speaking · to build a dream team consisting of a diverse group of leaders with a mix of skills...

May 2020

SpeakingSpeaking

Click here for contact details

http://www.franki.co.za

So what makes a good leader? Why is it that certain people seem to naturally inspire confidence, loyalty, and hard work, while others just, well, don’t?

Covid-19 has got me thinking that maybe it has something to do with the different ways that people deal with adversity.

Indeed, research1 suggests that one of the most reliable indicators and predictors of true leadership are an individual’s ability to find meaning in negative events and to learn and grow from even the most trying circumstances.

The skills required to conquer adversity and emerge stronger and more committed than ever

are the same ones that make extraordinary leaders.

Many top leaders in business, sports and the public sector can point to intense, often traumatic, always unplanned experiences that transformed them and which became the sources of their distinctive leadership abilities.

For many, these ‘crossroad’ experiences were points of deep self-reflection that forced them to question who they were and what mattered to them. It required them to examine their values, question their assumptions, hone their judgment, develop new skills, let go of old ways. And, invariably, they emerged from the crossroads stronger and more sure of themselves and their purpose—changed in some fundamental way.

Leadership crossroads can take many forms. Some are extreme, life-threatening

events like war. Others may be less dramatic but every bit as challenging: self-doubt, illness, being subjected to racism or sexism. Or the world suddenly changing. As it certainly has done in the last two months…

Let us be in no doubt, COVID-19 is a leadership crossroad which we are all experiencing right now.

Your challenge and mine is to view COVID not as a concrete block falling on our heads, but as a concrete step fallen at our feet which, if we can manage to step up, offers higher levels of efficiency and the chance to become stronger and more effective than ever.

So, how do we step up? I’d like to remind us all of four leadership attributes (which happen to be the same attributes that allow us as individuals to grow in what could otherwise be a debilitating experience):

First is the ability to create shared meaning that others want to be part of. In our context at Franki this is a commitment to doing our jobs to the very best of our abilities. And helping (and expecting) our colleagues to do the same.

Second is the self-discipline to only ever act in good faith, with positive intent, in everything we say and everything we do.

Third is a sense of integrity – always acting with professionalism, honesty, fairness and respect.

These three attributes are all embodied in Franki’s core values. We talk about them often.

The fourth, and by far the most critical attribute, is having the courage to change. This is, in essence, an ability to transcend adversity, with all its attendant stresses, and to emerge stronger than before.

It’s composed of two primary qualities: the ability to grasp context, and perseverance.

Grasping context implies an ability to put a situation into perspective when it feels like chaos and uncertainty are all around. Without this, leaders are utterly lost, their judgement is swayed by current circumstances (which, although intense, may be only temporary) or by emotions such as anger or anxiety or pride.

Sometimes you don’t know what you’re capable of until you

step out of your comfort zone either by choice or by force.

Perseverance, is quite simply the mental toughness that enables people to emerge from devastating circumstances without losing hope; to experience failure and set-backs but to keep going.

These attributes allow leaders to grow from their crossroads instead of being destroyed by them—to find opportunity where others might find only despair. This is the stuff of true leadership. And it’s as true for self-leadership as it is for leading others.

I’m honoured to be leading Franki through the crossroads of Covid-19. What a privilege to have colleagues like you, and customers like you, and suppliers like you. We are finding opportunities where others might find only despair. We are learning from and coping with change. We are adapting our business for the future. And we will emerge stronger and more efficient than ever.

Franki is open for business.

Errol BraithwaiteManaging Director

Getting Better at Getting BetterIf you work at Franki Africa you will no doubt have heard me say that MY PERSONAL VISION IS TO CREATE A LEADERSHIP CULTURE. To build a dream team consisting of a diverse group of leaders with a mix of skills who, when added together, multiply each other’s skills, compensate for each other’s weaknesses. And do great things. Together.

1 Crucibles of Leadership by Warren Bennis and Robert J. Thomas

As part of the connected companies of Keller, Franki Africa offers a comprehensive range of geotechnical and marine engineering services including both design and construction for the General Construction, Civil Engineering and Mining Industries. Call Franki today about your next project.

011 062 7718 | [email protected] | www.franki.com

• Ground Improvement • Deep Foundations • Grouting• Earth Retention• Near Shore Marine Works

Franki Africa providesdedicated expertise in:

Helping create infrastructure that improves the world’s communities

Franki Newsletter May 2020 3


4 Franki Newsletter May 2020

Civil Engineering April 2019 5

o N T H E coV ER

INTRODUCTIONWhen Edgard Frankignoul invented the Franki pile in 1909 he had no idea that 110 years later it would still be regarded as one of the most cost-effective and reliable solutions for a host of different geological conditions.

“It’s quite amazing,” says Franki Africa’s Gavin Byrne, “that with only relatively small improvements over time, the Franki pile, after so many years, repeatedly remains the solution of choice in a wide variety of conditions. Given that we operate in an ever-changing and advancing technological environment makes the ubiquitous nature of the Franki pile even more remarkable.

“Above all, the Franki pile is a unique system for generating excellent load capacity, and we have developed a number of techniques to install it in a variety of soil conditions,” Byrne adds. “With its wide range of pile sizes and its characteristic, enlarged base, it’s fair to say that the Franki pile has been one of the cornerstones of Franki Africa’s success in southern Africa.”

The latest project to demonstrate the magic of the Franki pile is the piling work done for Sappi at its Saiccor Mill in Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal.

THE PROJECTSappi’s project includes the installa-tion of a new evaporator, recovery boiler, and screening and washing plant, along with upgrades to the bleach plant and pulp machines, improved recovery circuits and additional magnesium digesters. The piling tender for all these elements stipulated the installation of ap-proximately 1 900 piles to varying depths.

DIFFICULT GROUND CONDITIONS AND RECORD DEPTHS“I would say that the ground conditions on this site were among the most difficult in Franki’s 75 years of installing piles in the southern African region,” Byrne says. “From our initial design and construct perspective, we had no doubt that the

Franki pile would be the most cost-effective and technically robust solution for a variety of reasons.”

The conditions actually encountered on site revealed greater variations in the geological profile than were expected. Not only would piles have to be installed at depths of 24 m – an all-time record for the company – but installation would also have to be performed at very shallow depths of between 5 to 8 m.

Byrne says it is not only this significant variation in depth that was challenging, but also how quickly the founding depth changed. “Over large parts of the site the founding depth would vary by as much as 15 m. This was perhaps the single most challenging condition of the site and neces-sitated very careful site planning, and fast and constant evaluation of the deeper areas of founding to ensure that the heavy equip-ment could be continuously utilised.”

Standing the test of time

Liebherr 855 and Liebherr 8070 rigs installing deep Franki piles on site

6 April 2019 Civil Engineering

In a nutshell, Franki had to deal with some of the shallowest conditions it has ever encountered, juxtaposed with the deepest it has ever had to go, and the Franki pile proved to be exactly the right solution. “This is mainly because the Franki pile accommodates a wide variety of difficult founding conditions, and pro-vides remarkable settlement performance and load capacity,” Byrne explains.

NOT THE END OF THE FRANKI PILE’S ADVANTAGESOne of the stipulations was that the piles had to resist uplift forces. Franki’s Jonathan Day, who was instrumental in the final design of the job, says any other pile, such as auger or CFA piles, for example, would have been a much more expensive and complicated solution, due to these piles having to be socketed into the bedrock. “The Franki pile’s large base is the best solution in this situation, mainly because it can be founded on the rock surface while providing superior uplift capacity.”

Two more site conditions reinforced the choice of Franki piles. Firstly, there were boulders at localised portions of the site at various depths, and Franki piles are able to penetrate the boulder horizon. Secondly, across most of the site there are very soft silty clays and the Franki piles are ideal for driving through such material, with the

Franki pile casing preventing collapse of the material and ensuring the integrity of the pile shaft concrete.

A WIDE RANGE OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE JOB AND THE TIMING CHALLENGESix piling rigs are being used on the job. These include three standard Franki crawler piling rigs for the shallower piles, an Ajax 55 t crane with leader for the piles to about 17 m, a 70 t Liebherr for the 18–20 m piles, and the recently introduced large Liebherr crane (90 t) for the deeper piles which include Franki’s deepest, history-making piles of 24 m.

Day says that the timing has been one of the important challenges of the job. “Our client required certain key mile-stones to be achieved and set stringent targets for each section of the job. In this regard I am pleased to say that we have completed the first sections on time and within budget. The excellent relationship between ourselves and our client Sappi has been fundamental to the success of the project thus far.”

