exceptional safety feat like this is only possible through continuous reassessment of our perfor-mance, as well as proactively and aggressively targeting our high risk areas,” he states.

Liviero’s DIFR (Disabling Injury Frequency Rate) has now dropped to zero.

“I would like to thank every person who has contributed to helping us achieve this. It is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to our safety acronym of ‘LIFE’ (Liviero Incident Free Environment),” Cloete concludes.

> MARKETPLACE

CELEBRATING SAFETY ACHIEVEMENTLiviero Civils is starting 2014 on a high note, having achieved an entire year of operations without a Lost Time Injury (LTI).

Jumping for joy: Liviero Civils employees celebrate the operation’s safety achievements.

>

CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION Following complaints from its member firms, Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) has noted with concern the blatant abuse of Section 32 of the Municipal Finance Management Act and therefore calls on the Auditor General, National Treasury and the Public Protector to investigate the deviations.

2014 SATURDAY SCHOOL INTAKE

It is all systems go for the 2014 Royal HaskoningDHV Grade 11 and 12 Saturday School classes in Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

Royal HaskoningDHV is proud to be associated with the following schools:

KwaBhekilanga (Gauteng); East Bank High (Gauteng); Hector Pieterson (Cape Town); Kasselsvlei (Cape Town); Kwa Santi (Durban); Margot Fonteyn (Durban); Soshanguve Technical High (Tshwane); Kgomotso High (Tshwane); Hodisa High (Mangaung); Kagisho Technical High (Mangaung); Sukuma Secondary (Pietermaritzburg); Eden High (Pietermaritzburg); and Msimunde High (Pietermaritzburg)

>

>

The workshop was presented by Kaytech’s marketing and geotechnical director, Garth James, and technical and marketing engineer, Samantha Naidoo, experienced experts

in these applications, at Bytes Conference Centre in Midrand and at Pietersberg Club in Nelspruit.

Garth James presented on ‘Polymers and their behaviours and intrinsic product qualities’. His paper included the following topics: overview and history of geosynthetics; the use of geogrids in soil reinforcement; what causes failures?; and code of practice and standards.

Samantha Naidoo delivered her presentation on ‘Design of Basal Reinforcement and Steep Slopes and Walls. The topics covered: design principles and techniques; slope walls; and basal reinforcement.

Kaytech is planning to roll out these technical workshops to centres in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape in 2014. They also invite interested parties to contact them with a view to providing private seminars to companies wishing to train their staff on the techniques and benefits of geosynthetic engineering.

>MARKETPLACE

SLOPE WORKSHOPTowards the end of 2013, Kaytech hosted a technical workshop on ‘walls and slopes systems’ utilising Kaytech’s Rockgrid® PC designs for specialist geosynthetic reinforcement.


Pierre Roux of SANRAL. Alan Parrock (ARQ).

Willie Bronkhorst (ARQ) and Garth James (Kaytech).

Rockgrid was used successfully in these important projects:

• Constantiakloof – basal reinforcement

• Gautrain – reinforced platform

• Mondi Richards Bay – basal reinforcement

• Mponeng Mine – retaining wall reinforcement

• N6 Queenstown – road reinforcement

• N14 – sinkhole remediation

>

http://www.catrental.co.za

Group Five Civil Engi-neering, a registered subsidiary of Group Five Construction, has been subcontracted by the joint venture Iber-

drola Engineering & Construction South Africa and Group Five Construction PPP, to construct the much-acclaimed renewable energy project- the Noblesfontein WEF.

The total project cost is estimated at more than R165 146 151 and the project contract duration of 14 months which commenced end of April 2013. With an increased focus on renewable energy sources worldwide today, it is important that a project of this nature, arguably one of the first wind energy facilities in South Africa, is executed to time and quality standards. The construction team has worked hard to overcome many logistical and resourcing constraints to ensure delivery of the project to the client’s satisfaction.

For any project of this nature to succeed, it is always important to fully understand not only the client’s requirements, but also its geographical positioning and context; including among other things the strengths and weaknesses of local construction busi-nesses in order to adopt an appropriate implementation strategy.

The infrastructure associated with the Noblesfontein WEF includes: • 41 wind turbines with a total generating

capacity of 78 MW using turbines with a generating capacity of up to 1,8 MW,

• 22 hectares of the proposed site will

be permanently transformed for the installation of the turbines and related infrastructure,

• Each turbine will be a steel tower (80 m in height), nacelle (gear box) and three rotor blades with a rotor diameter of 110 m (i.e. each blade 55 m in length),

• 41 temporary turbine laydown areas of 50 m x 25 m (55 000 m2),

• 41 concrete foundations to support the turbine towers (16 m diameter x 2,5 m in depth),

• A temporary laydown area with a footprint of 5,5 hectares,

ENVIRONMENT

WINDenergy from Noblesfontein

The Noblesfontein Wind Energy Facility (WEF) is

located close to Victoria West, in the Northern Cape Province (Great

Karoo), and consists of a total of 41 Vestas wind

turbine generators with a power output of 1,8 MW

each (73 MW).

1.

3. 4. 5.

10


ENVIRONMENT

• A 132 kV substation with high voltage (HV) yard footprint of approximately 100 m x 100 m,

• Underground cabling between the project components,

• One new overhead 132 kV power line of 1 km in length, turning into the existing

Hutchinson/Biesiespoort-1 132 kV line,• Internal access roads (4 m wide and

37 km long) linking the wind turbines and the infrastructure on the site, and

• Operations and maintenance building including a storage facility with a footprint of 40 m x 20 m for maintenance and storage purposes.

Corporate social investment A concerted effort was made to use as much local resource as possible. A total of 165 jobs have been created to-date for locals, and will peak at 200 local jobs during construction phase.

Environmental impact considerationStrict adherence to environmental legisla-tion is ensured, with a 90% achievement thus far. Access roads are limited to single lanes (4 m wide) with passing turnouts for passing traffic while all excavated rock is processed on site and used as concrete aggregates, minimising the amount of material to be spoiled.

There is dust suppression on all construction activities and cut fill opera-tions are balanced to minimise the overall of fill material.

1. The first foundation preparation with cable ducting.

2. Access roads are limited to single lanes (4 m wide) with passing turnouts for passing traffic – this is a 37 km road.

Health & safetyAn exemplary safety performance has been achieved so far. The site operates within the required SA Occupational Health and Safety legislation.

This is complemented by Group Five’s policies and procedures to ensure that high safety standards expected of all the group’s sites are maintained. Here is a snapshot of the project’s safety statistics:• 112 782 man hours worked• Zero Lost Time Incidents (LTIs)• Zero fatalities • Disabling Injury Frequency Rate

(DIFR) – 0

Risk managementThe blasting under Eskom lines was a major risk. The contractors engaged during tender stage with Eskom and followed the correct procedures which ensured adher-ence to the correct blasting procedures.

Construction of a railway crossing was also a risk. Group Five engaged a rail expert to assist with the procedures, applications and correct construction methodology.

To ensure that water was available for construction, the contractor liaised with the local council of Victoria West to assist with the supply whenever required and allow the transport cost.

Noblesfontein is far from major centres and as such the contractor have had to allow for additional standby equipment to mitigate the risk of unforeseen break downs during major concrete pours.

3. The 38 km cable trench.

4. Bolt cage assembling.

5. Surveying the site that will house 41 wind turbines with a total generating capacity of 78 MW.

Project information• Project start date: April 2013• Project end date: May 2014• Client: Joint Venture – Group Five Construction and

Iberdrola Engineering & Construction South Africa• Main contractor: Group Five Civil Engineering• Consulting engineer: Group Five Engineering and

Construction South Africa• Project value: R162 800 419 (excluding VAT)

2.

11


12


There are quick wins to be had and there are a number of strategies that can assist to

maximise benefits.Four key areas can be reviewed to

secure energy efficiency wins:

Air exchange rateAir inside of the critical environment is often continuously replaced with outside air to protect occupants in critical environ-ments. In many cases, the rate at which air is exchanged in these spaces exceeds what is necessary. Determining if the space may use recirculated air or may recapture heat through equipment like a heat wheel may reduce operating costs associated with space conditioning.

HVAC capacity requirements Air systems must evolve alongside changes in the use of the critical environment. Unnecessary, inefficient or legacy HVAC equipment should be decommissioned

ENVIRONMENT

Achieving greater

In critical environments such as laboratories, clean rooms

and data centres, energy use can far exceed that of

similarly sized office space. Improvements in technology

and advances in energy management strategies are

providing opportunities to save energy and reduce costs

in these environments while maintaining occupant safety

and comfort.

By Neil Cameron, area general manager, Johnson Controls Building Efficiency Africa.

About Johnson Controls Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving

customers in more than 150 countries. Our 168 000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimise energy and operational efficiencies

of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles.

>

or upgraded, while expansion of facilities and scientific equipment may require HVAC systems to be updated or HVAC settings to be adjusted.

Improving system responsivenessSignificant savings may be achieved by upgrading air systems to more respon-sive variable air volume (VAV) instead of constant volume (CV) equipment. Improved dynamics in the air system offer energy saving opportunities by allowing the equip-ment to adjust to changes in occupancy, time and equipment usage.

Upgrading fume hoods and controlsInstalling efficient laboratory fume hoods for effective removal of dangerous fumes can lower demands on building air systems. New features in fume hoods include automatic door closure systems and motion sensors that adjust airflow if a user is nearby.

The best energy efficiency strategies will, however, combine technology with management. Critical environment air systems which incorporate automatic cali-bration features can adjust airflow and operate more efficiently, while improved fault detection for building equipment provides the opportunity to avoid unsched-uled downtime and unexpected costs.

HVAC equipment and building manage-ment systems will continue to advance, offering new features, automation and intelligent configuration of systems. In critical environments, staying abreast of these new developments is important as the benefits in terms of safety and cost effi-ciencies can be significant in the long and short term.

HIGH RANKING SUSTAINABILITY

The list, presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, ranks companies that

prove they are increasing productivity while using less resources. Atlas Copco is ranked 46, and it was the eighth time the company appeared on the list.

Creating business value through sustainability is at the core of Atlas Copco’s products and service. The Group’s sustainability goals include boosting customer energy-efficiency by at least 20% between 2010 and 2020, decreasing CO

2 emissions, working actively to elimi-

nate corruption, and promoting access to clean drinking water in countries in need. New top-modern factories inaugurated last year in China and India that were built according to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standard are other examples of Atlas Copco’s commitment to sustainable, profitable growth.

The Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World index, known as the Global 100 list, is presented annually at the World Economic Forum. The ranking evaluated 3 641 publicly listed compa-nies globally that are measured against sustainability indicators such as safety performance and revenues in relation to consumption of energy and water.

Atlas Copco, a leading provider of sustainable productivity solutions, was recently recognised by the annual Global 100 list as one of the world’s most sustainable companies

>

ENERGY EFFICIENCIES


13


http://www.tracker.co.za

14


What can Procon offer the construction industry?The prevention of oil based spillages via products and process design. Also the ability to remove oily substances from soil and water to compliance standards.

Why should a company opt to use Procon’s services and products as opposed to another?We have proven technology, the expertise as well as great turn-around time to complete any project.

What is Procon’s main aim – operationally? When it comes to maintenance our systems require very little maintenance due to quality construction. We would like to ensure our clients are not only satisfied with the service and maintenance we offer but also comply with legislation.

What is the main aim of your systems?Oily water separators ensure waste water effluent treatment to ensure water is discharged safely or reused. Our bioreme-diation is based on environmentally friendly products which to not harm the natural

> ENVIRONMENT

Procon Environmental Technologies managing director, Kuno Kerlen.

PREVENTING SPILLAGESA Q & A with Kuno Kerlen, new managing director of leading environmental management expert Procon Environmental Technologies.

environment, the hydrau-flo fuel filling valves prevent spillages as well as fuel theft.

Expand on the products that you offer?We offer a range of environmental products and solutions from oily water separator systems, oil skimmers, filtration filters to remove 99% of oils, bioremediation, spill response, absorbents and spill kits as well as non-pressurised overfill protection for speed re-fuelling operations.

Are you able to adapt the systems that you offer to specific requirements or are they standard? Our systems are engineered and customised to our clients requirements.

As the new MD how do you intend increasing Procon’s geographical foot-print in Africa?Yes, we would like to focus more on indus-trialised countries.

Which markets in Africa do you want to target – and why? Any industry that deals with or has a potential for hydrocarbon contamination on site.

GREEN CITIES 2014In a world of shifting climate, increasing urbanisation and biodiversity loss, it has never been more vital to apply available skills and energy to ensure sustainable development within the built environment.

Green Cities 2014: ‘Beyond the Baseline’, is a two-day confer-ence which will be taking place from 18 to 19 March at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne.

This climate-focused conference explores the issues of urban environments, including the link between resource usage and urbanisation. Many of the world’s challenges lie in cities and many of its solutions lie in managing these cities efficiently.

This year’s event will see two Aurecon experts present on topics critical to the creation of liveable cities. Chris Buntine, senior envi-ronmental systems design (ESD) Engineer at Aurecon, will present a paper titled: ‘Waste not – a new approach to on-site organic waste recycling’, in which he will discuss the findings from innovative waste systems currently in place and the potential for wider application.

“Harvesting organic waste using on-site recycling poses a significant challenge for green building projects, however a new technology is being deployed in Australia which is likely to make on-site processing more viable,” says Buntine.

Quentin Jackson, ESD leader Brisbane & environmental modelling service leader at Aurecon, will present on the Sir Samuel Griffith Centre at Griffith University, which will be one of Australia’s first teaching and research building powered entirely by a safe, sustainable power supply system.

“This world-leading 6 Star Green Star – Education Design v1 building is an example of genuine sustainable energy alternatives and it provides a model that could be incorporated into isolated buildings in remote areas, like rural schools and hospitals,” says Jackson.

Aurecon sees sustainability as a dynamic and complex interplay of elements and systems and the company seeks to develop holistic solutions through a multi-disciplinary approach to sustainable development. The company’s involvement in the Green Cities 2014 conference directly aligns with a commitment and drive to support sustainable urbanisation.

Will you set up operations in these countries or will projects be serviced from South Africa? Depending on the specific requirements and the amount of projects in a country will determine our setup. Currently we service clients from South Africa.

How will Procon enhance its current product offering?We are constantly ensuring our products are up to date and have recently included overfill protection systems as well as the oil buster which is a mobile system that is the best biological and chemical system in the market today.

LEFT: Chris Buntine, senior environmental systems design (ESD) engineer at Aurecon. RIGHT: Quentin Jackson, ESD leader Brisbane & environmental modelling service leader at Aurecon.

>


15


http://www.sdlg-africa.com

16


Established in 1993, Visual International is a South African property development company that develops mixed-use residential suburbs for the middle-income market. With its decade-long track record, it had grown its assets to around

R126,5-million. Its net asset value is around R60-million, and spans some 80 000 m2 of developable bulk that is ultimately expected to produce real estate investment of around R2-billion.

The AltX, or alternative exchange, is a division of the JSE and a parallel market focused on good quality small-and medium-sized high-growth companies. It provides these companies with a clear growth path and access to capital, while giving investors fresh, exciting opportunities and the prospect of investing in a growing business.

Reason for listingAnd this is precisely the reason Visual International headed for an AltX listing. Visual International intends to raise R33-million prior to listing on the AltX, through the issue of 66 000 000 new shares at R0,50 per share. This will unlock the next chapter of its growth path, with the capital raised applied to fast-tracking its residential development plans at its flagship Stellendale Village over the next two years.

The award-winning Stellendale Village development is a 22 hectare mixed-use residential suburb just off the Stellenbosch Arterial in Kuils River, Cape Town, which will ultimately provide some 1 500 homes to middle-income households when completed. Visual International has already developed 440 homes at Stellendale Village, with a further 63 under construction, and plans to unlock further phases of development at Stellendale Village, including its integrated retirement estate. It will also acquire about 15% of the apartments in the precinct and make them available to rent.

The upshot of all this is a two-year long term earnings per share growth forecast of 33,5% for Visual International. Being a long term play focused on capital growth, Visual International plans to reinvest all profits for its first five years after listing without paying dividends. It will introduce dividends thereafter. “We have set our sights on a JSE main board listing at the right time,” says Charles Robertson, Visual International founder and managing director.