Meanwhile Errol Braithwaite, Managing Director of Franki, says that he is proud of the quality projects that Franki is currently involved in, especially in the present very challenging economic climate. “There is no doubt that the con-struction industry in southern Africa is

facing one of the most pressured periods in its history – many companies are having to reinvent their business models, some will have to close, foreign companies are entering the market, skills are exiting the market, and confidence is down.

“In spite of this, however, I remain confident about the future. In our own organisation we are still experiencing a buoyant order book and, importantly, we are seeing excellent young talent emerging which is more representative of our diverse nation than ever before. Through our parent company, Keller Group plc – the largest independent geotechnical construction company in the world – we have unprece-dented access to international expertise and technologies and, with Keller, Franki has a local presence in African cities stretching from Cape Town to Nairobi, from Accra to Mauritius, and many places in between.”

Franki Africa has a long history of success on the African continent, and its experience and expertise have been greatly bolstered by being part of Keller with which it shares all the values that will enable Franki to continue giving its clients a world-class service.

“We are fortunate to have some of the best people, technologies and equipment on the continent, and it is our responsi-bility to continue delivering excellence across the board to all our customers,” Braithwaite says, adding that perhaps Franki’s most important attribute is the quality of customers, like Sappi, it has attracted over the years. “This has been a privilege of the highest order and I am pleased to be able to express our gratitude to them out loud and in public.”

Info

Victor FerreiraFranki Africa+27 11 531 [email protected]

Perfectly positioned and trimmed Franki piles in a three-pile group

Franki Africa has a long history of success on the African continent, and its experience and expertise have been greatly bolstered by being part of Keller with which it shares all the values that will enable Franki to continue giving its clients a world-class service

Cover story published in Civil Engineering Magazine – April 2019




Franki Newsroom

Shavathon 2020

Johannesburg staff got together on Friday, 6th March 2020 for a “shave and spray” session in order to raise funds for CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa) and to show support for cancer survivors. Boerewors rolls and salads were enjoyed by all, and we were able to raise R2 450 for this worthy cause. A big ‘Thank You’ to Corlita Eloff for arranging the spray paint / shaving gear and to Dulce for organising the event! Some very interesting styles were created on the day!

DONATE

SHOPPING CENTRES = 29 FEB & 1° MARCH 2020SHOPPING CENTRES = 29 FEB & 1° MARCH 2020WORKPLACES - 2 - 6 MARCH 2020WORKPLACES - 2 - 6 MARCH 2020

Spring Day Celebration!A Spring Day get-together was held at Head Office on 2nd September 2019, with staff contributing plates of eats and arriving with very interesting hats! Congratulations to Dylan Nosworthy for winning the hat completion and to Anri van Rensburg who finished in second place!

Winning hats – Dylan (standing, 2nd from the right) and Anri (standing, far right). A Spring Day feast!

Gavin Byrne ‘goes green’. Paulo Alves, with red polka dots!

Johnny Haywood – in technicolour!

Bridget Phiri, showing off her multi-coloured locks.

Gordon Heasman (far left) welcoming all to the Tribute.

Nkomati Tribute

Welcome

On 4th July 2019, Franki staff gathered to remember and pay tribute to friends and colleagues lost in the Nkomati bus accident on that date in 2017.

A sincere thank you to those who organized this beautiful ceremony allowing us the opportunity to celebrate their lives. They will not be forgotten.

Enzo Carbone (centre) retired after 29 years with Franki Cape! Garry Boyd (left) and Roy Louw (right) are seen here wishing him all the best for the future. You will be missed Enzo!

Good Luck Enzo!

Gordon and Petrus Motaung, laying the remembrance wreath.

We extend a warm welcome to the following new staff members:Anri van Rensburg, who came on board on 7th January 2019, as BU Plant Admin Officer. She joined us from WK Construction where she was Plant and Technical Admin Supervisor.

She and her husband, Chris, celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on 12th December 2019. They have two cats who Anri describes as ‘being eternal teenagers, and we’re their slaves, but we love them’. Anri and Chris are nature and animal lovers and their favourite place in the whole world is the Kalahari, but they would love to explore the rest of Africa. Anri is an avid cook whose special passion is cooking on the open fire / coals while enjoying a good red wine or whiskey!

Roger Feldmann, who re-joined us on 15th January 2019, taking on the role of Business Development Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa. Roger worked for Franki (Johannesburg) as a Contracts Manager some twenty years ago!

He is married to Louise, who is a qualified music teacher and teaches from her home studio as well as at the Beaumont Primary School in Somerset West. Roger and Louise do Parkrun every Saturday morning and managed to complete 100 runs in January 2020! They have two beautiful Belgian Shepherd dogs which they train. Roger has this to say about his return to Franki : ‘I love my job and love travelling, meeting new clients and supporting the Franki team.’

Barney Salsone, who became part of the team on 15th February 2019, in the capacity of BU Plant Manager. He was previously with WK Construction, where he managed their group plant division and was also responsible for logistics

Barney and his wife, Corrine, have been married for 37 years and have two sons, Jovan (aged 35) and Trent (who is 29), as well as one grandson, Kai, who is 8 years old. Barney loves traveling and learning about the cultures and history of other countries. He is also an animal lover and has a parrot, a fish tank and two German Shepherds! In his spare time, he is a keen gardener and has a special love for his rose trees. Barney describes himself as ‘a bit of a perfectionist’.




IMIESA January 2020 15

Final cover section Sept2019 vector.indd All Pages 2019/09/08 13:48

The book, entitled A Guide

to Practical Geotechnical

Engineering in Africa, was officially

launched by Keller’s Professor

Michal Topolnicki, senior technical advisor,

at the 17th African Regional Geotechnical

Conference in Cape Town, held between 7 and

9 October 2019. The conference was attended

by both local and international delegates,

including senior board members of the ISSMGE.

A celebrated traditionThis latest edition maintains the 50-year

tradition of updating this now well-established

textbook every 10 years. The book also mirrors

the evolution and changes within Franki, from

a small piling company in the era after the

Second World War to the leading geotechnical

engineering company in the African region.

The first two editions, published in 1976 and

1986, respectively, entitled A guide to piling and

foundation systems, illustrate Franki as a piling

company and the Southern African branch of the

worldwide Belgian-owned Franki group. Franki

started as a small piling company in Southern

Africa after the Second World War and expanded

into a significant piling company during the

1950s and 1960s.

The First Edition was authored by then managing

director Ian Braatvedt, with a foreword by the

legendary Professor JE Jennings.

The second two editions, published in 1996

and 2008, respectively, are both titled A

Practical Guide to Geotechnical Engineering

in Southern Africa. They demonstrate

Franki’s change of logo and ownership, as

well as the evolution into a geotechnical

contracting company offering a wide

range of geotechnical products, and marine

engineering capability.

The development of Franki’s in-house

geotechnical design capability is demonstrated

by the significant sections on design and the co-

authoring of Gavin Byrne as a senior member of

the Franki team, for both these editions.

New chaptersThe new Fifth Edition, co-authored once again

by Gavin Byrne – together with Dr Nicol Chang

as technical director of Franki and Dr Venu Raju

as the Keller Group’s director: Engineering

and Operations – depicts Franki’s expansion

through the African continent and the Indian

Ocean Islands.

The ownership of Franki Africa by the Keller

Group, the largest geotechnical contractor

worldwide, is reflected in the significant

change and evolution of the book’s content,

the inclusion of colour into the graphics and

illustrations, as well as the doubling of the

pagination from 270 pages in the First Edition

to 540 pages in this Fifth Edition.

The new edition incorporates the deep

foundation, lateral support, design, marine

and limited ground improvement content of the

Third and Fourth editions, and adds Keller’s

extensive range of ground improvement,

grouting and associated design methodologies.

Trenchless technology and the introduction

to Limit State Design are an added feature

of the comprehensive publication. Franki’s

key suppliers are acknowledged and provided

with advertorial space and reference to their

products/equipment.

The foreword by Professor Peter Day,

recognised internationally for his delivery of the

Terzaghi Oration as a leading geopractitioner

of the African region, is greatly appreciated

for its recognition of the contribution of the

‘Blue Book’ to the geotechnical industry. The

authors would like

to thank all in the

Keller Group and

Franki for their

contributions and

support in the

preparation of their

new publication.

The cover design for the Fifth Edition. Franki, as a member of the Keller Group, provides a wide range of geotechnical engineering design and construction services


+27 11 531 2700 | franki.co.za | [email protected]

• Piled Foundations • Lateral Support • Ground Improvement • Near Shore Marine Works • Design – Build• Foundation Repair & Underpinning• Liquefaction Mitigation


Franki__ad_Event_Guide_Oct18.indd 1 2018/10/17 20:02

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

Definitive geotechnical work unveils bumper edition Reflecting the rich history of the Franki legend, the Fifth Edition of the widely acknowledged ‘Blue Book’ on geotechnical engineering incorporates elements of its holding company, the Keller Group, and many of Keller’s state-of-the-art ground improvement and grouting technologies.

Co-authors Dr Nicol Chang (right) and Gavin Byrne at Franki’s Diamond Sponsor stand at the 17th African Regional Geotechnical Conference

First Edition, 1976

Second Edition, 1986

Third Edition, 1995

Fourth Edition, 2008

IMIESA January 2020 15

Final cover section Sept2019 vector.indd All Pages 2019/09/08 13:48

The book, entitled A Guide

to Practical Geotechnical

Engineering in Africa, was officially

launched by Keller’s Professor

Michal Topolnicki, senior technical advisor,

at the 17th African Regional Geotechnical

Conference in Cape Town, held between 7 and

9 October 2019. The conference was attended

by both local and international delegates,

including senior board members of the ISSMGE.

A celebrated traditionThis latest edition maintains the 50-year

tradition of updating this now well-established

textbook every 10 years. The book also mirrors

the evolution and changes within Franki, from

a small piling company in the era after the

Second World War to the leading geotechnical

engineering company in the African region.

The first two editions, published in 1976 and

1986, respectively, entitled A guide to piling and

foundation systems, illustrate Franki as a piling

company and the Southern African branch of the

worldwide Belgian-owned Franki group. Franki

started as a small piling company in Southern

Africa after the Second World War and expanded

into a significant piling company during the

1950s and 1960s.

The First Edition was authored by then managing

director Ian Braatvedt, with a foreword by the

legendary Professor JE Jennings.

The second two editions, published in 1996

and 2008, respectively, are both titled A

Practical Guide to Geotechnical Engineering

in Southern Africa. They demonstrate

Franki’s change of logo and ownership, as

well as the evolution into a geotechnical

contracting company offering a wide

range of geotechnical products, and marine

engineering capability.

The development of Franki’s in-house

geotechnical design capability is demonstrated

by the significant sections on design and the co-

authoring of Gavin Byrne as a senior member of

the Franki team, for both these editions.

New chaptersThe new Fifth Edition, co-authored once again

by Gavin Byrne – together with Dr Nicol Chang

as technical director of Franki and Dr Venu Raju

as the Keller Group’s director: Engineering

and Operations – depicts Franki’s expansion

through the African continent and the Indian

Ocean Islands.

The ownership of Franki Africa by the Keller

Group, the largest geotechnical contractor

worldwide, is reflected in the significant

change and evolution of the book’s content,

the inclusion of colour into the graphics and

illustrations, as well as the doubling of the

pagination from 270 pages in the First Edition

to 540 pages in this Fifth Edition.

The new edition incorporates the deep

foundation, lateral support, design, marine

and limited ground improvement content of the

Third and Fourth editions, and adds Keller’s

extensive range of ground improvement,

grouting and associated design methodologies.

Trenchless technology and the introduction

to Limit State Design are an added feature

of the comprehensive publication. Franki’s

key suppliers are acknowledged and provided

with advertorial space and reference to their

products/equipment.

The foreword by Professor Peter Day,

recognised internationally for his delivery of the

Terzaghi Oration as a leading geopractitioner

of the African region, is greatly appreciated

for its recognition of the contribution of the

‘Blue Book’ to the geotechnical industry. The

authors would like

to thank all in the

Keller Group and

Franki for their

contributions and

support in the

preparation of their

new publication.

The cover design for the Fifth Edition. Franki, as a member of the Keller Group, provides a wide range of geotechnical engineering design and construction services



• Piled Foundations • Lateral Support • Ground Improvement • Near Shore Marine Works • Design – Build• Foundation Repair & Underpinning• Liquefaction Mitigation


Franki__ad_Event_Guide_Oct18.indd 1 2018/10/17 20:02

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

Definitive geotechnical work unveils bumper edition Reflecting the rich history of the Franki legend, the Fifth Edition of the widely acknowledged ‘Blue Book’ on geotechnical engineering incorporates elements of its holding company, the Keller Group, and many of Keller’s state-of-the-art ground improvement and grouting technologies.

Co-authors Dr Nicol Chang (right) and Gavin Byrne at Franki’s Diamond Sponsor stand at the 17th African Regional Geotechnical Conference

First Edition, 1976

Second Edition, 1986

Third Edition, 1995

Fourth Edition, 2008

Article and advert published in Imiesa Magazine – January 2020




2120 CONSTRUCTION WORLD APRIL 2019 CONSTRUCTION WORLD APRIL 2019

COVER STORY

A magnificent bridge over the Okavango River in the Mohembo Village area which is being piled by Keller’s Franki Africa for main contractor Itinera/Cimolai JV, is a shining example of Franki’s diverse strengths. Here we focus on Franki’s renowned ability to deliver in remote and challenging environments.

BRIDGING COMMUNITIES – FRANKI AFRICA’S EXPERTISE ON SHOW

The bridge, which connects villages on the east of the river with the rest of the country, straddles the Mohembo East

(Kauxwi) Ferry landing site with the Mohembo West (Shakawe) Ferry landing site.

According to Devendra Lalbasanth, Franki senior Contracts Manager, the 1,2 km bridge, which consists of two towers for the Cable Stayed portion and 18 piers, requires 189 no. 1 200 diameter, permanently cased auger piles at an average of 35 m below platform level. Some of the piles required are being installed to a depth of 50 m.

In terms of the ground conditions, the top 12 m consists of alluvial deposits underlain by soft rock, schists and gneisses – metamorphic rock developed from basement granites – and there were no surprises in this regard as the Botswana Roads Authority’s geotechnical investigation, prior to and post the award of the contract, was thorough.

“More than thorough,” Lalbasanth says. “In excess of 100 boreholes were drilled and more than 700 rock-strength tests were completed. This was one of the most detailed geotechnical investigations we’ve ever seen.”

Lalbasanth says that, on the face of it, the scope of works may sound like a fairly straightforward task in geotechnical terms but the nature of the site and the surrounding area, including roads and general access, were extremely challenging especially for

Integrity, collaboration and excellenceMeanwhile Errol Braithwaite, Franki MD, says that he is proud of the quality projects that Franki is currently involved in, especially in this very challenging economic climate. “There is no doubt that the construction industry in Southern Africa is facing one of the most pressured periods in its history – many companies are having to reinvent their business models, some will close, foreign companies are entering the market, skills are exiting the market and confidence is down.

“In spite of this, however, I remain confident about the future. In our own organisation we are still experiencing a buoyant order book and, importantly, we are seeing excellent young talent emerging which is more representative of our diverse nation than ever before. Through our parent company, Keller Group plc – the largest independent geotechnical construction company in the world – we have unprecedented access to international expertise and technologies and, with Keller, Franki has a local presence in O

kava

ngo

Rive

r brid

ge, B

otsw

ana

FOR FURTHER INFORMATIONFranki Africa +27 11 531 2700

bringing in the specialised equipment that was required for the job. And it was no ordinary equipment that had to be transported to the site. It included a Liebherr 355 – one of the largest augering machines in Africa – two Casagrande B180s, a Bauer BG 18 and two Liebherr 845 service cranes.

“Getting this equipment to site was certainly the greatest challenge facing the Franki team. For example, before this job the Liebherr 355 was doing rigid inclusions at Clairwood Logistics Park in Durban and we converted it to an auger configuration before transporting it to Mohembo, 1 500 km away,” Lalbasanth says.

He adds that a huge debt is owed to abnormal load transport specialists Transcor Transportation for their efficiency and perhaps, above all, patience in the delivery of the equipment. “The trip from Durban to the site took 14 days!” As the geotechnical work takes place on both sides of the river, it was also challenging getting the plant across the river. “For this we must thank our clients, the main contractor, who provided us with a 150 t pontoon for the job.”

To date Franki has completed 50% of its work. “We look forward to seeing this bridge completed. The design shows that it will be a magnificent structure with both towers literally towering over the landscape in the shape of elephant tusks. I thank all our team, the local residents in the Kauxwi and Shakawe areas, Transcor Transporters and our clients, Itinera/Cimolai JV, for their continued efforts in ensuring a successful contract,” Lalbasanth concluded.

Working at the water's edge on the Eastern Tower to a depth of 52,6 m.

Installation of permanent liner into augered hole.

African cities stretching from Cape Town to Nairobi, from Accra to Mauritius and many places in between.”

Braithwaite says that another important competitive advantage of being part of the Keller group is that Franki has been able to bring world-class technology to the African market: the rigid inclusion ground improvement technique to the Clairwood Logistics Park in Durban, large diameter cluster hammers to the Hass Towers project in Nairobi and deep cased augers socketed into bedrock to the Okavango River Bridge in Botswana, which is discussed alongside.