And Visual International’s potential for growth, by unlocking middle market residential opportunities, is extraordinary.

“Demand for quality housing from the growing middle-income market in South Africa is strong. Our model of developing mixed-use suburbs on suitable land near jobs and infrastructure, meets this demand. Right now, we are selling units at Stellendale Village faster than we are able to develop them,” explains Robertson. “Listing Visual

International will provide the capital needed to pick up the pace of development, as well as reproduce our successful model in other high-growth nodes around South Africa.”

“Historically, South Africa consisted of ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ but in recent years a new, growing middle market has emerged and will continue to develop even further,” says Robertson.

Meeting a need“This market is driving performance in many sectors of the economy and the success of businesses like Shoprite and Pep. It is also supporting higher car sales figures and growing numbers of restau-rant and fast food outlets. However, middle-income people are poorly served with suitable residential opportunities and are in need of quality apartments and homes to live in.”

This is the important need that Stellendale Village is meeting and why Visual International sees excellent prospects for its business model, not only in the Western Cape, but also in Gauteng. According to South Africa’s latest population statistics, both provinces are showing higher population growth than the national average and other South African provinces. The new shares to be issued in Visual Internation-al’s capital raising equate to 26% of the shares in the company, with 74% held by its executive team and a Kuils River empowerment initia-tive they have established. This aligns management interests strongly with those of investors.

Visual International is led by a skilled and experienced executive team with more than 70 years of combined experience in all aspects of the property development sector. Robertson is a property devel-oper with 30 years experience, including projects like N1 City. Projects Director Peter Grobbelaar has extensive experience in both the construction and property development industries, including the V&A Waterfront Marina Residential Development and High Cape. Financial Director Grant Noble has extensive experience in financial manage-ment and administration of private security estates.

Their outlook for residential property for the middle market is undoubtedly positive. “We are seeing renewed interest in residen-tial property in South Africa and potential for good strong capital growth. Many residential developers fell victim to the effects of the global economic crisis and there have been few new builds in recent years and many abandoned projects. As recovery steadily enters the marketplace, we see many opportunities for more developments like Stellendale Village and joint ventures.”

Visual International has secured a pipeline of future develop-ments and is establishing strategic partnerships in Gauteng.

PROPERTY

Residential propertyDEVELOPMENT LISTING

Visual International Holdings will provide a unique opportunity for

investors to share the benefits of an investment in developing mixed-use

residential suburbs for the middle-income market – conceivably the

fastest growing residential property market segment in South Africa –

when it lists on the JSE AltX.

Charles Robertson, Visual International founder and managing director.The award-winning Stellendale Village development is a 22 hectare mixed-use residential suburb just off the Stellenbosch Arterial in Kuils River.

>

17


The opening of the new Namibian business sees the company extending its reach beyond the borders of South

Africa to tap into new growth markets.Having acquired a successful rental

financing business, Corporate Equipment Rentals (CER), developed over the last eight years by Albert Pretorius and Andre de Klerk, the new trading entity RentWorks Namibia will be able to offer customers a complete range of asset rental financing solutions, including (for the first time) residual value financing options, as well as value-added services not featured previously in the Namibian financing space.

The RentWorks Namibia office will be based in Windhoek and will service all major areas within the country. The company will continue to service existing CER clients, as well as targeting new customers, by lever-aging the credibility of the RentWorks brand and value proposition, as well as its alliances.

“Namibia is a natural expansion location for us in terms of our supplier alliances and the market dynamics, especially in mining, construction and ICT,” explains RentWorks director, Jacques de Klerk. “It presents an exciting growth opportunity, and we are thrilled to be taking the RentWorks brand into new territories. Pretorius and De Klerk have an excellent understanding of the Namibian market and have developed strong relation-

This comes as city suburbs become increasingly saturated with shopping centres, while demand for the same

centres in townships is increasing, according to developers.

According to Jordan Mann, director of national development group Nu-Hold, which owns Krisp Properties and Nu-Way Housing, township shopping centre development was yielding positive results for the group.

Krisp and its sister company Nu-Way is set to break ground on 5 000 m² shopping centre in Cape Town’s Langa township later this year, alongside the revamped Langa train station. The group has also received the go-ahead from Johannesburg munic-ipal authorities for the residential and retail development on 12 hectares of land along the R55, in Olievenhoutbos.

The residential component of Olieven-houtbos, built by Nu-Way, would consist of 114 stands of about 200 m² each, as well as space for an institutional stand which could comprise of a church or community centre, said Mann. Krisp Properties would be responsible for the development of a 9 000 m² neighbourhood shopping centre called Olive Wood.

The group was among the first private developers in the country to invest in convenient township shopping centred when it broke ground in Johannesburg’s Ebony Park in the early 1990s on affordable and low-cost housing.

“When we did that, we put aside space for the retail development to create employment when the residential stands were completed,” says Mann.

When Krisp Properties broke ground on Ebony Park Shopping Centre after completing the residential development, work began on a 2 500 m² Super Spar. The centre, through demand from the community, has since been expanded by Krisp into a 4 600 m² development comprising of a food anchor, clinic, phar-macy, banks and ATMs, a hardware store, a community IT training centre, a post office and various other line shops, says Mann.

“The demand for such developments in the township continues to grow. Residents want the same convenient shopping that is available in the suburbs,” Mann says.

Mike Ioannou, managing director of principal contactor on Ebony Park, Aura Developers Consortium, says before the project broke ground “there were very few shops and they were very expensive for the community”. Residents had to travel long distances to do their shopping, Ioannou says.

“After the completion of the first phase of Spar, it became obvious that the project was successful not only for the developers, but also for the tenants.

“Most important for the community was that they could not only do their shopping conveniently, but jobs were created.

“There is definitely a great demand for township shopping centres which in turn add value to the community,” says Ioannou.

Mann says he was hoping to break ground on the Langa Shopping Centre by mid-year. “We are addressing a major need for retail in the area. Retailers have been clamouring for us to get this centre up and running,” says Mann.

>PROPERTY

DEVELOPERS TARGET TOWNSHIPSSouth Africa’s townships are increasingly being preferred over upper income suburbs for the development of convenience shopping centres.

Ebony Park Shopping Centre.

>

NOW IN NAMIBIARentWorks Africa, South Africa's largest independent asset rental company, launched in Namibia on 3 January 2014 . RentWorks, owned by FirstRand Group, was established in 1998 and was the first company to offer genuine residual-based rental solutions.

>

RentWorks director, Jacques de Klerk.

Continued on page 18

18


This month (January 2014) the International Property Measure-ment Standards Coalition (IPMSC) has launched a public consultation on the new International Property Measurement

Standard (IPMS) for office buildings. The three month consultation, closing on 4 April 2014, is calling for

real estate (office) sector practitioners and stakeholders to contribute to the new international standard.

The new standard, produced by the IPMSC Standards Setting Committee, is the first of its kind and will provide a common language for measuring offices across international markets, benefiting real estate practitioners including investors, lenders, agents, valuers and occupiers.

The international standard will ensure that property assets are measured in a consistent way, creating a more transparent market-place, greater public trust, consistency in the reporting of property size, stronger investor confidence, and increased market stability.

At present, the way property assets – such as homes, office build-ings or shopping centres – are measured varies dramatically from one market to the next. With so many different methods of measurement in use, it makes it difficult for global investors, occupiers and tenants to accurately compare space. Research by global property firm Jones Lang LaSalle suggests that, depending on the method used, a property’s floor area measurement can deviate by as much as 24%.

IPMS will be adopted by all 28 coalition organisations with firms around the world already lined up to implement IPMS from June 2014. The Dubai Government are the first government to commit to its adoption, which will underpin valuations of commercial property and financial reporting through IVS (International Valuation

Standards) and IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). The new standard is considered one of the most significant devel-

opments in the real estate profession in recent history and will go beyond office measurement standardisation to include other property types, such as residential, in the coming months.

Strengthening public accountability of the IPMSC, the coalition can now announce the appointment of a Board of Trustees. Members from each of the 28 organisations are represented on the board, chaired by Ken Creighton (RICS), with Vice Chair Lisa Prats (BOMA Interna-tional) and Secretary General, Jean-Yves Pirlot (CLGE). As a leading professional (standard-setting) organisation in the property industry in South Africa, SAPOA (South African Property Owners Association) is a member of this 28-strong coalition.

The coalition also confirms new IPMS members joining the coali-tion. Property Council of New Zealand (PCNZ); Asian Non-listed Real Estate Vehicles (ANREV), Assoimmobiliare, National Society of Profes-sional Surveyors (NSPS) and Japan Association of Real Estate Agents (JAREA) have committed to the standards programme.

“Less than a year after the coalition met for the first time at the World Bank in Washington, we now have an international standard. This standard will undoubtedly have a profound and lasting benefit for the global real estate industry, financial markets and society as a whole, ensuring transparency and consistency are at the very heart of this global industry,” says Ken Creighton, chair of the IPMSC Board of Trustees and RICS director of professional standards

Billy Davidson, Vodafone global property director says: “Vodafone occupies space for a wide range of uses all around the world. Like many other corporates we have had to develop our own means of benchmarking these property assets. I am certain that IPMS will save corporate occupiers time, money and effort across their property portfolios, and will enable us to compare space between companies far more easily than today.”

“The usable space within a building is a vital metric in understanding the valuation and thus investment potential of a property.

“Investors currently suffer from having to make decisions based on information which is inconsistent from one market to the next. IPMS will address this existing problem; removing risk and ensuring property investors are armed with reliable and transparent information,” adds Martin Bruehl, Union Investment, head of interna-tional investment management.

ships across the value chain. There is a good fit strategically and culturally between CER and RentWorks Africa and this decision makes sense to us on all levels.”

Albert Pretorius, director at RentWorks Namibia says, “The launch of RentWorks Namibia means that we will be able to offer clients access to enhanced funder relationships and synergies. We believe that there is definite growth potential for us in the ICT space, building on RentWorks’ expertise in IT financing whilst we continue to service our traditional office automation channels. The launch of RentWorks Namibia will assist us to continue to meet shifting market demands, and to extend our superior personal service offering to our clients to offer them advanced financing solutions that will improve their businesses.”

About RentWorks AfricaCurrently financing over R3-billion worth of assets for more than 400 organisations across most industries and asset types, Rentworks is South Africa's leading asset rental company.

It is product and brand independent and focus on offering our clients intelligent, cost-effective asset rental solutions covering the entire asset life cycle (acquire, manage and return).

The company calls this approach 'asset intelligence' – a combination of flexible, scalable rental financing, including active asset lifecycle management that turns your procurement strategy into a competitive advantage.

> PROPERTY

CHANGE AROUND THE CORNER

International Property Measurement Standards Coalition (IPMSC) launches public consultation on new international measurement standard and appoints Board of Trustees.

Variation in property measurement globally. (Courtesy http://ipmsc.org/)

Infographic: from 929 m2

to 706 m2 in five steps.

>

19


http://www.metso.com

20


COVER STORY

Building in steel has many advantages, aside from the fact that 100% of these components are recyclable, which makes it a down-stream ‘green’ alternative, combined with key factors

that include stability, strength, and durability. Then there is the speed of construction, with portal frame clear span steel structures providing one of the fastest and most cost efficient ways to create column free buildings, maximising the internal space for varied occupant requirements ranging from warehousing, to retail space and combined office and factory facilities.

With their head office based in La Lucia Ridge, Durban, and the factory based in Colenso, Tugela Steel is a market leader in this specialised field, with a project track record that celebrates 30 years in business in 2014, with around 350 orders currently secured annually.

Tugela Steel supplies these structures to clients both locally and internation-ally. Within South Africa, Tugela Steel has a division that delivers and erects, which

includes the construction of the concrete column foundations. This erection team also operates in cross-border territories. Public sector orders include sub-con-tracts for projects ranging from housing to schools and clinics.

“At any one time, we have over 100 portal frame buildings in stock and ready for delivery at our Colenso facility,” says Tugela Steel’s Bjorn Haug. In addition to standard modular building sizes, Tugela Steel also meets requirements for customised designs, working with the client’s professional team. A recent project example is the completion of an 8 500 m² coal warehouse facility for a developer in Richards Bay.

Tugela’s design and construct pack-ages include the roof sheeting, insula-tion, ventilation and roller shutter door systems. Roof sheeting consists of 0,5 mm or 0,6 mm galvanised Zincal or Chromodek (painted sheets).

“Providing optimum design flexibility, Tugela Steel structures are all designed for further expansion to accommodate commercial growth,” says Haug.

Other options available to clients comprise accommodation for overhead cranes, south lights, canopies, lean-to structures and ridge monitors. These structures are sold with an Engineers Certificate and are designed in accordance with SABS 0160 and 0162.

Tugela Steel standard span width pack-ages extend sequentially from 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 30, to 36 m. Span lengths can be any multiples of 5 m or 6 m, and the standard roof pitch is either 10 or 15º.

All steelwork is Grade 350WA, and at Tugela’s Colenso factory steel is degreased and primed with an oxide primer: optional extras comprise either enamel finish coating or galvanising.

Increasing African demandOutside South Africa, Bjorn says that export demand is on the increase, especially in the mining sector. Currently, around 60% of Tugela Steel’s turnover is directed at the South African market, with the balance comprising exports, both to long-standing

PORTAL FRAME TUGELA STEEL’S

KwaZulu-Natal based company, Tugela Steel,

is expanding its niche in South Africa, as well as

internationally into Africa and further afield for

portal frame clear span steel buildings, deploying a fleet of Cat telehandlers at its Colenso production facility to meet materials

handling demands.

1.

21


COVER STORY

markets such as Angola, Botswana, Mozam-bique, Zimbabwe and Zambia, plus new regional markets opening up worldwide.

“Mozambique, for example, is a rela-tively new revenue generator where we are currently busy with a number of projects,” says Bjorn. These include a 3 000 m² hotel in Tete Province, northern Mozambique. This structure will feature a mezzanine floor, creating an internal double storey layout, with an overall building height of approximately 10 m.

Meanwhile, back in Colenso, the produc-tion programme continues at an intense pace, and as with any manufacturing programme, mechanisation is the key to efficient product throughput.

At Colenso, each steel section passes through a series of production phases, and at each stage Tugela’s Cat telehandlers provide the materials handing interface, culminating in the final loading of consign-ment stock onto trucks for onward delivery to projects. Some of these telehandlers then switch from production to construc-tion roles and are used for the erection of Tugela’s building projects.

Expanding fleet capabilityTugela Steel recently expanded its fleet capability with the acquisition of five new Cat telehandlers to perform these multi-faceted tasks, one of which is a latest generation Cat TH407 C-Series unit and the

1. An example of one of Tugela Steel’s portal frame clear span steel buildings.

2. At any one time, Tugela Steel has over 100 portal frame buildings in stock and ready for delivery at its Colenso facility. Here one of Tugela Steel’s Cat telehandlers loads a consignment for onward delivery to site.

3. At the Colenso production facility, each steel section passes through a series of production phases, and at each stage Tugela’s Cat telehandlers provide the materials handing interface.

4. Tugela Steel founder, Knut Haug and son Bjorn Haug at the company’s head office in La Lucia Ridge, Durban.

2.

3. 4.

22


first machine of its kind to be acquired in Southern Africa.

“This is an important milestone that will be tracked by Caterpillar’s research and development (R&D) team during the machine’s life-time,” comments Barlow-orld Equipment Cat sales professional, Egon Muller, based at Barloworld Equip-ment’s Durban branch. (Barloworld Equip-ment is the Cat dealer for Southern Africa.)

Each and every Cat model launch is an evolution in Caterpillar’s R&D commit-ment to best-in-class performance. In the financial year ending December 2012, for example, Caterpillar spent approxi-mately USD2,5-billion on R&D across the full spectrum of Cat machine classes and the OEM continues to meet customer demand for today’s and the future’s production demands through an ongoing customer interface.

The launch of the new C-Series is a prime example of how Caterpillar keeps refining its telehandler offering to meet increasing demand for varied lifting and materials handling tasks.