“Indeed, there is much more that will help us to continue providing our customers with the appropriate solutions at the right price,” says Braithwaite. “This includes simplified, standardised business processes, LEAN construction and data analytics, which, along with an obsession with skills development, will underpin our continued success on this continent.

Franki’s values Franki has always been a values driven company and its successful integration into the Keller organisation is undoubtedly, in large part, a result of the shared value system of both companies which can be summarised as follows: Integrity: Consistently acting with honesty, fairness and positive intent;Collaboration: There is a huge amount of collaboration required to take a job to fruition, both internally and with our customers, suppliers and counterparts. Good relationships and mutual respect are foundational; Excellence: Excellence is the application of skill and diligence in the delivery of every project. It is the mindset of: We can and must continue to get better. We can never be satisfied with the status quo.

SummaryFranki Africa has a long history of success

on the African continent and its experience and expertise have been greatly bolstered by being part of Keller with which it shares all the values that will enable Franki to continue giving its clients a world class service.

“We are fortunate to have some of the best people, technologies and equipment on the continent and it is our responsibility to continue delivering excellence across the board to all our customers,” Braithwaite says.

He adds that perhaps Franki’s most important attribute is the quality of customers it has attracted over the years. “This has been a privilege of the highest order and I am pleased to be able to express our gratitude to them out loud and in public,” he concludes.

Okavango River bridge: Reinforcement being carefully lowered into the cased pile hole.

CW_April 2019_Cove story.indd 20-21 2019/03/22 10:50:35 AM

2120 CONSTRUCTION WORLD APRIL 2019 CONSTRUCTION WORLD APRIL 2019

COVER STORY

A magnificent bridge over the Okavango River in the Mohembo Village area which is being piled by Keller’s Franki Africa for main contractor Itinera/Cimolai JV, is a shining example of Franki’s diverse strengths. Here we focus on Franki’s renowned ability to deliver in remote and challenging environments.

BRIDGING COMMUNITIES – FRANKI AFRICA’S EXPERTISE ON SHOW

The bridge, which connects villages on the east of the river with the rest of the country, straddles the Mohembo East

(Kauxwi) Ferry landing site with the Mohembo West (Shakawe) Ferry landing site.

According to Devendra Lalbasanth, Franki senior Contracts Manager, the 1,2 km bridge, which consists of two towers for the Cable Stayed portion and 18 piers, requires 189 no. 1 200 diameter, permanently cased auger piles at an average of 35 m below platform level. Some of the piles required are being installed to a depth of 50 m.

In terms of the ground conditions, the top 12 m consists of alluvial deposits underlain by soft rock, schists and gneisses – metamorphic rock developed from basement granites – and there were no surprises in this regard as the Botswana Roads Authority’s geotechnical investigation, prior to and post the award of the contract, was thorough.

“More than thorough,” Lalbasanth says. “In excess of 100 boreholes were drilled and more than 700 rock-strength tests were completed. This was one of the most detailed geotechnical investigations we’ve ever seen.”

Lalbasanth says that, on the face of it, the scope of works may sound like a fairly straightforward task in geotechnical terms but the nature of the site and the surrounding area, including roads and general access, were extremely challenging especially for

Integrity, collaboration and excellenceMeanwhile Errol Braithwaite, Franki MD, says that he is proud of the quality projects that Franki is currently involved in, especially in this very challenging economic climate. “There is no doubt that the construction industry in Southern Africa is facing one of the most pressured periods in its history – many companies are having to reinvent their business models, some will close, foreign companies are entering the market, skills are exiting the market and confidence is down.

“In spite of this, however, I remain confident about the future. In our own organisation we are still experiencing a buoyant order book and, importantly, we are seeing excellent young talent emerging which is more representative of our diverse nation than ever before. Through our parent company, Keller Group plc – the largest independent geotechnical construction company in the world – we have unprecedented access to international expertise and technologies and, with Keller, Franki has a local presence in O

kava

ngo

Rive

r brid

ge, B

otsw

ana

FOR FURTHER INFORMATIONFranki Africa +27 11 531 2700

bringing in the specialised equipment that was required for the job. And it was no ordinary equipment that had to be transported to the site. It included a Liebherr 355 – one of the largest augering machines in Africa – two Casagrande B180s, a Bauer BG 18 and two Liebherr 845 service cranes.

“Getting this equipment to site was certainly the greatest challenge facing the Franki team. For example, before this job the Liebherr 355 was doing rigid inclusions at Clairwood Logistics Park in Durban and we converted it to an auger configuration before transporting it to Mohembo, 1 500 km away,” Lalbasanth says.

He adds that a huge debt is owed to abnormal load transport specialists Transcor Transportation for their efficiency and perhaps, above all, patience in the delivery of the equipment. “The trip from Durban to the site took 14 days!” As the geotechnical work takes place on both sides of the river, it was also challenging getting the plant across the river. “For this we must thank our clients, the main contractor, who provided us with a 150 t pontoon for the job.”

To date Franki has completed 50% of its work. “We look forward to seeing this bridge completed. The design shows that it will be a magnificent structure with both towers literally towering over the landscape in the shape of elephant tusks. I thank all our team, the local residents in the Kauxwi and Shakawe areas, Transcor Transporters and our clients, Itinera/Cimolai JV, for their continued efforts in ensuring a successful contract,” Lalbasanth concluded.

Working at the water's edge on the Eastern Tower to a depth of 52,6 m.

Installation of permanent liner into augered hole.

African cities stretching from Cape Town to Nairobi, from Accra to Mauritius and many places in between.”

Braithwaite says that another important competitive advantage of being part of the Keller group is that Franki has been able to bring world-class technology to the African market: the rigid inclusion ground improvement technique to the Clairwood Logistics Park in Durban, large diameter cluster hammers to the Hass Towers project in Nairobi and deep cased augers socketed into bedrock to the Okavango River Bridge in Botswana, which is discussed alongside.

“Indeed, there is much more that will help us to continue providing our customers with the appropriate solutions at the right price,” says Braithwaite. “This includes simplified, standardised business processes, LEAN construction and data analytics, which, along with an obsession with skills development, will underpin our continued success on this continent.

Franki’s values Franki has always been a values driven company and its successful integration into the Keller organisation is undoubtedly, in large part, a result of the shared value system of both companies which can be summarised as follows: Integrity: Consistently acting with honesty, fairness and positive intent;Collaboration: There is a huge amount of collaboration required to take a job to fruition, both internally and with our customers, suppliers and counterparts. Good relationships and mutual respect are foundational; Excellence: Excellence is the application of skill and diligence in the delivery of every project. It is the mindset of: We can and must continue to get better. We can never be satisfied with the status quo.

SummaryFranki Africa has a long history of success

on the African continent and its experience and expertise have been greatly bolstered by being part of Keller with which it shares all the values that will enable Franki to continue giving its clients a world class service.

“We are fortunate to have some of the best people, technologies and equipment on the continent and it is our responsibility to continue delivering excellence across the board to all our customers,” Braithwaite says.

He adds that perhaps Franki’s most important attribute is the quality of customers it has attracted over the years. “This has been a privilege of the highest order and I am pleased to be able to express our gratitude to them out loud and in public,” he concludes.

Okavango River bridge: Reinforcement being carefully lowered into the cased pile hole.

CW_April 2019_Cove story.indd 20-21 2019/03/22 10:50:35 AM

Cover story published in Construction World Magazine – April 2019




Franki Newsroom

Farewell to Two Special Colleagues and Friends

Bhekumuzi Maxwell Mkhize13th June 1957 – 2nd October 2019Max Joined Franki in 1988 and has been working in our Sub-Saharan region for nearly ten years. Just prior to his passing, Max was working on a project in Kenya and appears to have suffered a heart attack on site. He was attended to by a paramedic and transported to the on-site clinic for treatment. After being stabilised he was taken to hospital in Naivasha but slipped into unconsciousness on the way and could not be revived.

He will be fondly and respectfully remembered by all who knew him. Our very deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and friends.

Wedding Bells

Barney Salsone (on 8th January 2020), pictured with his wife, Corrine.

Brian McDonald (on 29th June 2019), seen here celebrating with his wife, Lindy.

William Neuwenhuis (on 2nd January 2020).

Milestone Birthdays!

New Arrivals

Congratulations and best wishes to three special members of staff who recently turned 60:

Linda and Ntombifuthi Kheswa (Durban) were delighted to announce the birth of their daughter, Zekhethelo Snenhlanhla on 17th of April 2018!

Durban’s very own Princess Goodall (on the right) became a surrogate grandmother to her niece, Phumala Gcwabaza’s (on the left) baby boy, Ntshikayesizwe Nhlonipho Ndokweni, who was born on 19th August 2019.

Proud, first-time parents Mbali and Ntokozo Sophazi (Durban) with their baby son, Nkazimulo Mpendulo, born on 2nd April 2020.

After six years of marriage, Audrey and Frank Owusu Banahene (Ghana) welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Jonelle, into the world on 11th February 2019.

Heartwell and Isaac Asare (Ghana) were extremely happy to announce the arrival of their baby boy, Ryan, who was born on 14th April 2019.

As cute as a button, Leah Alves, who was born on 3rd June 2019 to proud parents Roberto and Marilena (Kenya).

Angelic little Mia Sofia Peters, born to Jarryd and Desi (SSA), at 07h26 on 24th April 2020, weighing in at 3.59kg. Mia has two older siblings : Kaylynn, aged 10 and Chase, who is one year old.

Linda and Ntombifuthi Kheswa tied the knot in Durban on 17th December 2018. Congrats!

Zambian site crew, together with Mike Scott (second from the right at the back) and Errol Braithwaite (third from the right at the back).

Michael Andrew Scott17th June 1946 - 9th April 2019Mike Scott started working for Franki in Zambia in 1971 and became our Branch Manager in Zimbabwe in 1988. During his long career Mike worked on many prestigious projects throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. In recent years he moved back to Zambia when we re-opened our branch there and has overseen a good and solid operation in that lovely country.

Mike was a great mentor to many of us and will be remembered for his sense of humour and his irrepressible spirit.

The poet Rupert Brooke, author of The Soldier, wrote the immortal lines: If I should die, think only this of me: That there’s some corner of a foreign fieldThat is for ever England.

Well in Mike’s case, there’s some corner of England that is forever Africa. Mike loved Africa : the soil, the sun, the people. And Africa loved Mike.

Our very sincere condolences to his family and to all his many friends in England and in Africa.

The Cape Town Franki cycle team decided to take on the beautiful and scenic 42nd Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday 8th March 2020. During the weeks leading up to race, the race officials had debated as to whether or not the race should go ahead amid the COVID-19 outbreak, especially as the event would attract many international participants. The final outcome was that the race would go ahead but had the race been postponed to one week later, there would have been huge pressure on race officials to cancel as South Africa recorded its first positive test for COVID-19 just a few days before the event.

We had perfect cycling weather for the entire morning but this changed drastically after about 13h30 when the wind and rain hampered the performance of the riders who consequently finished later than expected. I was lucky to have had a very early start and was in before the weather changed for the worse. I narrowly missed two crashes in my bunch which, if they had materialised, would have led to a very bad race day! I had Anton Stoll’s time of 03h16 to beat, which he achieved way back when he was in his prime youth of 16 years old and this spurred me on to get in before the weather changed!

Jim Oldknow and Douglas van Blerck started and finished the race together and used their mountain bikes for the first time. Doug broke one of his spokes and had to have it repaired at Smitswinkel, which coincidentally, was the exact same spot where Jim had his spoke fixed the year before when they also did the cycle tour together. Sadly, a family friend of Doug’s was killed whilst training for this 2020 race, so Doug dedicated his finishing medal to him.

Werner Francke said that he would just go along on the day and complete the race which is what he usually does – finishing any race with minimal preparation! Luckily, Werner and I did not have any mechanical issues on the day so it was an incident-free ride for both of us.

The finishing times were as follows :Werner : 05h48Doug : 05h22Jim : 05h22Charles : 03h08

Well done to all who participated and completed this ride around our beautiful peninsula!

Charles de Mink

Cape Town Cycle Tour 2020

Doug van Blerck (left)

and Jim Oldknow, with

their race medals.

The 2020 medal.

The latest of our ‘New Arrivals’ is Yaw Senanu, baby son to Ebenezer and Mireille Frempong (Ghana). Yaw arrived in the world on 30th April, 2020, and has an older brother, Florent Mawuena Kwaku, aged six.




JUNE 201916 17JUNE 2019

Ge

ote

ch

nic

al

- C

ov

er

Sto

ryG

eo

tec

hn

ica

l - Co

ve

r Sto

ry

Franki pulls out all stops to unravel brewing challenges at Mozambican project

An ambitious project timeline for the construction of Cervejas de Mozambique’s new brewery, compounded by a late start to the project due to external constraints, saw geotechnical specialist Franki pull out all the stops to ensure partial handovers of the foundations and lateral support to allow the main contractor to carry on with the works.

Franki Africa is once again proving why it is the largest, oldest and most established specialist geotechnical contractor in sub-Saharan Africa. This time, the contractor is calling on its experience in this specialist field to get the better of an array

of challenges at the construction of a new brewery in Mozambique. The project owner, Cervejas de Mozambique (CDM), which already owns three breweries in the country, is a subsidiary of the largest global beer brewer, AB InBev.

Having broken ground on the construction of a more than 2-million hectolitre a year brewery to be built at a total cost of US$180-million in Mozambique’s Marracuene district, about 30 km north of Maputo, CDM went on to lay the first stone for the construction of the new brewery in early December last year. The project is the largest investment by CDM and by the beer sector at large in Mozambique since CDM’s inception back in 1995.

The new brewery, scheduled to produce its first batch of beers by the end of this year, means that its construction has a very tight timeline. Franki has been entrusted to carry out geotechnical work on the project. Marta Botelho, Contracts Engineer at Franki Mozambique, explains that

Franki is responsible for the installation of foundation and lateral support piling for different structures of the brewery, like the BBT Tanks and Unitanks, Raw Material Silos, Malt Intake and Mill House.

With an initial estimated duration of five weeks, Franki’s project duration has since been extended to 10 weeks. As a result, the contract value has increased from MZN79-million (about R21,5-million) to MZN129-million (about

R35,1-million) due to additional works required. A late start to the project meant a major setback to the project’s stringent timeline.

Apart from the late start, Botelho says the tight nature of the timeline was just a big challenge from the start, adding that the programme is very tight, due to the client’s plans to start operations this year.

“After a late start, we managed to guarantee partial handovers of the different areas in order to allow the main contractor to carry on with the works,” says Botelho. “Our design team worked together with the client’s engineers (WSP) to get to the best solutions and overcome any arising challenges.”

Another key challenge the Franki team had to contend with was the short supply of readymix concrete. There is a long distance from an existing batch plant to the site. “We used different suppliers and our own concrete transit mixers to minimise this challenge. Due to the tight nature of the programme, we also had to resort to working extended hours,” says Botelho.

With a total of 60 people on site, including 18 subcontractors for steel fixing, Franki’s project scope encompasses different piling technologies, including the Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piles and the Driven Cast-in-situ piles, also known as Franki Piles, with diameters ranging from 410 to 800 mm. Franki will install a total of 707 piles, comprising 142 no. CFA and 367 no. DCIS foundation piles, as well as 81 no. Grout Columns, 117 no. CFA piles and 243 m² of Gunite arches in lateral support.

Commenting on the choice of piles, Botelho says CFA piling is a fast system with no vibration and limited noise levels

associated with it. Franki Piles, on the other hand, are the most economical and reliable piling system in southern Africa. Developed about 70 years ago, the Franki Pile’s main feature is the large base formed at the toe of the pile and, in forming it, the end-bearing area is considerably increased. Generally a very economical system, it has an extensive range of pile sizes.

To execute the project, Franki has a range of equipment for each of the setups. For the CFA setup, the geotechnical contractor has deployed the Casagrande CFA-26 auger rig and the Sany HBT-40 concrete pump. A Franki Rig SA83 and a 60t Ajax C60 are being utilised for DCIS setup. In terms of auxiliary equipment, Franki has deployed a Tadano TI mobile crane, the two Fiori transit mixers and two TLBs. “For lateral support equipment, we have on site a Comaachio Geo 305 drill rig and a single Mat Pump. Proper selection of equipment is very crucial to ensure timely delivery of the project,” concludes Botelho.■

Franki piling while the sun goes down in Marracuene. From left to right: Ajax Crane with leader, Franki Crawler Rig and Casagrande CFA 26.

Aerial view of the site, showing Franki's three piling rigs

Franki with all their "ducks in a row"

Installation of CFA piles for the Malt Intake lateral support structure

For more inFormation contact +27 11 531 2700

Cover story published in SA Builder Magazine – June 2019




On 16th August 2019 our client, Growth Point Property Group, gave us the green light to commence with the construction of a basement of depth up to 10m in the Gardens Suburb of Cape Town City. The basement comprised 2 130m2 of Lateral Support, had 23 corners within it and was surrounded by some notable heritage buildings, which meant that it was not your typical rectangular or square shaped basement.