Four Cat C-Series telehandler models have been launched in the Southern African market, comprising the TH407C, TH414C, TH417C and TH514C models. In addition to the standard pallet and fork attachments, optional work tools include buckets, mate-rials handling arms, and lifting hooks. A quick coupler is standard on all models.

The latest generation Cat TH407 C-Series unit: the maximum

forward reach is 3 763 mm, and the load at maximum height

and reach is 2 000 kg and 1 500 kg respectively.

TH407C and TH414C units each have a total load capability of 3 700 kg. The key differ-ence is that the TH407C has a maximum lift of 7,3 m compared to the TH414C’s 13,7 m. In turn, the TH417C and TH514C have maximum load capacities of 4 000 kg and 4 999 kg, and maximum lift heights of 17 m and 13,7 m, respectively.

All models sold in Southern Africa are powered by a Cat C4.4 DITAAC engine generating a gross power of 74,5 kW with a maximum torque of 410 Nm at 1 400 rpm, coupled with a larger redesigned cooling package, plus a hydraulic reversing fan.

One of the most notable changes on the C-Series is a new four speed powershift transmission. A six speed transmission option is also available on Cat TH407C construction and agricultural specification machines. This increases the top speed from the standard 32 km/h (four speed) to 40 km/h, for longer travel distance requirements.

“The single lever, electro-hydraulic joystick has been redesigned with inte-grated transmission control, for ease of operation and reduced operator fatigue,”

Muller explains, “plus all controls, including auxiliary hydraulics, are fully proportional and controlled directly from the joystick.”

Maximum forward reach on the TH407C is 3 763 mm, and the load at maximum height and reach is 2 000 kg and 1 500 kg respectively.

Raising the boom up and down on the Cat TH407C takes 7,6 and 5,9 seconds, respectively. Drawbar pull is 78 kN, bucket breakout force (ISO 8313) 65 kN and boom breakout force 42 kN.

“Whether in the manufacturing or erection stages of a project, our Cat telehandlers provide the overall versatility and speed in materials handling and lifting that a mobile crane couldn’t come close to matching.

“Going forward this mechanised assurance will support Tugela Steel’s expansion strategy, encompassing invest-ment in the latest steel fabrication tech-nologies and the creation of two dedicated production lines: one for stock buildings and the other for customise jobs to support our regional and international client base,” concludes Haug.

COVER STORY

23


http://www.oconbrick.co.za

http://www.technicrete.co.za

24


PROJECT PROFILE

Complex structureThe tower is designed to make the most of the inner floor space, and, other than the core and the façade perimeter, has no internal columns.

The vertical perimeter support is achieved by installing off-shutter precast triangles (diagrids), which are placed on top of one another and are then structur-ally joined with a 450 mm thick coffer slab, spanning 18 meters, which is in turn joined to the central vertical core. The steps of a floor-to-floor cycle:• Cast slab• Cast slanted in-situ columns• Place precast diagrids • Formwork and reinforcing spliced to

diagrids• Cast slab and repeat The diagrids are glazed, with the glass set back 500 mm from the façade edge, providing solar shading and allowing maximum light and optimal views for the tenants. The further environmental benefit is that the building will better retain heat/coolness, easing the load on the internal climate control system. Further, to reduce the carbon footprint of the project, the use of 30% fly-ash in all concrete has been specified.

The slanted off-shutter columns, which rake back at respectively 5 and 4,5 degrees, together with the plumb columns and high level beams ensures each façade is structurally and esthetically ‘framed’. With the four quadrants of the building being respectively 10, 13, 15 and 13 floors high, it gives the building its unique ‘stepped-pin-nacle’ effect. A slanted unitised curtain wall system closes the area between the slanted corner columns of each quadrant.

As the floor to floor height is 4,25 m high, versus the normal dimensions of 3 m, the tower, when completed with the last slanted beams, will stand 85 metres tall, as tall as a 28-storey building.

Each quadrant has seven diagrids, and there are 450 number in total, with a typical diagrid weighing 6 tons and measuring over 4 metres in height. The diagrids are placed

GABORONE’S

The project consists of an iconic 15 storey tower building and two four storey buildings

on a podium slab and three levels of basement. Although the project is constructed as a complex

with numerous elements, this article mainly elaborates on the tower building.

build

ing

NEW ICON

25


PROJECT PROFILE

upside down and slot into each other by means of a doweling system, which is grouted up once the in situ structure has completed its original shrinkage period.

This very unique and unconventional design had numerous challenges for the construction team, and intensive planning and brainstorming sessions were underway from as early as tender stage.

It was clear that the construction of the diagrids and slanted columns would dictate the pace, and as a 13 day cycle time was required to achieve the programme, clever and unique systems had to be devel-oped to ensure success and completion of the project within 24 months.

One of the first steps was to put together a construction team whom could plan and successfully execute the job.

Due to the unique design and arguable remote location of the project, adequate expertise was not available locally and the majority of senior management and specialist subcontractors were to be sourced from South Africa and relocated to Gaborone for this exciting challenge.

Localisation planExtensive skills transfer to local Botswana staff and labour will ensure the project meets the company’s localisation plan, and a mentorship programme has been set in place to monitor and manage this process. There are over 600 people working on the site daily, which peaked at 900 in the last quarter of 2013. It is estimated that approx-

imately 300 of these employees would be permanently employed by either Stefanutti Stocks or one of the subcontractors

Construction innovationWith the team in place, one of the next important steps was to finalise the diagrid design and setting set up the precast yard in Gaborone, an on-site concrete batch plant, tower cranes, and formwork designs.

Except for the structural and aesthetic requirements of the diagrids, special atten-tion was also given to the following aspects:• As each diagrid is glazed with a

triangular shop front, and as no façade scaffold would be used, all windows would be installed from within the building onto a pre-waterproofed angle which would be fixed to the outside of a nib provided in the diagrid.

• Tie-in details to the in-situ columns would need to be provided by means of a box-out in the columns, and a male-female joint would be created to structurally join the last diagrid on each elevation to these columns.

• Except for the typical full sized unit, there would be a further 146 different types of diagrids due to the slanted nature of the structure and the associated structural loads. Each unit would have a unique shape, reinforcing design and tie-in detail. A integrate numbering system was developed to distinguish these units and to ensure referencing was clear between design,

manufacturing and installation. • The 6 ton and over 4 m high units

required abnormal transport arrangements on the 25 km trip from the precast yard to the site, and a special trailer was manufactured for this. Outriggers would also ensure the trailer could be left with one diagrid on it without toppling over.

• With each diagrid weighing over 6 tons, and as some are odd-shaped and not symmetrical, chain lengths would need to vary when hoisting these ‘special’ units. To make this easy for the teams on site, the number of chain links required on each leg would be marked at the lifting hook of the diagrid.

• To keep the diagrids supported while the in-situ structure was being built and before it would be cast in, special push-pull props were used to keep the diagrids in place, and to plumb them in both directions. This prop varies in length form 1,8 m to 8 m, and had to be specially manufactured.

Adequate lifting capacity would be required in the form of two tower cranes, with both having a lifting capacity of 6 ton on a 40 m radius, and 8,5 ton on a 25 m radius. These cranes, standing 100 m high, were posi-tioned not only for the diagrid installation, but also for numerous other construction tasks, which include reaching the batch plant at 70 m and lifting the 8 ton chiller plant onto the 15th floor.

Both these tower cranes would be

Quick facts• Location – Gaborone, Botswana • Usage – Office and Retail • Concrete quantity – 28 000 m3 • Duration – 24 months

26


PROJECT PROFILEbu

ildin

g

Project information• Main contractor: Stefanutti

Stocks Botswana• Project start date: February

2012• Project end date: March 2014• Client: BDC (Botswana

Development Corporation)• Project team: Stefanutti Stocks

Botswana• Main contractor: Stefanutti

Stocks Botswana• Architect: Boogertman +

Partners (Johannesburg)• Principal agent: Brydens

Botswana• Project manager: Brydens

Botswana• Quantity surveyor: Davis

Langdon (AECOM)• Consulting engineer: Pula

Consultants• Precast: SPE

• To ensure vertical (slanted) alignment, a system was developed where each column would be bolted onto a ‘frog’ at the top, which would in turn be left in place and bolted to the bottom of the next column. Each column would then leap-frog one another from quadrant to quadrant and floor to floor.

• The above system has very little room (literally millimeters) for error and as the in-situ columns dictate the position of the diagrids, accuracy was paramount.

• Grid lines, from where these columns (and all other structural elements) would be set out, would be transferred from floor to floor by means of a vertical laser transferring the points through sleeves left in the slabs.

Health and safetyTo ensure that the company health and safety standards are met, the contractor has been required to enforce a strict and no-nonsense approach. To succeed however, Stefanutti Stocks has taken cognisance of the fact that continuous safety training of the 900+ workforce would be required, who mostly have not been exposed to a project of this nature.

Summary of health and safety statistics to date:• lost time injury – 1• disabling injury – 0• injury free hours – 3 047 777

ConclusionStefanutti Stocks believes that this unique project, currently 90% complete, will be an iconic landmark in Gaborone and truly something to be proud of.

• As the floor to floor height of the tower is 4 250 m, the columns, being up to 1 m wide and each to be used over 60 times, required a robust and easy-to-use system.

• As there are three different column types, varying in shape and slant, it was decided to paint each set of formwork a different color, to help keep the many different parts together during construction.

• As mentioned earlier, there would be no external façade scaffolding to the tower, and cantilevering access platforms would be required to each column. Each column would have three sets of access platforms, to enable teams to prepare, erect and remove the formwork and make good the off-shutter concrete.

temporarily tied back to the structure for lateral support. Braces manufactured from 300 mm diameter and 8 m long pipes would be used, carefully designed and positioned through the triangular diagrids and welded to plates which are fixed to bolts cast into the in-situ slab.

A third tower crane would be erected on a 45 m long traveling base, to service the other buildings and ramp area.

All concrete is being batched on site, and except for the normal challenges of site-batched concrete, the 30% fly ash requirement is a first for Gaborone, and mix designs had to be carefully developed to ensure structural specifications are met.

During the development of the form-work for the special off-shutter slanted columns, the following interesting factors are worth mentioning:

27


http://www.ford.co.za

28


The overall project consists of the establishment of a sequence of large open cut pits, the construction of a new Coal Handling

and Preparation Plant (CHPP), a new rapid rail load out terminal and all associated infrastructure. Costing ZAR8,2-billion, the project is intended to process 7,9 million tonnes of saleable thermal coal per annum – for both the local and export market – over a lifespan of approximately 24 years”. WBHO, the main contractor, entered the civils package of this project for 2013’s Best Projects. The project was recognised with a Best Projects award in the ‘Civil Engineering contractors’ category. The civil package includes the following major elements: rom bin and primary sizing station; transfer stations; secondary sizing station; dragline crossing; raw coal stockpile tunnel; tertiary sizing station; discard bin; magnetite handling; cpp building; tailings thickener and process water handling; product stock-pile tunnel and overland conveyors.

Construction innovationThe timeous completion of the project is of utmost importance to the client and in an effort to ensure that the project is completed on time all major activities was planned with this in mind. To this affect construction joints was optimised in an effort to reduce time lost as a normal result of successive pours. Most notably was the construction of the coal valves at the raw coal tunnel. Here seven metre high by one metre thick chamber walls were cast mono-lithically, drastically reducing the overall construction duration on the tunnel.

Corporate social investmentAlthough there were no project specific requirements for corporate social investment for Tweefontein, WBHO has supported many projects in the area like the Middelburg Care Village, the Bambabani Soup Kitchen, the Ogies and Phola combined schools, and both the Thuthukani and Etokozweni Primary schools. In addition this project was imple-mented with the overall group strategy for all areas of empowerment such as pref-erential procurement from black-owned and black women-owned suppliers, and enterprise development. WBHO achieved a BBBEE spend of approximately 70% of the contract value, of which 20% was with companies with Black Female ownership of 30% or more.

Design innovationWith the commissioning of the plant being such a priority an attempt was made to modularise as much of the project as possible. This has obvious time benefits as many of the components could be manu-factured concurrently. Another example was constructing the Stockpile tunnels with pre-cast concrete culvert sections.

This method reduced the overall construction time of the tunnels by approx-imately 30%.

Enviromental impact As the first construction company to be ISO 14001 certified through all the different divisions within South Africa, WBHO has implemented their EMS (Environmental Management System) on the Tweefontein Optimisation Project (TOP) being driven

TWEEFONTEIN

Tweefontein Optimisation Project (TOP) is located

25 kilometres south of Witbank, Mpumalanga

and is an optimisation of existing coal operations and reserves within the

Tweefontein Complex, which increases capacity

and extends the life of the existing

mining operations.

civi

l

29


by a designated environmental officer. This is not a requirement of the project but a proactive measure taken by WBHO.

On the TOP an Aspects Impacts Register has been drafted which assesses every aspect of the construction process, it identifies all the possible impacts from all the activities and then identifies all the possible mitigation measures to reduce all possible impacts identified.

From this register WBHO then imple-ments the mitigation measures to reduce as much impact as possible. WBHO has also implemented their Environmental

PROJECT PROFILE

OPTIMISATION PROJECT

Minimum Requirements which is the minimum mitigation measures that must be enforced on the site.

On the TOP WBHO has also conducted awareness training through the induction process which has its own Environmental Induction as well as through Tool Box talks and displaying awareness posters. Through the EMS system all possible impacts are identified through daily and monthly check lists and the aspect impacts register.

Once they are identified, WBHO has all measures in place to mitigate these impacts as far as possible.

Health & SafetyOn the TOP project WBHO had to comply with both the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act No. 29 of 1996) and the Mine Health and Safety Act (Act No. 20 of 1996).

The company committed to a ‘Top of Mind’ safety approach which basically entails that all involved on the project make it their top priority to apply their minds to safety related priorities first every time an activity is planned and/or started. This process is reinforced with active participation by the whole work force in

30


PROJECT PROFILE

Planned Task Observations. From these Safe Working Procedures are drawn up, and is communicated to all the teams every morning.

This approach together with a strong commitment by management to Visible Veld leadership has enabled WBHO to achieve in excess of 500 000 LTI free hours on the project.

Time, cost and qualityTrough design and construction inno-vation WBHO was able to construct the project within the client’s very demanding schedule, thus ensuring that the client will be able to commission the plant within their required time frame enabling them to commence with production at a very early stage.

Being a fast track project one could expect quality to suffer as a result, but this has not been the case at this project. The design was optimised even in this aspect, in not over specifying quality standards but rather taking a practical approach and specifying standards according to the purpose of each structure. This again enabled us to offer the client time and cost savings.

Risk managementAs part of WBHO’s start up plan a substan-tial risk schedule is drawn up at the commencement of the project.

It makes use of a risk matrix where risks are listed in probability from ‘highly unlikely’ to ‘almost certain’ and severity from ‘Insignificant’ to ‘Catastrophic’. From this matrix control measures are imple-mented according to the possible impact, and risk owners assigned.

The schedule is updated on a regular basis and gets updated as and when required. The process has been very successful on the project and to date all risks were mitigated trough this process.

The most impressive factor of this project was the combination of design and construction ingenuity to offer the

client an optimum outcome. Another big factor to the success of the project was the team work and co-operation between the client, professional and construction teams, ensuring that the project could be successful under tight deadlines and with very strict safety requirements.

The most impressive factor of this project was the

combination of design and construction ingenuity to offer

the client an optimum outcome.

Project information• Project start date: August 2012

• Project end date: April 2014

• Client: Glencore

• Main contractor: WBHO

• Project team: DRA Mineral Projects (EPC Contractor)

• Project manager: DRA Mineral Projects

• Quantity surveyor: Basson & Close

• Project value: R180-million

civi

l

31


http://www.bosch-professional.com

32


PROJECTS AND CONTRACTS

WORLD-LEADING The design of

rofessor Kayvani explores some of the key aspects of designing world-leading sports stadia, including technical and commer-cial considerations to ensuring game-changing sporting facilities.

Designing with legacy in mindWhile a world-class stadium project is often driven by a short term need to stage an important event, such as the FIFA World Cup™ or the Olympics, far more attention is now being paid to maxim-ising the sustainable legacy of these structures, bearing in mind the huge investment and upkeep they require.

Successful world-leading stadium design means thinking beyond the obvious and certainly beyond the main prestige event. While first and fore-most, we have to meet the client’s brief to accommodate the global event, the outlay is often in the hundreds of millions of dollars and a true legacy design involves maximising the stadium’s usage.

In fact it is generally better to start the concept stage of design from a legacy point of view – what will happen after the main event? – while also ensuring the

stadium will meet immediate objectives. For instance, there is the urban develop-ment potential that must be evaluated: urban stadia are anchor projects with the power to transform a precinct or renew it.

An impressive current example of this is the Perth Arena, an entertainment and sporting arena in the city centre of Perth, and the centrepiece for the redevel-opment of the Northern part of the central business district.

Creating iconic architecture While it is generally accepted that stadiums are often status symbols for a city, region or nation, the drivers vary on a case-by-case basis. For example, while the Beijing Olym-pics projects were strongly influenced by iconography and the big event itself, the Sydney and London Olympics sports facil-ities were more driven by legacy planning.

In terms of status, a building that accommodates tens of thousands of people is inevitably a large structure and a dominant feature on the landscape. This presents an opportunity for iconic archi-tecture expressing how a region and the nation want to project themselves.

Aurecon collaborates closely with the owners, architects, contractors, and the rest of the project team to achieve iconic

structures in an economically and environ-mentally responsible manner.

Aurecon believes stadiums should become impressive status symbols – not just in their architecture, but also in their engagement with the fans and the public – and remain one for decades to come.

Summiting the rooftop challenge A stadium’s roof is often a demanding structure to design and build, requiring a significant architectural and structural engineering effort.

Collaboration is key: architectural expression and beauty must meet engi-neering requirements of strength, service-ability, and durability.

The structural engineer in particular needs to take a very proactive yet collab-orative approach to achieve the overall architectural vision within budget and in a buildable form.

There is no absolute right or wrong roof form. What is architecturally stunning with the right functional geometry is one thing and what works efficiently is another.

However, great holistic design out- comes are often achieved when key aspects of structural efficiency, architectural expression, and functionality are carefully considered in an integrated fashion. For

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Northern Stand: Aurecon has played a key part in the evolution of the iconic MCG for over 20 years and implemented innovative engineering

and design solutions such as ventilated atrium spaces and large cantilevered seating areas developed using advanced analysis methodology and criteria.

33



sports stadia “From a place to see your favourite

athletes pitting their skills against competitors, to a modern Roman

Colosseum where the public gather, clutching smart phones, for a multimedia

and multi-sensorial experience.”

example, the decision on the variations in height, depth and profile of the roof is as much about achieving structural effi-ciency as is about architectural expression and aesthetic proportions, and also main-taining the view of the field and scoreboard from the upper tiers.

These days we design stadium roofs in an excitingly diverse array of structural forms: ranging from the rather conven-tional cantilevered and long-span systems to the more exotic shells, cable nets, and ‘tensegrity’ roofs.

The choice of appropriate construc-tion materials and its correct application is particularly important. Long-span struc-tures are generally fabricated from steel because of the high strength-to-weight ratio, ease of use and cost effectiveness of this material.

The search for lightweight, durable cladding materials has resulted in the increasing use of high-tech tensile membrane systems.

The decision on whether to incorpo-

rate a fixed or a retractable roof requires the holistic evaluation of the value in weather protection versus turf health, and the impact of shadow effects on spectator viewing and TV broadcast quality – all factors that have implications on cost, risk, functionality and potential return on investment for the project.

Elaborate roof designs need careful assessment of wind loads on the struc-ture, while the overall design has to ensure that spectators are comfortably shielded from wind.

Aurecon’s capabilities in building and analysing simulated models enable us to overcome the unknowns in an uncon-ventional design and ensure that project objectives are fully met.

In essence, we can test the building and de-risk it before it is built, without compro-mising its technical integrity.

Answering the natural turf trend To sustain healthy, natural grass means designing for lengthy periods of exposure to sunlight, which creates a roof opening opti-misation conflict. Too small an opening, while shadier for the spectators, leads to a significant expenditure for annual turf repairs. Too small a roof, results in disgrun-tled wet spectators during rainy spells.

One form of a solution is the roof of the Forsyth Barr stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand. Membranes of Ethylene tetrafluo-roethylene (ETFE), a fluorine-based plastic, were used to create air-inflated pillows as the roof cladding material in what has

Peter Mokaba Stadium, South Africa: This brand new, 45 000 seat soccer stadium acted as one of the ten host venues for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and saw Aurecon provide a complete range of engineering services.

Tianjin Technological Development Area (TEDA) Soccer Stadium, China: This is the centrepiece of the 100 million m2 commercial expansion of Tianjin’s bustling Economic-Technological Development Area. Aurecon provided structural, civil and building services for the stadium, including taking a leading role in the design of the innovative cable stayed roof with its dramatically curved truss columns.

34



become the world’s first fully enclosed grassed stadium.

Aurecon used advanced modelling and simulation techniques to verify that the adequate air ventilation and sunlight exposure can be maintained for grass health within the fully covered stadium. The solution was subsequently recognised with a Merit Award in the 2013 Association of Consulting Engineers New Zealand Inno-vate NZ Awards of Excellence.

Melbourne’s 55 000-seat Etihad Stadium is one of Australia’s leading multi-purpose venues catering for major sport and entertainment events.

Its natural turf is maintained in a healthy condition through the stadi-um’s fully retractable roof that takes only eight minutes to close. As part of the turf management process localised grow lights are utilised particularly on the higher wear areas over the pitch. This combined strategy has delivered high quality grass despite the busy event schedule of this world class stadium over many years.

Etihad Stadium, Melbourne features a fully retractable roof with ample ventila-tion, which helps to maintain its natural turf in peak condition.

Aurecon was responsible for the stadium’s full structural and MEP design including performance-based fire engi-neering as well as the sophisticated, multi-mode sports lighting design, public address systems and scoreboards.

Ensuring multi-use functionalityIncreasingly, stadiums must be adaptable, high performing buildings that achieve multi -use functionality.

The trend is for physical flex-ibility, which means designing to be able to shrink capacity using modular and demount-able construction.

Upper tiers and even upper structures can be removable. While this appears straight-forward structurally, one of the challenges is that building services also need to be modular and demountable. An elegantly simple solution in some arena type venues, such as the Perth

Arena in Australia, is to have curtains that can close off the back tiers seating to create a cosier ambience during smaller events.

The vibrations induced by crowds’ synchronised motions need to be carefully studied in the design of the seating tiers. These days we use sophisticated analytical tools to predict the expected level of accel-erations at every seat on the tier to ensure the acceptable thresholds are not breached in lively sports and concert events.

High-tech thinkingTechnology and fan engagement will be the key in the future. Whether it is through additional in-game augmented reality content, delivered direct to spectators’ smart phone applications, enhanced pre- and post-match family orientated enter-tainment produced by in-house production teams, or unique rewards for attending matches such as special food and beverage incentives, the final end game is to draw fans away from their living rooms and into the stadium.

A key trend in leading stadiums is high- tech with WiFi that will allow fans to use their own smart phones. Technology is racing ahead and soon the use of multiple cameras and more sophisticated broad-casting technology will enable fans to select and track the activities of their sports idols on their smart phones.

In addition, advances in computer technology are quite literally breath-taking and will mean modelling techniques such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computa-tional Fluid Dynamics (CFD) are becoming ‘business-as-usual’, extending the bound-aries of structural form and architectural expression ever more rapidly. These tech-niques are, at the same time, ensuring safety

and promote time and cost savings.Increasing attention is being given

to sustainability aided by the strength of our modelling capabilities. This will be reflected in stadiums consuming less area and tonnage of material, onsite power generation with photovoltaic arrays on the roof, grey water reuse, thermal storage, and a stronger focus on carbon neutrality.

Meeting tight time and budget constraintsWe are always very aware of the need to deliver on time, on budget and manage the risks to the client in doing so. The fact that a stadium is an unusual building and an increasingly complex form with many components means the risk of exceeding time and budget is often very significant.

Effective management of the plan-ning of design and construction is vital. A project team is required to have an in-depth understanding of how the decisions they make impact on cost and programme and how factors such as supply chain and the need for any specialist skills impact on project delivery.

Creating fan comfortThe current stadium design buzzword is ‘Fan First’. We have a role to play in deliv-ering stadium projects that encourage fans to leave their comfortable couch and big screen TV, and look forward to having a great time in the stadium. This means considering what makes the experience at the stadium as good as it can be for the fans.

The key word here is ‘comfort’: today not only is shading a given, but increasingly air conditioning and cooling has to be provided.

We have been developing concepts such as the installation of cooling pipes in the concourse slabs and displacement air-conditioning delivered via plenums under seating platforms throughout the stadium as a sustainable way of achieving a comfortable environment.

Even the layout of the premium seats is influenced by the need to facilitate delivery of food and refreshments, so that well-heeled fans do not to miss any action by having to leave their seats for refreshments.

We are also seeing a big push in parts of the world for localised produce and gourmet food to be sold in and around the venues, rather than your standard pie and chips. These creature comforts, integrated with an in-seat food and beverage service smart phone application, provide a unique stadium only experience that cannot be replicated at home.

Etihad Stadium, Melbourne: Etihad Stadium features a fully retractable roof with ample ventilation, which helps to maintain its natural turf in peak condition. Aurecon was responsible for the stadium’s full structural and MEP design including performance-based fire engineering as well as the sophisticated, multi-mode sports lighting design, public address systems and scoreboards

Sponsored by Lafarge South Africa’s Readymix concrete divi-sion, and Chryso South Africa in collaboration with global

pigment producer Lanxess of Germany (for which local distribution is exclu-visely handled by Chryso SA), the Lafarge Artevia awards were introduced in 2009 to show how decorative concretes can create better, more durable structures and enhance the environment in which they are located. Chryso South Africa has for many years supplied a variety of prod-ucts that form part of the mix for Lafarge’s acclaimed Artevia range.

As part of the Lafarge Artevia concrete mix for House Bozwana, Chryso supplied a specially formulated Lanxess Bayferrox Sandstone pigment to colour the concrete in selected areas; as well as other Chryso products such as Chryso Fluid Optima 100, Chryso Fibre Plus, Chryso Deco Lav PO5, and Chryso Deco Mat.

Admixture Chryso Fluid Optima 100 is a ‘new generation’ super-plasticiser which substantially extends concrete worka-bility and is compatible with most types of cement. It provides the solution when-ever there is a problem of compatibility between the cement and the additive, and is particularly suitable for the readymix industry and construction sites.

Chryso Fibre Plus is a high perfor-mance product that controls cracks and prevents bleeding while also enhancing the fire rating of concrete. Safe and envi-ronmentally friendly, Chryso Deco Lav PO5 – which can be used with different types of aggregates from different regions – economically improves the definition of exterior forms and improves the tech-nical quality and durability of structures. Chryso Deco Mat is an acclaimed surface protector for concrete and mortar.

Johannesburg-based Ocean Side Trad- ing were the installers and polishers of House Bozwana and won the overall top award of R40 000. Nico van der Meulen Architects, were also among the profes-sionals honoured at a gala function

at the Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton. The judges were Paragon Architects’

Hugh Fraser; Lafarge Artevia’s Anathi Zitu-mane; and Chryso SA’s Kirsten Kelly. They found that House Bozwana was exceptional in that it “showcased various finishes of decorative concrete: polished finishes to create a stylish impact for the entrance, stairs and entertainment areas; exposed finishes to provide low maintenance and gravel-tex-ture appearance in the driveway; while on the stairs and entrance areas, the beautiful Artevia finishes were set off to stunning effect through the use of natural, off-shutter Lafarge Agilia, combined with steel”.

Other category winners in the 2013 Lafarge Artevia awards included QS Concrete Grinding and Polishing (Polishing Award), Horticare (Exposed), Melt Wahl (Colour), Boogertman & Partners (Exposed), and Panmixers SA (special award for showcasing Lafarge Artevia decorative concrete in the company’s showroom).

Commenting on the merits of deco-rative concrete in the design field, award- winning House Bozwana architect, Nico van der Meulen, said the concept has great potential in SA but called for skilled and experienced applicators capable of achieving the desired standard. “The standard of the applicators’ workmanship and skills ulti-mately determine the quality of the finished product,” he added.


CREATIVE USE OFDECORATIVE CONCRETE

Chryso South Africa supplied a variety of products for the Lafarge Artevia concrete mix, used in the construction of

House Bozwana, overall winner of the 2013 Lafarge Artevia Decorative Concrete Awards. It showcases the innovative

and creative use of decorative concrete finishes.

Different sections of House Bozwana in Pretoria which was the 2013 overall winner of the Lafarge Artevia Decorative Concrete Awards.

>

35


36


Coega’s business managers also say that despite challenges relating to the global economic climate and changes in funding models of IDZs

to Special Economic Zones (SEZ), the imme-diate future looks rosy for Coega. A number of industries are about to take off as a series of new investors complete construction and move toward operation.

Major plants opening in the Coega IDZ this year include Chinese automotive giant, First Automobile Works (FAW) truck assembly plant, the DCD Wind Tower manufacture plant, and Air Products’ air separation unit. Also firing on all cylinders this year is Agni Steels which is about to start production of its smelting and steel billet operations.

Automotive & LogisticsThe automotive sector looks particularly exciting, with all eyes on FAW, says Gustav Meyer, CDC automotive business manager.

“Construction will wrap up soon at FAW and will be followed by the commis-sioning phase,” says Meyer. “Adding FAW to the bouquet of auto giants here means a new injection for the region particularly for artisans and other skilled workers to be employed at the region’s newest Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). FAW will have employed close to 1 000 people at the conclusion of the final phases of construction.”

Meyer says the CDC is expecting some exciting developments in the automotive and logistics sector and is also hoping to conclude discussion with another OEM.

He also confirmed that two interna-tional logistics companies have committed to establishing intermodal container depots at Coega.

Plans for the expansion of UTI Sun Couriers and Digistics – both existing IDZ tenants – will commence in this year while

construction on new 11 000 m cold storage facility for an investor in the IDZ will start in the first quarter of 2014.

Agro-processing Coega Dairy continues to grow from strength to strength, according to the CDC. The past year also saw the emergence of Coega Cheese, a partnership between Coega Dairy and Famous Brands.

“This was a very exciting development and clearly indicates the interface and supply chain links that can be created within the Coega IDZ,” said Dr Keith Du Plessis, CDC agro-processing business manager.

Coega Dairy is also using neighbouring investor, PE Cold Storage, to store its overflow of some products before it is distributed to suppliers, another indication of strong supply chain development within the Coega IDZ.

“Major strides have also been made in terms of CDC’s drive to establish an aquacul-ture development cluster within Zone 10 of the Coega IDZ. Approximately 300 hectares of land has been identified in Zone 10 and a three month feasibility study commenced in February 2014. All indications are that the aquaculture cluster could create up to 3 000 direct jobs by 2020.”

Renewable and energy sectorWind energyDCD will complete construction of their facility by early February and start manu-facture of wind towers in the first quarter of this year. The 23 000 m² factory will have the capacity to produce 110 wind towers a year. DCD recently announced that it has fixed contracts with wind energy company Vestas, German wind turbine maker Nordex and Siemens, with the aim of becoming a world class supplier in the global market.

SolarCoega is poised to make a major announce-ment regarding a solar power investor in the next few months, said business development manager Nkuli Mxenge-May-ende. “This will start to establish Coega as a major player in the renewables sector, considering DCD’s new facility and the wind power generation due to take place after the third and fourth round windows of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.”

Power generationGDF Suez has started to lay the ground-work for construction of its new R3,5-billion peaking power plant, Dedisa, the largest construction project at the Coega IDZ to date. The station will create about 1 000, mainly local, construction jobs and comple-ment the city’s power supply.

ChemicalsTwo air separation units are on the cards for Coega IDZ. Air Products is well underway with their plant and Afrox recently appointed a contractor and will start construction February employing over 300 people in construction phase. The Air Prod-ucts plant will be commissioned in the third quarter of 2014.