Before we could focus on piling and excavation in hard rock, we had to ensure the protection of the façade of a 100-year old heritage building. This would be the main entrance into the new building called the Hilton Canopy Hotel. There were also services to relocate, including a 1 050mm diameter storm water pipe and a 250mm diameter sewer pipe, as the existing line went through the proposed basement construction. In addition, there were items to be carefully salvaged before we could demolish the back half of the heritage building.

A big factor contributing to the success of the project was the way in which the Franki Team ‘juggled and moved’ with the constant

challenges, all the while keeping their focus on the main task, which was creating enough area for the sub-contractor, Ross Demolition, to break and remove rock.

Below the clayey silty sand (approximately 1.5m below ground level) was the Malmesbury bedrock, which turned out to be slightly weathered to un-weathered. A total of 24 000m3 of material was ultimately removed from the site.

Due to great leadership and teamwork by Fikile Tshetsha and his crew, the contract was completed well within the stipulated time-frame! A big ‘THANKS’ to DHK Architects, Atvantage Project Managers, MLC Quantity Surveyors and LH Consulting Engineers, whose input and expertise contributed hugely to the success of this project.

We look forward to “ROCKING ON” again with Growth Point Property Group in the near future!

Daryn Cloete

Franki Rocks at Longkloof Precinct!

Early stages of excavation.

A completed section of the wall.

Work in progress.

Support work around and in front of existing buildings.

The Ghana Team – winners of the FRANKI Think Safe Site Safety Award for 2018! Back row, from right to left are : Isaac Asare, Simthembile Mbele, Kelvin Portuphy, Edward Anum, Sicelo Mtyutyu, Francis Beyela, Mbambeli Mkhutswhana and Osei Kofi. Middle row, from right to left are : Sabisa Mhlakunzima, Moses Zormelo and Malik Osomi. Seated in front is Thembinkosi Javu.

Installing sheet piles to the cofferdam on the shoreline. Installation of sheet piles to the feed channel off the temporary jetty.

At the end of 2018 and through to February 2019, Frankipile Ghana successfully undertook this exciting and challenging marine project which called for the installation of temporary works to facilitate the water jetting of the main gas pipeline carrying offshore gas through the surf zone to the onshore processing facility for ENI Ghana.

The Ghana Team installed and then removed a 10m x 20m sheet piled shore sump, a 54m access jetty, a 42m sheet piled channel and sheet piles to support an onshore winch.

Franki’s work was critical to the success of water jetting the gas pipeline to bury the pipe below seabed level and to ensure the safety of local fishermen who operate their netting boats along this beautiful shoreline.

The entire contract was completed without incident and ahead of program! Congratulations to the site team for being awarded the FRANKI Think Safe Site Safety Award for 2018.

Rod Schultz

Sanzule OCTP Gas Pipeline Temporary Marine Works




CONSTRUCTION WORLD SEPTEMBER 201918 19CONSTRUCTION WORLD SEPTEMBER 2019

Phot

os: G

oogl

e

19

Sandton was offi cially established in July 1969, deriving its name from

a combination of two of its suburbs, Sandown and Bryanston. At that time Sandton was primarily a residential area made up of a few suburbs comprising mainly smallholdings. The construction of Sandton City in the early 1970s was the fi rst major development in the area and other landmark developments quickly followed as a result of the urban decay in downtown Johannesburg, historically the province’s main business hub.

The ongoing decline in the Johannesburg CBD led to a veritable exodus of large corporates to Sandton in the 1990s, establishing it as the new fi nancial district of South Africa and enabling it to take over the title of Johannesburg's premier business centre. Specialist geotechnical contractor Franki Africa has made a leading contribution to providing geotechnical solutions for decades of development within the Sandton Central Business District (CBD). “Our fi rst job in the ‘the northern suburbs of Johannesburg’, an area that would later be called Sandton, in 1960 was for a private residence and involved installing 53 piles approximately 4,6" in length that were hand dug,” recalls Mike Taitz, divisional director at Franki Africa (see top right).

Since then, Franki Africa has been

FRANKI AFRICA SUPPORTS DECADES OF SANDTON DEVELOPMENTAs construction development continues apace in Sandton, dubbed the new financial district of South Africa, specialist geotechnical contractor Franki Africa has made a leading contribution to the provision of geotechnical solutions for decades of development within the Sandton Central Business District.

involved in landmark developments such as the Michelangelo Hotel, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Sandton Gautrain Station, Discovery and Sasol Offi ces.

Challenging conditionsThe Sandton area is underlain by highly undulating bedrock granite with residual granite on top of it. As a result of irregular weathering patterns in this granite, the level of rock is neither constant nor continuous. In addition, the area is punctuated by numerous diabase dykes resulting in the formation of large boulders and hard rock spheroids within the residual soil. Due to the complex geology, a variety of solutions have been developed to counter these challenges and make the developments economically viable.

“For the 100 Grayston project, we anticipated the presence of diabase boulders on the southern portion of the site,” says Brett Markides, senior design engineer at Franki Africa. “We had to work closely with the engineers and project team to develop solutions as the work progressed to ensure the project remained on budget and on programme.”

The 100 Grayston project is an extension to the Investec Head Offi ce in the heart of Sandton CBD. The development comprises a multi-level offi ce block with a double

Daily record for pile construction for residential building, 1960.

basement level. Franki was awarded the tender for the design and supply of lateral support works and foundation piles to accommodate varying loads up to 12 000 kN.

According to Dr Nicol Chang, Technical Director at Franki Africa, it is important that high quality geotechnical investigation be carried out during the planning phases of these projects. It is clearly evident from numerous publications that cost overruns (or construction cost) for geotechnical projects reduces signifi cantly with increased site investigation. “Accurate predictions of design and cost can only be produced when the professional team has full confi dence in the conditions of the ground,” says Dr Chang.

Prominent projectsFranki Africa was involved in several phases of the later development of Sandton City from 1990 to 1992, including blasting, excavating and installing lateral support to create a new cinema complex beneath the shopping centre.

Other prominent projects during the 1990s include the Nedbank Group headquarters development that spanned an area from Maude to Fredman Drive and is still one of the biggest projects of its kind in Sandton to date; the Hilton Hotel; the Johannesburg Stock Exchange; Deutsche Bank; Sandown Village; phases of Investec headquarters; Sandton Square; various international embassies; the Michelangelo Towers – the tallest building in Sandton; and the Rand Merchant Bank headquarters.

More recently, Franki Africa has successfully completed projects that include the Sandton Gautrain Station; the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel; Alexander Forbes headquarters; the Ernst & Young headquarters; Phases 1 and 2 of the Standard Bank development in Alice Lane; Morningside Clinic; Old Mutual; as well as new headquarters for Webber Wentzel, Werksmans Attorneys, Sasol and Discovery.

Tight programmesToday developments being rolled out with ever tighter timelines and requests for partial site handovers are becoming the norm. Franki Africa understands how to design and manage these solutions to navigate a critical path for the project. “The 100 Grayston project is extremely challenging,” says Paulo Alves, Senior Contracts Manager at Franki Africa.

“The site is located in one of the busiest areas in Sandton with numerous services (known and unknown) along Rivonia Road and Grayston Drive, which needs to be taken into account in the design. With the assistance of a strongly experienced site team, continuous design development on the lateral support can be undertaken to accommodate the on-going challenges.”

In addition to the tight construction programme, new developments require deeper basements to accommodate parking requirements. Excavations in excess of 20 m are now commonly required, and as deep as 34 m was carried out for the Discovery headquarters. This often requires blasting and support during the construction phase and Franki Africa has developed technology and products to do all the necessary geotechnical support.

Market leaderFranki Africa is the largest, oldest and most established specialist geotechnical contractor in sub-Saharan Africa, offering a comprehensive range of services which ensure that its customers benefi t from the most cost-effective solutions for their geotechnical requirements.

Franki operates in sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands and, together with Keller, has the experience, capability and capacity to undertake projects of all sizes. The comprehensive product range at Franki is further enhanced by its in-house geotechnical design capability. Being part of Keller (www.kellerholding.com) also widens the company’s product range, capacity and capability. Franki offers a comprehensive range of geotechnical and marine engineering services, including both design and construction for the general construction, civil engineering and mining industries. Franki is certifi ed in accordance with ISO standards for Health & Safety.

Lateral support for 34 m deep basement

excavation for Discovery.

Franki has been involved in the geotechnical works at several high-profi le projects in the Sandton CBD.

COVER STORY

CW_September 2019_.indd 18-19 2019/08/14 02:29:41 PM

CONSTRUCTION WORLD SEPTEMBER 201918 19CONSTRUCTION WORLD SEPTEMBER 2019

Phot

os: G

oogl

e

19

Sandton was offi cially established in July 1969, deriving its name from

a combination of two of its suburbs, Sandown and Bryanston. At that time Sandton was primarily a residential area made up of a few suburbs comprising mainly smallholdings. The construction of Sandton City in the early 1970s was the fi rst major development in the area and other landmark developments quickly followed as a result of the urban decay in downtown Johannesburg, historically the province’s main business hub.

The ongoing decline in the Johannesburg CBD led to a veritable exodus of large corporates to Sandton in the 1990s, establishing it as the new fi nancial district of South Africa and enabling it to take over the title of Johannesburg's premier business centre. Specialist geotechnical contractor Franki Africa has made a leading contribution to providing geotechnical solutions for decades of development within the Sandton Central Business District (CBD). “Our fi rst job in the ‘the northern suburbs of Johannesburg’, an area that would later be called Sandton, in 1960 was for a private residence and involved installing 53 piles approximately 4,6" in length that were hand dug,” recalls Mike Taitz, divisional director at Franki Africa (see top right).

Since then, Franki Africa has been

FRANKI AFRICA SUPPORTS DECADES OF SANDTON DEVELOPMENTAs construction development continues apace in Sandton, dubbed the new financial district of South Africa, specialist geotechnical contractor Franki Africa has made a leading contribution to the provision of geotechnical solutions for decades of development within the Sandton Central Business District.

involved in landmark developments such as the Michelangelo Hotel, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Sandton Gautrain Station, Discovery and Sasol Offi ces.

Challenging conditionsThe Sandton area is underlain by highly undulating bedrock granite with residual granite on top of it. As a result of irregular weathering patterns in this granite, the level of rock is neither constant nor continuous. In addition, the area is punctuated by numerous diabase dykes resulting in the formation of large boulders and hard rock spheroids within the residual soil. Due to the complex geology, a variety of solutions have been developed to counter these challenges and make the developments economically viable.

“For the 100 Grayston project, we anticipated the presence of diabase boulders on the southern portion of the site,” says Brett Markides, senior design engineer at Franki Africa. “We had to work closely with the engineers and project team to develop solutions as the work progressed to ensure the project remained on budget and on programme.”

The 100 Grayston project is an extension to the Investec Head Offi ce in the heart of Sandton CBD. The development comprises a multi-level offi ce block with a double

Daily record for pile construction for residential building, 1960.

basement level. Franki was awarded the tender for the design and supply of lateral support works and foundation piles to accommodate varying loads up to 12 000 kN.

According to Dr Nicol Chang, Technical Director at Franki Africa, it is important that high quality geotechnical investigation be carried out during the planning phases of these projects. It is clearly evident from numerous publications that cost overruns (or construction cost) for geotechnical projects reduces signifi cantly with increased site investigation. “Accurate predictions of design and cost can only be produced when the professional team has full confi dence in the conditions of the ground,” says Dr Chang.

Prominent projectsFranki Africa was involved in several phases of the later development of Sandton City from 1990 to 1992, including blasting, excavating and installing lateral support to create a new cinema complex beneath the shopping centre.

Other prominent projects during the 1990s include the Nedbank Group headquarters development that spanned an area from Maude to Fredman Drive and is still one of the biggest projects of its kind in Sandton to date; the Hilton Hotel; the Johannesburg Stock Exchange; Deutsche Bank; Sandown Village; phases of Investec headquarters; Sandton Square; various international embassies; the Michelangelo Towers – the tallest building in Sandton; and the Rand Merchant Bank headquarters.

More recently, Franki Africa has successfully completed projects that include the Sandton Gautrain Station; the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel; Alexander Forbes headquarters; the Ernst & Young headquarters; Phases 1 and 2 of the Standard Bank development in Alice Lane; Morningside Clinic; Old Mutual; as well as new headquarters for Webber Wentzel, Werksmans Attorneys, Sasol and Discovery.

Tight programmesToday developments being rolled out with ever tighter timelines and requests for partial site handovers are becoming the norm. Franki Africa understands how to design and manage these solutions to navigate a critical path for the project. “The 100 Grayston project is extremely challenging,” says Paulo Alves, Senior Contracts Manager at Franki Africa.

“The site is located in one of the busiest areas in Sandton with numerous services (known and unknown) along Rivonia Road and Grayston Drive, which needs to be taken into account in the design. With the assistance of a strongly experienced site team, continuous design development on the lateral support can be undertaken to accommodate the on-going challenges.”

In addition to the tight construction programme, new developments require deeper basements to accommodate parking requirements. Excavations in excess of 20 m are now commonly required, and as deep as 34 m was carried out for the Discovery headquarters. This often requires blasting and support during the construction phase and Franki Africa has developed technology and products to do all the necessary geotechnical support.

Market leaderFranki Africa is the largest, oldest and most established specialist geotechnical contractor in sub-Saharan Africa, offering a comprehensive range of services which ensure that its customers benefi t from the most cost-effective solutions for their geotechnical requirements.

Franki operates in sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands and, together with Keller, has the experience, capability and capacity to undertake projects of all sizes. The comprehensive product range at Franki is further enhanced by its in-house geotechnical design capability. Being part of Keller (www.kellerholding.com) also widens the company’s product range, capacity and capability. Franki offers a comprehensive range of geotechnical and marine engineering services, including both design and construction for the general construction, civil engineering and mining industries. Franki is certifi ed in accordance with ISO standards for Health & Safety.

Lateral support for 34 m deep basement

excavation for Discovery.

Franki has been involved in the geotechnical works at several high-profi le projects in the Sandton CBD.

COVER STORY

CW_September 2019_.indd 18-19 2019/08/14 02:29:41 PM

Cover story published in Construction World Magazine – September 2019



20 Franki Newsletter May 2020 Franki Newsletter May 2020 21

Johannesburg

Head Office

Doug van Blerck with an impressive 25 years under his belt, receiving his award from Garry Boyd (far left), Errol Braithwaite (2nd from left) and Roy Louw (far right). Mkholiswa Mdange (not pictured, due also to be working away from Cape Town), also had 25 years of service in 2018.

Errol (far left), Caswell Mabetu (2nd from left) and Mike Taitz (far right) presenting Marius van der Colff with is 20-year award. Mzwandile Mkhwanazi was also up for a 20-year award but was unfortunately not able to attend the ceremony, hence no photograph.

Congrats to Phinias Zisonga who has been with Franki for 25 years!

Abram Nthite (left) and Dawid Pretorius (right) receiving their 20-year awards from Errol Braithwaite (centre).

Years and years of long service!In various ceremonies at the end of 2018 and 2019, the following were recognised for their long service:

2018Cape

Jim Oldknow

Werner Francke

Mthetheleli Tubeni

The following three members of staff (each one pictured in the centre, with Garry Boyd on the left and Roy Louw on the right) received 20-year awards. Mhlakunzima Sabisa and Xolani Viteka (who also had 20 years of service) were working away at the time, hence no photos of them. Congrats to all!

Long Service AwardsArticle and advert published in Africa Outlook Magazine – Issue 81



2019Cape

KwaZulu-Natal

Mauritius

Moçambique

Shaun van der Westhuizen with his 20-year award. Garry Boyd is on the left and Roy Louw on the right.

Johannesburg

William Neuwenhuis (left) being congratulated by Errol Braithwaite on his 20 years of service.

Jaco Pienaar (left) and Lindakuhle Mzobe with their 20-year awards!

Congrats to José Mucavele on his 20 years with Franki!

Devendra Lalbasanth (left) presenting Ephraim Manzini with his 20-year award.

From left to right : Mike Taitz, Nkosinathi Mkhwanazi, Lungisile Mbanjwa, Piet Maluleka and Johannes Leburu, all with 25 years of service. Well done to all!

Jan Vernooi (centre) has been with Franki for an incredible 40 years! Mawetu Xesekile (working on an across-border contract at the time of the ceremony) also has an unbelievable 40 years of service with the Company!

Ntobeko Bangani

Fundile Titana

Garry and Roy, presenting Ntobeko and Fundile with their 25-year awards.

Long Service Awards

Toolsee Domarally and Deepak Soobaroyan have each notched up an impressive 25 years! (Unfortunately, photos not available).

We also congratulate Patt Jali on her achievement of 30 years with Franki! (Unfortunately, Patt was not available for a photograph on the day).

KwaZulu-Natal

Sub-Saharan-Africa

Anthony Ellapen. Ryan Goss.

(Apologies, but photographs of the above were not available at the time of producing this newsletter)

In 2018, Anthony Ellapen and Ryan Goss each notched up an amazing 40 years of service with Franki!