Steel beneficiation Agni Steels South Africa’s plant is almost ready to kick into gear said business manager, Sadick Davids Agni already performed a successful test of the plant’s


1. Agni Steels.2. AMP Terminals.3. CDC Headquarters.

ROSYThe Coega Development Corporation (CDC) is looking

forward to an exciting 2014. “2014 will bring more construction activity in the Coega Industrial Development

Zone (IDZ), new investment and a series of corporate social investment (CSI) coups,” says Ayanda Vilakazi, CDC

head of marketing and communications.

OUTLOOK

4. Coega Dairy.5. DCD Wind Towers.6. FAW.

1.

2.

3.>


37



6.

5.

4.

production capacity late last year and is raring to start its steel beneficiation activities, using scrap sourced from around Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape.

Training Coega is set to train 150 apprenticeships and 800 learnerships in artisan skills under a new grant allocated to Coega via the Jobs Fund.

As investors become operational, Coega’s human capital services are instrumental in facilitating the employment process through its G2O recruiter system in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

CSI Coega’s CSI drive continues unabated. Coega invests over R9-mil-lion annually in 13 deserving causes directly impacting the lives of over 8 000 people and indirectly changing the course of history for their families.

Of the 13 initiatives, three form part of Coega’s flagship CSI projects. The first is the life-changing driver training programme, which sees young graduates and other beneficiaries taking their first steps to hitting the road and gaining access to job opportuni-ties through their new skill.

The maths and science programme offers learners a second chance at improving their maths and science performance, so they can gain university entry to become the engineers, scien-tists, doctors and inventors South Africa needs.

Coega is also deeply involved in establishing and contributing to scholarships and bursaries for study in the field of engineering.

Future outlookOnce the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the impending tank farm is completed, Coega will see a R5,6-bil-lion fuel storage facility being constructed across the Coega River, a massive facility, with the relocation of the manganese ore terminal and storage facility from Port Elizabeth following closely behind. Over 1500 people are expected to be involved in construction of each of these facilities. The Port of Ngqura also starts building its next phase of development.

http://www.rescuerod.co.za

38


Lanxess Inorganic Pigments – based in Germany – is one of the largest pigment suppliers to the global construction industry.

Chryso Southern Africa is the sole distributor of Lanxess inorganic iron oxide pigments for the South African construction industry and has a colour laboratory in Jet Park that can measure the colour strengths of pigmentation, and provide customers with specifications to colour-match avail-able concrete masonry production lines at competitive rates

Medelin’s 12 000 m2 Plaza de la Libertad features two towers (24 and 17-storeys

high) resembling tall tree trunks, designed to blend in with the surrounding forest’s trees and their trunks and barks. The design concept of architect and interior designer, Alejandro Toro Posada – which liberally features concrete coloured with Bayferrox pigments to add natural inspiration – also employs the building’s wings as branching structures emanating from the giant ‘trees’.

The structural elements of Plaza de la Libertad are based on a temperature -regulating and extremely weather resistant concrete coloured with 60 metric tons of Bayferrox 918 LOM yellow pigments in the main building, and seven metric tons Bayferrox 130 M (red) and 318 M (black) pigments in the auditorium. A major benefit of using integrally coloured concrete is that the façade will require no follow-up maintenance.

“Furthermore, the façades have been designed to conserve resources, reducing conventional air conditioning and lighting costs by around 40%,” adds designer Posada.

The avant-garde building accommo-dates government institutions, a business hotel, TV studios, businesses, cultural centre, open-air theatre and exhibition halls.

Described as a ‘place of expressive power’, it has won top prize in a major international competition organised by the National Association of Architects.

Hannes Engelbrecht, Chryso S.A. busi-ness manager: concrete aesthetics, says


CREATING CONCRETE ‘TREE TRUNKS’

A range of Bayferrox pigments, produced

by Lanxess Inorganic Pigments, was extensively

used in the design and construction of Plaza de la Libertad, a new landmark and iconic structure in Medelin,

central Colombia.

there are some vital factors to consider when producing pigmented concrete: • 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 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 for colour uniformity.

• 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.

• Formwork: The type, colour and condition of formwork can influence surface colour. Formwork with different rates of absorption will create surfaces with different colour shades.

• Dispersion: The pigment must be mixed with the aggregate before the cement is added.

• Temperature during drying: In higher temperatures, fine crystals develop in the cement matrix and determine how the light that falls on the concrete is scattered. Smaller crystals produce lighter pigment.

• Efflorescence: Admixtures with high levels of calcium chloride can cause primary efflorescence.

All Bayferrox pigments are UV-stable and comply with quality standards EN 878 (the use of pigments for colouring building mate-rials), and ASTM C979 (pigments for integrally coloured concrete), and carry the CE quality mark on their packaging. Lanxess operates from sites in Germany, Brazil and China, as well as additional mixing and milling plants in Australia, China, Spain, the UK and USA.

ABOVE AND BELOW: Two views of the imposing twin-towered Plaza de la Libertad in Colombia which, through the use of concrete coloured with Bayferrox pigments, shows ‘human kind in harmony with the environment’.

>

39


Dipula Income Fund announced that it has agreed to acquire the Gillwell Taxi Retail Park development in the East London CBD, situated in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality of the Eastern Cape province.

The development gained planning permission in December 2013 and this transaction will become effec-tive after the centre’s construction is complete, in the

first half of 2015. Dipula agreed to purchase the 21 521 m2 three-level shopping

centre development from developers Isibonelo Property Services and Eris Property Group. It has also agreed to give Isibonelo the option to acquire a stake in this retail centre.

Izak Petersen, CEO of Dipula says: “The property meets Dipu-la’s strategy of acquiring larger, quality retail assets in targeted areas and improves the overall quality of our portfolio.”

He adds: “The Gillwell Taxi Retail Park development is a well located retail site in the retail hub of East London’s CBD. For Dipula, it represents sustainable income growth underpinned by major national retailers.”

Leases are being finalised with the centre’s anchor retailers Game and Shoprite.

The transaction is subject to various conditions, including 80% of the development’s retail space being pre-let and rental guarantees on any unlet space.

As part of the transaction, Isibonelo and Eris will develop the centre and will also undertake its management for its first two years from opening.

Dipula is a JSE-listed SA REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) with one of the highest BEE ratings in the sector. Dipula’s asset base comprises a growing portfolio of 181 commercial proper-ties valued in excess of R4-billion spanning some 577 340 m2 of gross lettable area.

Its portfolio is geographically diverse across all of South Africa’s provinces, with more than 70% concentrated in South Africa's most economically productive province of Gauteng.

Dipula’s portfolio inclines towards retail property at more than 50% by rentable area of its portfolio, which also includes office and industrial property assets. South African retail property has outperformed all other property subsectors in recent years and this has served Dipula well.

“Besides meeting our growth strategy, the acquisition also increases our exposure to the growth opportunities from commuter retail in one of the busiest CBD’s in SA,” says Petersen.

Dipula is finalising the acquisition's financial effects and, until these are announced, it has advised Dipula linked unitholders to exercise caution when dealing in its linked units.

>

TAXI RETAIL PARK DEVELOPMENT

http://www.roclaproducts.co.za

40


Just one of the many attributes contributing to this prestigious rating is the approach taken to the design of the parking facilities.

“The parking design for Portside has been developed to promote the use of Fuel Efficient Transport, using the Green Building Council of South Africa’s technical manual credit criteria as a guideline”, says David Talbot, associate at dhk architects.

Motor vehicles in general – and private cars in particular – are responsible for a large percentage of carbon emissions, through fuel consumption and oil production required to produce fuel.

The building design encourages alterna-tive methods of transport by providing pref-erential parking, ease of access and support facilities for alternative methods of transport. This is aimed at reducing the large amount of energy and fuel used by vehicles which leads to greenhouse gas emissions that are so detri-mental to the environment.

Hybrid/alternative fuel vehicle parking“Approximately 70 parking bays within the Portside are dedicated solely for the use of hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles. Around 20% of these hybrid/alternative fuel vehicle bays are fitted with electric car charger points, with an additional 35% wired to facilitate the future connection of chargers. These bays are all located in preferential areas closest to the lifts and lobby access” says Talbot.

Bicycle parkingIn addition, Portside has secured bicycle parking for approximately 220 bicycles for staff located within the building. A cycle route is clearly marked and signposted to facilitate safe and easy access to the parking spaces. An additional 30 community bicycle parking bays are located outside on the Portside entrance plaza. All of these bays are provided with racks so that bicycles can be securely locked. Shower and change facilities are also provided for cyclists, with lockable lockers, some of which are fitted with cycle battery charge facilities.

According to Derick Henstra, head of dhk architects, “The design innovations and environmental considerations incorporated into the design of the Portside project is one of the first buildings in Cape Town to provide such futuristic parking facilities. The design was sensitive to both the environmental and aesthetic requirements of the building. We believe that we have successfully balanced the two imperatives whilst laying down the blue print for similar eco-sensitive designs in the future bringing benefit to the City of Cape Town and all its citizens.”

Liviero’s new undertakings are for clients that include SANRAL, Growthpoint Properties and

Mangosuthu University of Technology, he adds. The contractor is building a new multi-storey private hospital in Durban that is scheduled for completion in the latter part of 2015.

Also in KwaZulu-Natal, new student accommodation is being built by Liviero at the Mangosutho University of Tech-nology in Umlazi, and alterations and extensions are being undertaken at an industrial park in Pinetown. In southern

Gauteng, the company is undertaking a R300-million upgrade to a regional shopping centre.

On the civils side, Cloete explains that Liviero’s new contract for SANRAL in the Free State entails the construction of a new interchange at Botshabelo, on the N8 motorway.

“These awards are a welcome boost to our order book and provide a solid platform from which we can continue to expand operations in a focused and controlled manner,” he concludes.


>

Liviero celebrated the start of 2014 with an R800-million improvement to its order book. The group’s new contracts are spread between the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, reports CEO Neil Cloete, and they include building and civil engineering projects.

Liviero’s new contracts include extensions and alterations to Trafford Road Industrial Park in Pinetown.

BIG BOOST

INNOVATIVE AND GREEN PARKINGIn 2013 Portside office

building in Buitengracht Street, designed by dhk

architects, was awarded a five-star Design rating

under the Green Building Council of South Africa’s

(GBCSA) Green Star rating system for offices. This

acknowledgement makes Portside the first five-star

Green Star SA certified high rise office development in South Africa and in Africa.

>


Bicycle locker rooms. Some parking bays at Portside are hybrid/alternative fuel vehicle bays, provided and fitted with electric car charger points.

http://www.royalhaskoningdhv.com/za

42


A Joint Venture formed by Japa-nese firms IHI Infra-structure Systems

and Sumitomo Mitsui Con- struction, is in charge of the construction of the Nhat Tan Bridge, which is also known as the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Bridge.

The need for cranesThe main part of the bridge, 1 500 metres in length, will feature five A-shaped concrete pylons, to which the clamping cables will be tied. The construction of these pylons, located every 300 metres along the bridge, has been done by five 21LC550 18 t tower cranes, supplied to Sumitomo Mitsui Construction by Asia-Ted, a dealer of Linden Comansa in Singapore.

The initial assembly of the five cranes, as well as some jacking-up operations, was carried out by a team of Linden Comansa’s technicians, who exceptionally moved to Hanoi from Spain to attend this sophisti-cated operation. All pylons are practically of similar dimensions, so the cranes were erected with the same settings: jib length of 50 metres and 11 tower sections, to reach a freestanding height of 63,8 metres. In addi-tion, each one of the cranes was erected on foundations over four steel piles driven to the ground, giving the crane a further height of between 5 and 11 metres, depending on the location of the pylon.

The erection of three of the five cranes was especially complicated, as the pylons were completely surrounded by the water of the Red River. The lifting of the sections had to be done by crawler cranes located in barges in the river, which made the maneu-vers more difficult the days in which waters flow down at high speed. In addition, the need to transport material and sections on barge demanded a large planning and slowed down the erections tasks.


Building theHanoi, the capital of Vietnam, will, by the end of 2014 have a

new road connection between the city centre and the Noi Bai International Airport. The pathway of this new eight-lane-road,

four for each direction, crosses the Red River. To save its 1 200 metres of width, Vietnam’s Ministry of Transportation launched

a project of a spectacular cable-stayed bridge and approach viaduct of 3 080 metres in total length.

‘FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE’As the pylons were being built, each one of the cranes had a first tie at a height of 31,1 metres (after the sixth tower section), and using a hydraulic cage, each 21LC550 was climbed to a height under hook of 85,8 metres (15 tower sections).

Months later, they had to be tied for a second time at a height of 60,6 metres (after the 11th section) and another climbing allowed the cranes to reach a final height of 107,8 metres (19 tower sections), which together with the height of the foundations, allowed the cranes to reach high enough to finish building the pylons, between 109 and 111 meters high.

As all of the cranes had the same D33 mast section, which is 2,5-metre wide, only two hydraulic cages were necessary to perform all the jacking-ups, which meant a significant economic saving.

The five tower cranes have worked at the jobsite since 2009, raising all the necessary materials for the construction of the pylons, such as formwork, prefabricated rebar cages, concrete, etc. The 21LC550 have also helped to unroll and place the cables of the bridge, as well as to raise the cable anchor boxes to the top of the pylons.

These 29 red pieces of anchor boxes per pylon, which have been directly embedded into the concrete, weight a maximum of 18 tons per piece, forcing the cranes to employ 100% of its maximum load capacity.

The main steel girders of the bridge deck of maximum 7 tons in weight are lifted at 50 metres radius by the 21LC550 from the barge or ground to the bridge deck area.

The chosen hoisting mechanism for each of the five cranes at the jobsite was the optional 65 kW, which allows speeds of up to 220 metres per minute, very suitable for this type of project. In addition, the easy manoeuvrability of the crane and its great precision to locate the load in place, have facilitated a fast and agile construction.

During the project execution, the tower cranes were equipped with Obstruction Lights for air navigation and lightning protections to provide safe circumstances for the work force.

The construction of the five of the pylons and the connection of steel bridge decks between the three pylons has finished recently. The work of jacking-down and dismantling of the cranes has already started. These tasks, especially when dismantling the ties, are critical because the cranes are very close to the expensive cables that hold the bridge, and any small impact could damage them badly, forcing the management to either repair or replace the complete cable.

Project manager Hitoshi Yamaji, from Sumitomo Mitsui Construction, showed his satisfaction with the performance of the

>

43



cranes: "The five 21LC550 tower crane worked well during our pylon construction without any trouble. In addition, the mainte-nance and technical support by their well trained technicians were satisfactory. We got the best deci-sion by choosing Linden Comansa cranes for our construction works; otherwise, I think it would have been difficult for us to complete our project on time".

The Nhat Tan Bridge is expected to open in October 2014, after 60 months of construction, just in time for the 60th Year Anniversary of Hanoi Capital Liberation Day.

http://www.totallyconcrete.co.za

44


vans says China has become a global leader in railway development,

from high speed passenger trains to heavy freight trains.

“China is now the world’s most intensive user of rail-ways and its rail system

carries more passengers and freight per route-kilometre than any other system in the world.”

When Evans first visited China in 1989, he concluded that in general technical terms the Chinese railways were about 15 years behind South Africa’s railways. “At the time China still used many steam loco-motives, only a few mainlines were electri-fied, little in the way of long-welded railway track was in place and railway maintenance was labour intensive,” he says.

Evans says China is well ahead of South Africa on many technical developments. “China has undergone massive economic development and a sophisticated railway system was recognised by the govern-ment as critical. Huge investment was ploughed into the system and develop-ment continues at extraordinary pace.”

Massive rail developmentBetween 1989 and 2013 China’s public railway system grew from around 60 000 to 100 000 route-km and on average between 200 and 400 route-km of new lines continue to be added each month. China’s railway network is now the world’s second largest. About 40 000 trains are operated daily of

which about 4 000 are long-distance and regional passenger trains.

Evans says in 1989 China’s fastest passenger trains were limited to a maximum speed of just 120 km/h. “From 1994 the key mixed-traffic mainline network was progressively up-graded to permit maximum speeds of up to 160 and 200 km/h in some cases.

“Just five or six years ago China opened its first true high-speed modern dedicated passenger railway and since then a network of such lines totalling about 9 000 route-km has been put into operation with maximum permitted speeds ranging from 250 km/h to 350 km/h. About 800 streamlined high-speed train sets are now in service. Many more lines are under construction to meet China’s target of having a 20 000 route-km high-speed dedicated passenger network in place by 2020.”

China’s high-speed dedicated passenger railway network with its sleek modern bullet trains and large architectur-ally dramatic stations in the major cities has greatly impressed the world, attrac-ting many politicians, railway officials and others eager to assess whether some-thing similar could not provide solutions to particular transport challenges in their own countries.

Evans says although there are many factors that support high-speed passenger railways in China – high population, many large cities, rapidly growing affluence and a large pent-up travel demand – there are many in China who question the

EQUIPMENT

LESSONSFROM CHINA

“Railway development in China over the past 25 years provides ample examples of what can

be achieved when it comes to modern railways. Some aspects of China’s railway solutions could

be applicable to South Africa and are worth considering in particular for a new Durban-

Gauteng high-standard, standard-gauge railway,” says GIBB railway consultant, Bruce Evans.

44


Guangzhou South Railway Station for high speed trains is a large railway station.

High-speed trains at the Shanghai Lujiazui City background.

45


viability of some of the new high-speed passenger lines. “Internationally high-speed passenger railways have also gener-ally been controversial.”

A second lessonSo, apart from a dedicated high-speed passenger railway what other modern railway options should South Africa be looking at in China?

Evans says the well-deserved atten-tion being paid to China’s impressive high-speed dedicated passenger railway system has tended to push other important rail developments there into the shadows. “Looking specifically at the Durban-Gauteng corridor, the development of high-standard mixed-traffic (passenger and freight) high-capacity railways in China warrants serious attention too.”

Most of China’s older key double -track mixed-traffic mainlines were steadily up-graded from 1995 to allow for 160-250 km/h passenger and 120 km/h freight train operation on the same lines. These stand-ards have also been adopted for important new high-capacity mixed-traffic mainlines.

Another important and more recent development for certain key corridors is the adoption of increased vertical clear-ance standards, to allow for the movement of high-profile freight traffic, in particular double-stack container trains and possibly also multi-deck motor vehicle trains.

Several new lines to these standards were recently opened to traffic and several more are under construction. China’s inten-

EQUIPMENT

tion is to create a 10 000 km network of such lines linking major production centres to the key import/export ports and interna-tional borders.

Evans believes this type of line – freight and passenger with clearance provision for double-stack container trains – merits close examination as a possible model for the proposed new Durban to Gauteng line.

“Anyone travelling on the N3 freeway between Johannesburg and Durban must notice the large numbers of trucks trans-porting containers and transporting new motor vehicles. Studies predict that the movement of containers on this corridor is going to grow significantly over time – by as much as 400% over the next 25 years.”

“For technical reasons, double-stack container trains cannot be operated on the existing railway in this corridor.

“Construction of a new line to allow for this would be of a much higher standard, shorter and should cut the cost of container movement significantly; helping to boost the country’s trade competi-tiveness and cut the costs of doing business.”

At present the operation of double-stack container trains is common-place, and is being expanded, in North America (the USA, Canada and Mexico). Comparable trains run across Australia between Perth and Adelaide and in Saudi Arabia. India is developing several

high-standard freight rail lines for double-stack container train operation and China is developing a network of around 10 000 km for such operations. Essentially, these trains require a standard-gauge line with a vertical clearance for bridges, tunnels, etc., of about three metres higher than most existing railways allow.

An unclear planEvans says the present plan for rail in the Durban-Gauteng corridor is not clear. “Several government sources appear to favour a dedicated passenger high-speed standard-gauge railway. On the other hand, there have been recent calls for a high-standard freight line that can accom-modate double-stack container trains. Proponents of the freight line proposal suggest that passenger transport could be left mostly to the airlines and roads. China is showing that, with some compromises, it is possible to build a high-standard modern railway that can handle both forms of traffic”.

Using the Chinese model described, a new Durban-Gauteng high-standard mixed-traffic line could provide for rail services that would include the following: • 200-250 km/h electric multiple

unit passenger trains offering services that would appeal to the business community and more affluent travellers;

• 120-160 km/h air-conditioned conventional locomotive-hauled passenger services with several standards of accommodation that would appeal to the less affluent, tourists and local holiday makers;

• 100-120 km/h double-stack container and triple-deck automotive trains; and

• other freight trains carrying high-value or time-critical merchandise that can travel at 120-160 km/h.

To Evans, a high-standard mixed-traffic mainline rather than a passenger or freight-only line along the Durban-Gauteng

“If one considers that switching containers from road to rail would

help to reduce road accidents in this corridor, lower energy requirements

and also contribute towards containing carbon emissions growth,

then the appeal of such a railway solution is clear,” says Evans.

45


The station serves 200 000 passengers per day. (Photo: courtesy www.shutterstock.com)

Continued on page 45

46


Supplied by Hamamcioğlu Müesse-seleri T.T.A.Ş., the Bobcat dealer for Turkey, based at Orhanlı in the Tuzla

district of Istanbul, the new E35 compact excavator was purchased with Bobcat digging and tilt buckets.

Owned by agriculture engineer, Daimi Acar, Firat Technical Water Systems is an expert in constructing irrigation systems and landscaping.

The Nakkaştepe Hills contract includes preparing the sub-base for landscaping and planting for the project, where the stability and high performance of the E35 excavator has been combined with the use of the tilt bucket to save time and money and over-come the difficulties of working on the steep slopes at the site. As well as Nakkaştepe Hills, Firat Technical Water Systems is carrying out similar contracts at Acıbadem and Çamlıca. All together, the three contracts cover a total area of 1,8 km2.

Designed to achieve the highest perfor-

mance with exceptionally smooth move-ments, the 3,5 tonne E35 excavator combines maximum productivity with the ability to carry out jobs with precision and fingertip control. A thumb-operated boom offset control located on the left joystick enables improved control of the boom swing func-tion while providing more floor space for the operator.

An important feature which provides smooth travel in all operating conditions is the auto-shift travel motor which allows an automatic transition from the low to high speed range or vice versa.

The operator can select the auto-shift feature via a rocker switch on the right hand dashboard. Alternatively, the auto-shift can be disengaged and the operator can use the switch located on the blade control lever to select the travel speed desired.

The Bobcat E35 excavator has a digging depth of 3 117 mm, a reach at ground level of 5 230 mm and a dump height of 3 437 mm.

EQUIPMENT

corridor potentially offers several advantages. Container, automotive and

other suitable freight traffic would be encouraged to move to rail as a higher quality of service would be available – this would lead to safer roads, lower transport costs and energy efficiency and carbon emission benefits.

“Some passenger traffic would move from air and road transport to rail transport, improving road travel safety, providing access to more affordable trans-port and leading to energy and emission benefits. Such a line would also reduce the need to expand air and road transport infrastructure on this corridor,” he said.

“A new railway linking Durban and Gauteng would probably take at least 15 years to implement. It would likely to be the largest single transportation project ever undertaken in the country and it would require major investment. Such a project would provide a once in 50-100 year opportunity for the country’s most important transport corridor.

The necessary feasibility and plan-ning studies would have to be robust and rigorously validated to ensure maximum benefits are obtained for the country,” concluded Evans.

BOSPHORUS BRIDGE EXCAVATORIn Turkey, the Istanbul-based company, Firat Technical Water Systems, has been using a new Bobcat E35 zero tail swing compact excavator for work on steep slopes on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus Bridge at the Nakkaştepe Hills, close to Istanbul. Firat Technical Water Systems is working as a subcontractor for Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Tree & Landscaping Corporation.

>

http://www.alliedcranehire.co.za

47


“Caterpillar’s primary design goal on the B-Series is to enable contractors to achieve even more efficient compaction,” explains

Barloworld Equipment paving product manager, Johan Hartman, “with multiple vibration frequencies plus ballast options on specific models to provide best-in-class versatility on varied job sites in either gran-ular or asphalt applications.”

Popular B-Series units for the Southern African market include the CB14B, CB24B and CB34B models. The vibratory system on these units provides a good balance between frequency and amplitude to meet diverse asphalt pavement applications that include urban streets, paths, parking lots, driveways, patching and shoulder work.

The CB14B has a default high frequency of 70 Hz; whilst the CB24B has three frequency selections, namely high (63 Hz), middle (52 Hz) and low (42 Hz). The CB34B in turn has a high and low frequency selection mode of 55 Hz and 48 Hz.

Standard operating weights for the CB14B, CB24B and CB34B are 1 520 kg (with a 1 000 mm drum), 2 723 kg (1 200 mm drum) and 3 699 kg (1 300 mm drum) respectively. Mid range extra weight machine options are also available, examples being the Cat CB24B XT and CB34B XW (with wider 1 400 mm drum width). Optional ballast configurations include the Cat CB34B and CB34 XW models, which provide the flexibility to add and remove weight on the drums, as required,

for varied compaction requirements. Vibra-tory selection on most models includes front drum only, rear or both drums.

Each drum is fitted with front and rear scrapers that are spring-loaded, retractable and self-adjusting. On the go, the dual-drum drive powertrain provides continuous full-drum traction on soft base materials, uneven surfaces and steeper grades. Meanwhile, the rounded drum edge prevents cutting into the mat. For final finishing, Caterpillar also fields two combi rollers, the Cat CC24B and CC34B, both of which come standard with rear pneumatic tyres and a front vibratory drum roller.

“Pneumatic tyres provide a kneading action for a tight mat finish, creating high ground pressure that penetrates deep into the lift,” Hartman continues.

A distinctive feature on the new B-Series is their excellent drum-edge visibility due to the sloped hood, longitudinal engine mount and narrow frame design, which improves control for better coverage and compac-tion results. A maximum 50 mm drum offset feature enhances control near curbs and obstacles while providing more coverage.

Engine power on demand provides the push needed on grades, with units driven by either a Cat C1,5 or Cat C2,2 unit depending on the machine size. (The exception is the Cat CB14B, which is fitted with a Kohler engine.)

These Cat engines are equipped with multiple speed settings

and Eco-mode, which when

EQUIPMENT

VERSATILITY AND MOBILITYLaunched globally from the fourth quarter of 2013,

Caterpillar’s new B-Series utility compactor line-up builds on the success of the previous generation and comes to market in a nine model line-up to compete in the 1,8 mt

to 5 mt size class. B-Series units are manufactured at Caterpillar’s Rantigny production facility in France.

The Cat CB24B XT has a 1 200 mm drum width and a standard machine operating weight of 3 301 kg. The weight at the front and rear drum are 1 496 kg and 1 627 kg, respectively. INSET: a close-up view of the extra weight set-up on the drum roller.

selected delivers improved fuel efficiency and lower sound levels. Well-match for Southern Africa’s climate, the engine cooling package has an ambient capability of 49°C at 80% load.

“Fast travel speeds ensure excellent mobility,” says Hartman. “Additionally, the speed remains constant on grades, with smooth propel lever control at all speeds.”

The vibratory drum deactivates auto-matically when the propel lever is in the neutral position, while the exclusive eccentric weight shaft delivers quick starts and stops.

The B-Series comes to market with a best-in-class water spray system. The large capacity water tank provides up to 12 hours of operation between refills and is equipped with a low level indicator for added conveni-ence. Triple filtration delivers reliable perfor-mance and simplifies service.

Intermittent and continuous spray modes enable the operator to adjust the water flow to match site conditions, with the spray bars tucked under the frame for good wind protection.

Adds Hartman: “Along with achieving the right densities targets, preventing asphalt pickup is the key to keeping a fresh mat in place and in these and other areas, the B-Se-ries sets new paving standards.”

From left: Johan Hartman paving product manager Barloworld Equipment and Matt Rowe Caterpillar Global Paving territory manager, Johannesburg.

A side-by-side comparison showing a Cat CB24B and CB34B utility compactor.>

48


The Lokotrack ST2.4 processes a diverse range of feed materials, from the pre-screening of the coarsest

gravel to fine classifying and processing of natural sands, or any demanding recycle materials. Three clean end product sizes can be produced in one process due to the ST2.4’s two-stage screen set-up. A variety of screen media can be fitted, from steel meshes to rubber and polyurethane materials. All the conveyors are folded hydraulically and secured mechanically.

“You just set up the screen angle, lift the

feeder up and start screening,” says Kimmo Anttila, product manager for Metso mobile screens. The Lokotrack ST2.4’s screen box size measures 3,6 m in length with a width of 1,5 m. Machine and track systems are powered by a 74,9 kW Cat C4.4 diesel engine.

Optional features on the ST2.4 include a vibrating apron feeder with grizzlies or finger bars, a lamer feeder, a magnetic separator for recycling, and remote radio controls.

Designed for on-road transportation, the 25 tonne Lokotrack ST2.4 is 14,2 m long, with a height and width of 3,4 m and 2,9 m, respec-

The Minister said the manufacturing sector has proven that it can be the driver of industrialisation and

Bell Equipment’s success story is evidence of that. "Manufacturing is the driver of economic diversification and the generator of employment. Even if most of the jobs do not reside in the manufacturing, the sector also supports and sustains a range a service jobs which are high quality and more secure because they are rooted in a growing manufacturing base."

According to Minister Davies, a strategy of Government's Infrastructure Develop-ment Plan is to drive industrialisation with all spheres and agencies of Government requiring that a proportion of inputs used in infrastructure development come from locally manufactured sources as a means to support local manufacture.

He added that, as the most industrialised country on the African continent, South Africa would also play a large role in the

EQUIPMENT

DRIVING INDUSTRIALISATIONThe Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies says manufacturing should be the leader of industrialisation in the country. Minister Davies was speaking at Bell Equipment's manufacturing facility and head office in Richards Bay where he celebrated the handover of the company's 50 000th vehicle.

development of regional economic infra-structure on the continent and Government would be looking to support companies like Bell, which have the competitive ability and capacity, to contribute toward this effort.

Commenting on the Industrial Policy Action Plan, the Minister stated that while it has registered significant achievements over the last five years, it lacks the aspect of recognising champions. "One of the areas of improvement and focus must be to increasingly identify and support 'champions', winning SA companies, and strengthen their efforts in a more focused and strategic manner with the range of policy instruments we have in our armoury – industrial financing, incen-tives, trade measures and export promotion. The reason for this is that South Africa's growth path is currently consumer driven, import intensive and characterised by significant fault-lines," he added.

In return, he explained, the dti would be looking to local manufacturers for a deepening of localisation and supplier development, employment creation, skills development and improving technological ability.

Bell Equipment, as the joint winner of the Manufacturer of the Year Award at the inaugural South African Premier Business Awards last year, already has quite a number of business practices that could be replicated elsewhere in the country in this regard, he said.

Bell Group chief executive officer, Gary Bell said the company has about 1 000 suppliers in the country of which about 300 are based in Richards Bay and estimates at 65% to 70% value add for the country in terms of its suppliers.

Illustrating the value add that is capable

in manufacturing, Bell said: "Essentially the steel used in our Bell machines comes from iron ore mined in South Africa at about R1 200 per tonne, and we convert it into machinery at R120 000 per tonne. So there is some serious added value in these products."

He expressed the company's gratitude to the dti for the MIDP/APDP assistance it has received. "This contribution has been well reinvested into products and development and we aim to do that going forward and believe we can do a whole lot more. We have an opportunity to accelerate the production here; 50 000 machines over 30 years is not that significant but going forward we are expecting to produce some 3 000 to 4 000 machines per year."

Commenting on the challenges facing local manufacturers, Bell said the company receives little in the way of protective tariffs and is disadvantaged in terms of location due to the large distance from our suppliers and our export markets.

"Bell competes against 20 to 30 imported competitors and we would like Government to encourage other companies to invest in local manufacture to see them assisting with the creation of jobs in South Africa," he said.

The visit also provided an opportunity for Minister Davies to meet with Bell manage-ment to further discuss ways of improving synergies between the local manufacturing and Government in line with the DTI's policy of industrialisation and localisation.

Bell has previously benefited from the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP), which has been recently superseded by the Automotive Production and Develop-ment Plan (APDP).

HIGH CAPACITY, MULTI-PRODUCT SCREENINGMetso’s latest generation Lokotrack ST2.4 mobile screen combines high capacity performance with fuel efficient operation to provide the lowest cost per tonne in its class, thanks in part to the optimised hydraulic design and state-of-the-art process steering automatics.

tively, enabling rapid deployment between sites, which is the primary objective of mobile crushing and screening operations.

From the pre-screening of the coarsest gravel to fine classifying of natural sands, or any demanding recycle materials, the new Lokotrack ST2.4 mobile screen meets a wide variety of applications.

>

>

49


EQUIPMENT

Minister of the Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies gets a deeper insight into Bell Equipment during a tour of the factory with Bell Group chief executive officer, Gary Bell.

TWS was recognised for its excellence in marketing by being selected for two awards from the four categories they

were originally short-listed in. They garnered the ‘Best Sales Campaign in International Market’ award for the launch of TWS as a new business line and the launch of the Aggre-sand™ plant. The second award was for ‘Best Brand Development Campaign’ again for the campaign rolled out to launch TWS as a new business line in the market.

“We were initially delighted to be short-listed as finalists in four award categories and to be awarded two of these four prestigious awards surpassed our expectations. Consid-ering TWS has only been in business just over one year, to gain this level of recognition is an honor, which acknowledges the effectiveness and scale of marketing activities implemented by TWS on a global level,” says Elaine Donaghy, marketing manager.

“At The Chartered Institute of Marketing’s 2013 Ireland Marketing Excellence Awards Terex Washing Systems won in two categories.

Firstly the award for Impact in the International Market their launch of the new brand and existing products onto the global marketplace. The campaign utilised marketing channels and demonstrated innovation for their sector and as a result have achieved significant sales in a challenging economic environment, and have established themselves as market-leaders in their field,” commented CIM Network manager (Ireland), Richard Houdmont.

“Terex also won the Best Brand Develop-ment Campaign, recognising the company as a single source provider of washing equip-ment, providing reliable, high quality and very productive equipment to meet individual materials and mineral washing needs.

The judges noted the then recent-ly-launched new product called the Aggresand which serves customers’ various demands and needs worldwide and will quite simply change the very nature of how aggregates and minerals are washed and managed throughout the world,” continued Houdmont.

CLEANS UP AT AWARDSTerex Washing Systems (TWS) picked up two prestigious awards at the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Ireland Marketing Excellence Awards.

LEFT: Fergal McPhillips, TWS sales manager and Garry Stew-art, TWS applications engineer collect the two marketing awards on behalf of Elaine Donaghy, marketing manager.

RIGHT: Elaine Donaghy, TWS market-ing manager and Sean Loughran, direc-tor Terex Washing Systems with their two awards, ‘Best Brand Development Campaign’ and ‘Best SalesCampaign in an International Market’.

>

http://www.hpeafrica.edx.co.za

50


Several months of experience producing consistently high volumes of quality product has in fact proved quite the opposite.

The Rubble Master has significantly driven down operating costs as it works free of the complexities of a conventional crushing and screening train.

“The product supplied was a conven-tional RM80 GO! fitted with an MS80 GO! screen as a factory fitted extra. The customer can now use a single compact machine to produce G4 and G5 material in quantities that previously required three different pieces of equipment; a jaw crusher, cone crusher and screen,” explains Pilot Crushtec International’s national sales manager Nicolan Govender.

Govender says the economic implications speak for themselves. “A single power plant replicates the work previously done by three separate units which garners substantial savings in diesel consumption, maintenance and labour costs. Wear to internal compo-nents has also proved to be minimal.”

Flanders Quarry thought long and hard before making a long term commitment with the purchase of capital equipment. “Being a fairly small company we decided to gain experience by hiring a variety of machines before taking the plunge ourselves. While it took over two years to finally make our deci-sion we have absolutely no regrets about the outcome,” says managing director Karl Stott.

The Mount Edgcombe-based company has been active for nearly two years but the

drive to seriously step up production came with the awarding of two major contracts to produce G4 G5 and G6 materials for bridge and civil construction.

It was originally in the market for a scalper, however Pilot Crushtec Internation-al’s advice was that its potential customer would be best served by a solution elimi-nating the need for a multi/crusher screen train. The state-of-the-art Rubble Master RM80 GO! was an obvious choice as the Austrian product, fitted with a screen, contains all three capabilities packaged within a single unit.

Following discussions with technical staff at the supplier’s Jet Park facility and a site visit to a local operator, the Pilot Crushtec International sales team arranged for truckloads of Flanders Quarry dolerite material to be processed by a RM80 GO! to G4 and G5 spec at one of their customer’s sites in Pietermaritzburg.

The quantity and quality of product demonstrated the power and cost effec-tiveness of modern day horizontal impact crushers, resulting in the immediate purchase of an RM80 GO!

“The machine is doing a great job producing more than 150 tonnes per hour on a 0-200mm decomposed dolerite,” says Govender. He adds that the MS80 GO! screen gives the ability to produce a range of prod-ucts from G2 to G7 in accordance with COLTO and TRH14 specifications and the opening of the closed side setting on the screen saves significant wear on the crusher’s hammers.

Stott is very positive about his new supplier. “Pilot Crushtec International is a well established and progressive company with a strong service orientation. This extended to flying out a technical expert from the Rubble Master factory in Linz, Austria, to assist with the product set-up.

He is also upbeat about business pros-pects in the area. “We are in the right place at the right time. There is an enormous amount of local development and our order book shows that we can look forward to the next couple of years with a great deal of enthusiasm. We believe the future business climate will favour small to medium sized companies like ourselves and the availability of products like the Rubble Master RM80 GO! allow us to be competitive in our field.”

EQUIPMENT

ALL SYSTEMS

When Kwazulu-Natal aggregate producer Flanders Quarry bought a Rubble Master RM80 GO! to produce large amounts of G4 and G5 material, it flew in the face of traditional opinion concerning the supposedly high running costs of horizontal shaft impact crushers (HSI).

GO!

Rubble Master RM80 GO! proves that dynamite comes in small packages.

>

51


is drawn from the tipping truck in a controlled stream, dust generation is significantly reduced, minimising environmental pollution.

A wide belt design, with vertical hopper sides, enables fast truck discharge and the efficient conveying of any material, without the risk of blockage. Steel apron bar technology provides the strength of an apron feeder, with clean operation. Conveyor chains are always outside the material flow, which means chain wear is reduced and inspection is easy. The MF0814T is self-propelled and is powered by an integrated Tier 3 diesel engine. Self-steering through a remote control unit can be deployed quickly and independently for flexibility, total control and optimum efficiency.

A key safety feature is an emergency stop facility. Optional emer-gency pull cords can also be installed on each side of the machine.

BLT SA, exclusive distributors of the supports the SAMSON range in sub-Saharan Africa, offers a technical advisory, parts and mainte-nance service.

“This new tracked machine, which is modelled on the original Samson® material feeder, has been developed to meet the demands of the mining and quarrying sector,” says Keith Dowie,

project development engineer for BLT SA’s SAMSON bulk materials handling equipment.

“These automated handling systems are designed to join together fixed and mobile equipment, offering flexibility and an economical alternative to expensive fixed bulk handling installations.

“This new robust MF0814T tracked material feeder, with a holding capacity of up to 100 tons, is designed for high accuracy in discharge control and can operate efficiently in arduous environments. This system can efficiently handle materials with a bulk density up to 3,2 t/m³ and lumps up to 400 mm. Typical materials include limestone, coal and coke, raw slag, alternative fuels, clays and shale, as well as heavy mineral ores.”

This system, which is a flexible and cost efficient alternative to conventional underground hoppers, is installed above ground by simply being bolted to a flat concrete slab foundation, eliminating costly civil engineering works. Even in fixed installations this portable system can be easily relocated for future plant development.

Samson material feeders are suitable for heavy duty applications with continuous use, including impact loading from articulated dump trucks and large loading shovels, providing a buffer storage capacity, without the need for large ramps or underground pits. Since material

Recently, in a test* performed by the independent technical inspection organisation TÜV Nord, the LP6500 was compared with two similar duplex roller models from other manufac-

turers. The test provided confirmation that the LP6500 has lower vibrations in the handle and lower machine noise than the other machines tested.

Test results conclusive In the vibration test the LP6500 showed a hand-arm vibration level of only 4,14 m/s2 in the top handle, while one competing roller was measured at 7,01 m/s2 in the direction handle. Thus the hand-arm vibration level in the handle of the LP6500 is 2,87 m/s2 lower, which means consider-ably less strain on the operator during a working day. In the noise emission test, the LP6500 showed a sound pressure level of only 89 dB(A), which is 3 dB(A) lower than one of the competing machines, and 6 dB(A) lower than the other.

Effective on virtually any surfaceThe LP6500 provides high compaction efficiency on thin granular soil layers, such as sand and gravel.

When compacting silt, the compaction effect depends largely on water content and the LP6500 is most effective on thin layers. On asphalt the end results are excellent and the LP6500 is well suited

for smaller jobs in areas such as pavement construction or repair, narrow roads, play-grounds or parking lots.

*Atlas Copco Construction Tools AB in Kalmar, Sweden, initiated and performed the comparative test under the supervi-sion of TÜV Nord. All steps of the process, from preparation to tests and measure-ments were conducted in accordance with TÜV Nord .

EQUIPMENT

>

ENHANCED MANOEUVRABILITYNew to BLT SA’s range of SAMSON bulk materials handling equipment is the recently launched MF0814T material feeder on tracks, for enhanced manoeuvrability.

New to BLT SA’s range of Samson bulk materials handling equipment is the recently launched MF0814T material feeder on tracks.

TOP OPERATOR COMFORTThe high level of operator comfort offered by the LP6500 Duplex Roller is a direct result of Atlas Copco’s continuous focus on ergonomic design.

Atlas Copco is an industrial group with world-leading positions in compressors, expanders and air treatment systems, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. With innovative products and services, Atlas Copco delivers solutions for sustainable productivity. The company was founded 1873, is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 170 countries. In 2012, Atlas Copco had about 39 800 employees.

Atlas Copco Construction Tools is a division within Atlas Copco´s Construction Technique business area. It develops, manufactures and markets hydraulic, pneumatic, and petrol-driven equipment for demolition, recycling, compaction, rock drilling and concrete applica-tions. Products are marketed and sold under several brands through a worldwide sales and service organi-sation. The division is headquartered in Essen, Germany, and has produc-tion units in Europe, Africa and Asia.

>

52


Precast concrete panels are reinforced concrete units avail-able in a variety of mixes, colours and finishes, such as formed, acid-etched, smooth or coarse ground, rubbed, polished, grit or sand-blasted. Designers revel in the fact

that complex and innovative designs can be incorporated using an infinitely mouldable concrete mix.

In specifying precast concrete as cladding material, the designer gives the building contractor the opportunity to have the building ‘envelope’ moved off site to a precast facility where a skilled work-force can pay full attention to the demands for accuracy and quality of workmanship in the finish.

One of the main distinctions between precast concrete cladding and tilt-up concrete panels is that the precast elements are usually cast in a specialised manufacturing plant, away from their final loca-tion. Tilt-up panels are usually cast horizontally at or near their final destination, and then lifted into place.

The precast panels are often cast face-downwards in purpose-moulds, normally made of steel, often with rubber, timber or fibre glass inserts forming a pattern. Prior to the concrete being placed, a steel reinforcement cage is placed in the mould. Through the insertion of mats or rods in the base of the mould, different designs and effects can be created.

Precast cladding offers a wide range of finishes. In off-the-form finishes, the mould detail is mirrored in the concrete surface and

can produce, for example, board-marked finishes, ribbed finishes, or rope-pat-terned finishes. Exposed aggregate finishes, on the other hand, reflect the natural colour of the aggregate. Other finishes available include polished reconstructed stone finishes, or panels can be given a polished stone or ceramic tile finish.

Architectural concrete claddings generally fall into two categories:• Claddings that purely serve as enclosures: in this application the claddings are applied as self-finished

panels or as backing components to other façade materials, such as brickwork; or

• Claddings that form an integral part of the framework of a building and therefore perform an enclosing as well as a structural function.

Cladding panels can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes but are mainly applied as storey-height or spandrel panels: the storey-height units span from floor to floor; and the spandrel version forms a sill wall beneath fenestration strips.

Storey-height panels can be manufactured with apertures for windows and doors later installed on site. Window frames can also be attached in the cladding manufacturer’s plant and applied paint finishes can be carried out before the panels are delivered to site.

Apart from its major cost benefits, precast cladding offers prop-erty owners long term durability and minimum maintenance without the need for frequent cleaning.

The inherent capabilities of concrete also help to make precast cladding a popular choice as a result of:• Faster programme times – unaffected by weather or labour

shortages;• The early enclosure of the dry envelope enables follow-on trades

to commence their work sooner; • A high standard of workmanship in factory conditions and

reduces the potential for accidents;• Exceptional fire resistance;• Superior acoustic quality that will help keep traffic and industrial

noise from the office environment; • Control of radiation and conduction of heat and prevents air

leakage; and • The use of concrete sandwich panels with incorporated thermal

insulation in colder climates keeps the office environment warm. Harsh coastal environments may threaten the lifespan of some clad-ding materials but decades-old concrete structures (such as the Port Elizabeth Post Office building, north of the CBD and virtually next to the corrosive influences of the ocean) bear testimony to concrete’s exceptional durability.

The façade of the main administrative building and Council Chamber wing of the Johannesburg Civic Centre (a landmark near the top of Rissik Street) still looks attractive after more than four decades since it was originally clad. Large precast concrete panels, 8,7 m high and 2,1 m wide and weighing 6 800 kg, were used as the walls of the Council Chamber.

The Concrete Institute recommends that input is obtained from an experienced precast specialist in the early decision-making stages of a cladding project.

> PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Unlimited design FREEDOM

Precast concrete cladding provides the designer with substantial freedom in the choice

of form, texture, and appearance because concrete’s flexibility allows for limitless scope

in expression and character, says Bryan Perrie, MD of The Concrete Institute.

Much of the iconic Sydney Opera House is covered with ceramic tiles but underneath the tiles are about 2 000 precast concrete segments.

>

52


53


MSA Africa sales and marketing director Paul Gibbon notes that the alphaFP SCBA fall protec-

tion harness can be swiftly and easily connected to any MSA SCBA backplate in confined space emergencies, in applica-tions ranging from mining and construc-tion, to painting and welding. "This unique product serves as a two-in-one solution for emergencies situations."

The alphaFP fall protection SCBA harness is highly versatile, and can be used for fall arrest, thanks to its solid stainless steel rings that serve as attachment points for fall arrest lanyards.

D-rings on each side of the hip belt allow for safe positioning on an exposed work site, while the back D-ring can be used for safe rescue from confined spaces.

According to Gibbon, prolonged oper-ations on a rope can be conducted in comfort, as the hip harness with both

>PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

IMPROVING WORKER SAFETY SCBA, the African division of MSA – a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of sophisticated products that protect people's health and safety – has launched a new fall protection harness that is designed specifically for emergency situations that require both respiratory and fall protection equipment simultaneously.

leg loops turns into a comfortable seat. "By virtue of its slide-through design, normal walking is unobstructed. The alphaFP fall protection harness offers the user the highest levels of safety in exposed situations, and is the ideal safety solution for height and shaft rescues, and also provides respiratory protection in tunnel operations."

Gibbon reveals that the harness has been designed with a front opening system that allows for fast and intui-tive donning, even within the confines of a vehicle.

“The MSA alphaFP has been designed for maximum user comfort, and boasts a sliding leg loop design that allows for freedom of walking. Two versions of the alphaFP harness are available in the local market, namely; the alphaFP pro and the alphaFP basic, which both come in standard or large sizes," he concludes.

MSA Africa sales and marketing director, Paul Gibbon.

Alpha FP Harness back and front view.

>

htp://www.diamondpc.co.za

54


H2S has a low solubility in wastewater and when it escapes from the waste-water and moves into the air, it is easily recog-nised by its characteristic

offensive, rotten egg odour. It can also be responsible for severe corrosion problems and toxic conditions within wastewater conveyance and treatment facilities.

“Andrew Mentis has developed a range of corrosion-resistant floor grating and handrailing in galvanised, 304 stainless steel and 3CR12 options that are ideally suited to the extreme conditions found in wastewater treatment plants. All prod-ucts in these ranges are designed and engineered to suit situations where the strength to weight ratio is important, such as wastewater treatment plants,” Elaine van Rooyen, marketing manager of Andrew Mentis, points out.

“The water and wastewater industry encompasses the mechanical and chemical processes used to remove pollutants from wastewater, for reuse in the environment. These processes can create a slippery envi-

ronment for operators and technicians, with vapours, water and chemicals creating slick underfoot and handhold conditions near large machinery and tanks,” Van Rooyen explains.

An emphasis on safety underpins the development of all Andrew Mentis floor grating and handrailing products. “Weak-ened handrailings and floor gratings, caused by corrosion and damp, can result in slips, trips or falls. In addition, due to the fact that broken handrailing or floor grating needs to be replaced, downtime is incurred, which negatively impacts on productivity,” Van Rooyen says.

Galvanising or using stainless in a wastewater treatment plant is not only a safe and cost effective option, but it does not compromise the aesthetics of the environment. Andrew Mentis’ Rectagrid RS40 floor grating is manufactured using a pressure locking system pioneered by the company. The locking characteristics guar-antee the structural integrity of the product and further enhance its integrity in a corro-sive environment.

“The transversals on the floor grating are positively and permanently locked to the bearer bars and the locking method at the intersections is designed to use the full depth of the bearer bar when calculating loads. This attention to detail ensures that the load bearing capacity is top of mind when design and manufacturing are under-taken,” according to Van Rooyen.

Andrew Mentis’ stainless steel tubular handrailing is reputed for its corrosion and stain resistance qualities. “We have designed the stanchion base plates to allow moisture to drain from the stanchion itself, thus adding further credence to its corro-sion-resistant benefits. These handrails are not only functional, but also resilient and durable,” Van Rooyen says.

The tubular handrailing system is complemented by a range of standard angles and matching accessories, with different bends and end closers adding to the versatility of the product. “Enhanced customer service was a driving factor, with the stanchions and bends forming part of a system of interlinking components that can be installed without the need for special tools,” Van Rooyen comments.

The stanchions are 42,9 mm diameter by 2,5 mm wall thickness specifications,


in wastewater industryBEATING CORROSION

When wastewater travels through sewer

lines, it can become anaerobic or septic (the

dissolved oxygen can become depleted) as a result of the metabolic processes of microbes

commonly found in the wastewater. Under anaerobic conditions,

specific sulphate-reducing bacteria

thrive and generate hydrogen sulphide (H2S)

as a byproduct of their respiration.

and are also available in 3CR12, 304 and 316 stainless steel polished to a satin finish.

“Both Rectagrid and Mentis handrailing were selected for the Zeekoegat waste-water treatment plant and other treatment plants in the industry. We believe that each application deserves individualised atten-tion and as such we customise products to meet specific application requirements, within specified client timeframes,” Van Rooyen concludes.

Mentis floor grating and handrailing meet the arduous requirements in the WWTW sector.

Mentis floor grating and handrailing are ideally suited for wastewater treatment plants.

54


55


PRODUCTS AND SERVICES >

Mentis' Rectagrid RS40 floor grating is manufactured using a pressure locking system pioneered by the company.

Mentis' stainless steel tubular handrailing offers corrosion and stain resistant qualities.

This attention to detail ensures that the load bearing capacity is top of mind when design and manufacturing are undertaken.

http://www.viinstruments.co.za

56


> PRODUCTS AND SERVICESPRODUCTS AND SERVICES

The new product is Armodillo, a multi-functional polymer- bitumen membrane that offers

waterproofing, drainage and the protec-tion of foundation walls in a single product application. a.b.e., part of the Chryso Southern Africa Group, signed an agree-ment with Index in 1996 and recently celebrated the sale of 2 million rolls of the Index bitumen waterproofing membranes in South Africa.

“Index’s new Armodillo Polyester membranes – which incorporate anti-root protection can solve the problems of waterproofing, mechanical protec-tion, and drainage – all in one product,” says Lance Anderson, a.b.e.’s brand manager: waterproofing.

“Armodillo’s upper face is armoured with impact-resistant, elastic polymer-bi-tumen ‘dimples’ or bubbles – similar to the protective plates of an Armadillo’s shell – that protect the membrane from perforation when buried, and at the same time form an efficient drainage network

that allows any water to quickly drain to the perimeter drains, stopping hazardous pooling. If the dimples are torched, they become adhesive, making it possible to bond insulating panels, non-woven fabrics and other materials on to the membrane.

“The lower face of Armodillo membranes is covered with Flamina, a plastic film that can be easily torched. The bubbles on the Armodillo membranes keep the installer’s hands away from the torch, making installation much safer and easier.

“Index Armodillo can be installed by bonding the next membrane onto the 70 mm indented selvage of the previous membrane ensuring that no raised, uneven problematic laps are created,” Anderson adds.

Armodillo can be used on both flat and vertical parts of a building, and for ground foundation walls as a protective and draining layer. It was recently installed at a roof garden test site at the University of Cape Town.

“a.b.e. sees tremendous potential for Index Armodillo as a simple-to-use water-proofing solution for both roof gardens and below-ground tanking areas. Its multi-functionality substantially reduces multiple product applications to reduce time on site. The Armodillo multi-func-tional membrane has far greater punc-ture resistance than conventional HDPE membranes,” Anderson states.

Armodillo membranes are covered against product failure by Index’s 10-year insurance-backed warranty that incorpo-rates excess-free claims should a prod-uct-related failure occur.

foundation walls and roof gardensPROTECTINGa.b.e. Construction Chemicals

has launched a new, unique bitumen heat-fused

waterproofing membrane produced by the world-

renowned Italian company, Index, with which a.b.e has an

exclusive agreement with for product distribution in SA.

TOP: a.b.e.’s new Armodillo multi-functional membrane was installed at a roof garden test site at the University of Cape Town. ABOVE: Armodillo can be used on both flat and vertical parts of a building, and for ground foundation walls as a protective and draining layer.BELOW: A closer view of a.b.e.’s new Armodillo multi-functional membrane at the UCT roof garden test site.

>

57


Under this scheme, standard welding and cutting equip-ment that is not in good working order can be instantly exchanged for a reconditioned equivalent at a reduced

price, without having to wait for repairs to be carried out. “The major advantage of the Servex™ scheme is that it

ensures welding and cutting equipment is always in good working order,” says Afrox’s Lourens le Roux. “At Afrox safety is paramount and we’ve found that Servex™ offers a safer alter-native to customers making use of ‘pirate’ repaired equipment, which poses a risk, because this practice utilises non-standard and second-hand components to get equipment working. For safety reasons, we strongly discourage customers from attempting to carry out internal repairs on Afrox regulators, flashback arrestors or torches.

“Servex™ makes it easy to exchange an old or damaged piece of Afrox equipment for a new, safety-certified product at a well discounted price. There is no reason why customers cannot afford to be safe and compliant.”

Servex™ is available on the Afrox Saffire® and Saffire® Legend 916 ranges and all Servex™ units carry the customary one-year and five-year warranties, as well as all the standards and certifications applicable to the new versions.


ADDED VALUE = MASSIVE SALES

Sales have skyrocketed since Afrox’s Service Exchange scheme (Servex™) was re-introduced in 2012 in response to numerous customer requests, proving that this scheme is acknowledged by the market as a genuine value add.

>

http://www.makita.co.za

58


The state-of-the-art Ludwig FL- Mobimic SlimLine microwave mois-ture measuring system and wire-

less Bluetooth transmission system consists of a microwave moisture measuring probe with integrated temperature sensor, trans-mitting unit and a receiver module.

The system was developed in-house by Ludwig in mid-2012, and is exclusively distributed in the local market through Pan Mixers South Africa (PMSA) – the largest supplier of concrete brick, block and paving-making machinery and technology in Africa.

Ludwig Moisture Control managing director Manfred Ludwig was one of PMSA's international guests at the 2013 bauma Africa Trade Fair in September, who was on-hand at the company's display stand to provide visi-tors with the opportunity to obtain expert advice and insight, while showcasing the latest advancements that the Mobimic Slim-Line wireless moisture measuring system has to offer.

"As the smallest microwave moisture probe of its kind, Mobimic SlimLine is a new generation of wireless measuring. With a height of just 29 mm and a diameter of 75 mm, the probe can be placed effortlessly into confined spaces. This breakthrough in design enables precise humidity monitoring in process flows – an advancement that was previously impossible with wired sensors," he says.

Ludwig points out that the data captured from the probe is transmitted by an industrial grade Bluetooth connection. "The combi-nation of the probe with a transmitting and receiving unit means that the Mobimic Slim-Line can be used in stationary mixers with a rotating mixing drum, ready-mix trucks and moving bulk containers."

According to Ludwig, a major challenge in moisture control is the fact that end users are often unaware of the exact amount of water content in the aggregates. "Accu-rately controlling the water and moisture


IMPROVING CONCRETEquality and control

Local precast concrete manufacturers and concrete ready-mix supply and delivery companies can ensure

that their concrete is produced to the highest standards of quality, by making use of advanced wireless moisture

measurement technology developed by German-based moisture control expert, Ludwig Moisture Control.

content ultimately ensures energy savings, increased productivity and an improvement in the quality of concrete products ranging from concrete bricks and blocks, to roof tiles, pipes as well as delivery trucks," he adds.

PMSA marketing and sales manager Quintin Booysen notes that the company has been an authorised Southern Africa distrib-utor for Ludwig for several years. "We have worked in close collaboration with Ludwig Moisture Control over the years to ensure that we make the company's complete range easily accessible to the local market, in addition to providing all customers with the latest product training, as well as compre-hensive after sales and technical support."

Although the Mobimic SlimLine wire-less moisture measuring system is a niche product, Ludwig is optimistic that the company will obtain measurable market share in Africa, as a result of the continued expansion of the concrete pre-cast and ready-mix industry both locally and in Southern Africa. "Expansion of these indus-tries has prompted an increased demand for better quality concrete and greater control during concrete manufacture as well as delivery in the ready-mix sector. The Mobimic SlimLine system has a proven track record in international markets for effec-tively achieving these objectives, and I have full confidence that similar results will be realised in Africa too."

Booysen states that PMSA plans to focus on its 2014 strategic imperatives, which include monthly industry-specific open training sessions held onsite at the PMSA showroom and sales facility.

SlimLine probe in bottom of counter current mixer.

Ready-mix truck with external receiver.

>

59


Bolstered by a late European winter, Sika AG's sales picked up momentum in the 4th quarter

of 2013. Total sales grew 9,4% in Euro-pean currencies in the 2013 financial year. Adjusted for exchange rates, sales were 6,5% higher at CHF5,14-billion. This positive development is largely due to organic growth. The rapid integra-tion of acquisitions also helped to drive growth momentum.

Some 5,9% of the overall sales increase reported in the 2013 financial year was attributable to organic growth, to which all regions contributed. Acquisi-tion-related sales growth came to 3,5%. The strong Swiss franc produced a nega-tive currency effect of 2,9%. This resulted in 6,5% sales growth in Swiss francs. In light of the demanding conditions prevailing in numerous markets, the results achieved bear testimony to the strength and robust-ness of Sika's growth strategy.

The region EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) reported 8,5% growth for 2013. This positive trend was driven primarily by organic growth in Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the UK, as well as by acquisitions.


STRONG GROWTH MOMENTUMSika AG, is a globally active specialty chemicals company, which has its South African head office in Durban, along with branches in all major SA cities.

The Sika head office in Durban.

Sika Technology Building, Switzerland.

• Sales up 9,4% to CHF5,14-billion

• Growth in all regions

• Sales 17,2% higher in emerging markets

Business in the region North America picked up considerably toward the end of the year, resulting in a 2,3% increase in sales for 2013. While the residential real estate market recovered, any positive impact on the rest of the construction industry remained modest.

Latin America posted the strongest growth of all regions in 2013. Year-on-year, sales were 15,1% igher, with every country and target market recording increases.

With above-average growth, the region Asia/Pacific also saw sales rise by 12,5%. The OECD countries reported increases in the single-digit percentage range, while China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam all posted double-digit growth rates.

The accelerated build-up of business in the emerging markets produced sales growth of 17,2% in local currencies and 11,8% in Swiss francs. The proportion of sales generated by the emerging markets increased to 38% (previous year: 37%).

Through investments in emerging markets, the launch of new products, and the acquired companies, Sika is poised to continue its growth strategy in the current year 2014.

That being said, the significant currency movements witnessed in the past few months and the process of integrating the newly acquired companies present a challenge in terms of sales growth and costs items.

>

http://www.tradeprojects.co.za

60


Interbuild Africa 2014 will take place from 20-23 August 2014 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec where this iconic event will move to the next phase of its history as it

undergoes a dramatic renovation, including a complete rebrand and other key changes that will provide greater value to both its exhibitors and visitors.

The transformation includes extensive changes to the show’s format, all aimed at delivering an event that provides our exhibitors with maximum return on their investment, while bringing our visitors a show that is highly relevant in exhibitor and information content.

Some of the major features planned for 2014 include a Skills Devel-opment Competition, Free-to-attend Seminars, a Glass Conference and a Building Conference in partnership with some of the industry’s major associations.

DIARY AND APPOINTMENTS>

>

The ACT course, being presented in Midrand by The Concrete Institute’s School of Concrete Technology, will

culminate in exams written in July 2014. The course includes four weeks of lectures by industry experts, blocked into two week-long sessions.

Bryan Perrie, MD of The Concrete Institute, says: “The 2014 ACT course will expose dele-gates to a wide range of concrete disciplines

INTERBUILD AFRICA 2014Interbuild Africa is one of the largest building and building services exhibitions in Africa. With a history spanning over four decades, it has also become one of the most well-known events of its kind in Africa.

Theresa Cupido, CEO and owner, established ATN Roadmarking and Civil Engineering contractors in August 2006. It is a 100% Black Owned company.

In 2007 the ATN Group was selected by Martin & East/Zebra Surfacing, to form part of their Enterprise Development Programme for emerging contractors. Its successful participation in this programme has accelerated the growth of the company. Cupido joined South African Federation for Civil Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC) where she is an active member of the marketing committee.

In 2008 she was a winner in the emerging contractors category for her grade in the Woman in Construction Award by the Depart-ment of Transport and Public Works. In 2009 she was elected to form part of the Woman in Construction(WIC) Regional Forum where she served as secretary.

In September 2013, Cupido was elected to the chairpersonship of SAFCEC (Western Cape).

CLIMBING THE LADDER

Victor Boardman, for many years a respected and well-known name in the South African construction industry, has passed away suddenly.

Boardman, 50, was technical sales consultant at the Chryso Southern Africa Group’s Gauteng regional office at the time of his death in January this year. While with the Group – which he joined in 2008 – he spearheaded the launch of the Pareflo range, Chryso SA’s silicone water repel-lant that eliminates efflores-cence in concrete blocks, bricks and pavers; and also provided invaluable advice on a wide variety of lightweight precast concrete matters.

IN MEMORIUMA

PPO

INT

MEN

TS

Beumer GroupDr Detlev Rose, chief sales officer.

CorobrikMusa Shangase,

commercial director.

LEADING TRAINING COURSE STARTSFourteen students – including one from as far afield as Qatar – have enrolled for The Concrete Institute’s 2014 Advanced Concrete Technology diploma course.

The Concrete Institute’s 2014 ACT students pictured just after the start of their intensive tuition. From left (seated in front): Reuben Jonas, Gary Cronk, Gary Theodosiou (The Concrete Institute lecturer), and Zintle Khuzway. At the back: Sudir Mannengote (from Qatar), Garth McMillan, Warwick Railton, Bheki Makhathani, Darren Hoft, John Wilkins, Sibusiso Hlatshwayo, Revo van Zyl, Gerhard Woschitz, Sean van der Merwe, Clayton Kanyumba (from Lesotho), and Bryan Perrie (The Concrete Institute managing director).

and insights that could definitely provide a competitive advantage to both the students and their companies.”

Delegates for ACT courses are drawn from qualified civil engineers, cement chemists, concrete technologists and technicians involved in the building, construction, precast concrete, mining and also the cement, aggregate, admixture, and ready-mixed concrete industries.

>

http://www.doka.co.za

http://www.ppc.co.za

march 2014 constructionworld - crown publications · at the recent cesa (consulting engineers south...

Documents