Louis du Toit, 35 years with Franki and still going strong!

Years and years of long service!

20 YearsInnocent CeleKelezi JamaBongokwakhe GumbiBonezakhe Ngcobo

25 Years Vincent BhenguAlson Ndlazi

An amazing 30 years of service for each of Richard Kheswa (3rd from left), Kgahliso Motaung (3rd from right) and John Duda (2nd from right). Charles Manana also earned his 30-year ‘stripes’ but was working in KZN at the time, so unfortunately he is absent from this photo.

Amrahia Data CentreAmrahia Data Centre is the first carrier neutral colocation data centre in West Africa and is located at Amrahia in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. The infrastructure is a Tier IV design and its construction is certified to guarantee a maximum level of availability of data. To reduce its dependency on the national electricity grid and secure a continuous power supply, the data centre was designed to be powered by a solar plant.

In April 2019, Frankipile Ghana Limited was contracted by Terra Firma Solutions to install 282 no. Micro Screw Piles of 1.6m x Ø116mm, with a 200mm flange on the top, to serve as a foundation to receive solar panel tables. This is the first project of its kind to be undertaken within the Franki Group and, utilizing the rich experience of Rod Schultz, an adaptor and a guide-frame were developed for the Comacchio Geo 305 Rig to assist with the installation of the micro Screw piles in order to ensure a high level of precision and accuracy.

Three tension load tests were conducted on different platform locations to a maximum of 200% of the design tension load of 9kN.

The overall pile installation was successfully completed within the program schedule. Being a new technology, we faced a couple of challenges such as:

• very high tolerances on position, which made it necessary for the on-site team to devise a jig to ensure correct positioning every time, with zero reworks; and

• the amount of torque applied during installation had to be carefully

controlled to ensure that the micro piles did not twist and distort.

Well done to all involved on this successfully-completed project!

Isaac Asare and Ebenezer Frempong

Rod Schultz, demonstrating the new technology

Geo305 rig installing micro screw piles

Erecting the solar panel table support to the micro piles

The completed solar installation

Johannesburg




CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 201926

Among the important skills required to wear this crown, especially in these challenging economic conditions, is the

ability to reconfigure original tender specs to suit local conditions, the ability to run successful branches in African countries and, where no branches exist, to work across borders, sometimes in very remote and harsh environments often having to transport heavy machinery over very long distances.

Multisports Complex, MauritiusOne of these successful branches is in Mauritius where Country Manager, Yannis Mongelard runs a tight and successful enterprise and one of the contracts which exemplifies both his branch’s and Franki’s all-round skills is the Mauritius Multisports project currently underway. The project involves the construction of a new sports complex for the Indian Ocean Games scheduled for July 2019 at Cote D’Or, St Pierre, Mauritius and includes athletic training grounds and track, a football pitch, an aquatic centre and a multipurpose gym.

The Government of Mauritius contracted the construction and development of the complex to the Mauritius Multisports Infrastructure Ltd (MMIL), a state-owned company. Mongelard says that the tender, which was launched in December 2017 with anticipated start in early 2018, stipulated 96 days for piling work. “This was not possible for a host of different reasons at that time,” he says. Franki’s response was typical of the company’s

PROJECTS & CONTRACTS

80% of the stadium piling completed.

AFRICA’S GEOTECHNICAL CHAMPIONIt takes more than the highest levels of ground engineering expertise and experience to be Keller’s Franki Africa, Africa’s geotechnical champion. It also takes business acumen, customer service excellence, team-building skills, and a whole lot more.

ability to size up a situation and offer the client a different – and better – alternative. “We submitted a solution which was cheaper, allowed for an earlier start and which could considerably cut down the duration of the job under normal circumstances. Moreover, it enabled us to work with the plant we had on the island at the time, which contributed significantly to the cost saving on the project,” Mongelard says.

He adds that from the original piling-only solution in the tender, Franki further enhanced efficiencies with a solution comprising a mix of piling and ground improvement. “The original tender specs involved the installation of more than 850 Temporary Cased Auger piles of various sizes drilled to an average depth of 21 m.

Our ultimate solution comprised ground improvement in conjunction with a mix of piling techniques optimised to support each of the structures.”

Mongelard says piling and ground improvement was required following geotechnical investigations, which observed worse – than – expected ground conditions. Moreover, the required bearing capacity of the backfilled soils could not be achieved and deep foundations (piles) were opted for,” he says.

General view of the site with Franki hard at work in the foreground.

27CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2019

Stadium and skydeck • 432 nos x 610 mm Driven Cast In-Situ piles to an average

depth of 16 m• 33 nos x 520 mm Driven Cast In-Situ piles an average

depth of 16 mSkydeck

• 124 nos x 610 mm Driven Cast In-Situ piles an average depth of 16 mAquatic centre

• 30 nos x 1 080 mm Auger piles to 20 m deep for the roof structure

• 180 nos x 520 mm Driven Cast In-Situ piles for the back-of-house

• 493 nos x 410 mm x 9 m deep Rigid Inclusions for the main and warm-up swimming poolsMulti-purpose arena/gym

• 48 nos x 1 200 mm x 20 m deep + 7 nos x 1 200 mm x 6 m deep Auger piles for the roof structure

• 629 nos x 450 mm x 9 m deep Rigid Inclusions for the back-of-house and the field of play

SOLUTIONS

Start of the piling works for the stadium.

While these solutions could have cut down on production time, it turned out that high rainfall and the clayey platform made it almost impossible to achieve the daily minimum production from the start. In addition, the platform works could not proceed because the earthmoving vehicles were unable to work efficiently. In this regard, Franki requested a thick stone mattress in lieu of the soft soil platform. This was provided drastically, improving productivity.

“In spite of six weeks being lost due to weather and related platform issues, works have already been completed at the Stadium and the Skydeck is still under progress – the newly agreed completion time was set for September 2018. The stone mattress, an additional piling rig and longer working hours have made that a certainty,” says Mongelard.

The piling works started early June 2018 and, in terms of budget, the cost of Franki’s alternative solution will still be less than the original alternative solution – hence the project is within budget.

“This is an important and high-profile contract in Mauritius and our success is based on excellent teamwork. The ability to work as a team and the support we have got, and always get, from Brian McDonald and the head office in general, is typical of Franki’s commitment to ensuring the best possible service to its clients,” concludes Mongelard.

Published in Construction World Magazine – March 2019

Additional Awards(KZN)

COMMENDATION and PLANT AWARDPlant and Equipment: On achieving and

maintaining a high standard of care for plant and equipment in 2019

SHE AWARDOn achieving and maintaining a high

standard of Health and Safety in 2019

And the Awards go to : Calvin Pillay (left) – Commendation Plant & Equipment 2019, and Lucky Ndlela (right) – Plant 2019! Jaco Pienaar (centre) was pleased to hand out these Awards.

Note: In 2018, the Commendation Plant & Equipment Award went to Innocent Mbongwa, and the Plant Award to Thokozani Vundla. (No photos available, unfortunately).

Linda Kheswa was the proud recipient of the 2019 SHE Award.

Note: In 2018, Mbuso Sibiya was the recipient of the SHE Award. (Photo unavailable).

Awards




Garry’s work ethic is phenomenal – he just ploughs through so much - most mere mortals would suffer burn-out or some other more serious stress-related affliction. He has had a serious health problem recently but, seeing what he churns out, one would never guess that. Besides being the Company Works Director, which, in itself, comes with a dauntingly huge workload, he also heads up the Company Safety Portfolio (which, particularly in recent years, has seen a massive surge in the Company input into this aspect of our work), is heavily involved in the plant side, is pivotal in the field / training arena and involved in / or assists the HR department. I know he is one of the stalwarts on the Franki Board of directors and his input there is invaluable. Besides all this he always has an open ear for anyone’s problems (personal or otherwise), ideas, queries and gripes.

Since everyone in Franki is well aware of Garry’s enormous contribution to the Company I will take this opportunity to dwell on the more light-hearted, personal side of this indomitable character.

Garry has great foresight - he has a veritable arsenal of highly-qualified members in his family. Nikki, his wife, has degrees in Psychology and is now busy doing a Masters. Michael, his son, has a Masters in History and is currently in his third year of Medicine, and Lauren, his daughter, has a Masters in Research Psychology and is still studying whilst teaching in Spain! All this was well planned by Garry so in his dotage he would be well cared for both physically and mentally – clever boy!!

There have been numerous incidents, some very humorous, in his private life which bring out his true nature:

• He’s a great handyman around the house – several years ago he climbed onto his roof to repair something and next thing the family, who were watching TV at the time, saw him come through the ceiling, injuring himself quite badly (not a good omen for a future Franki Safety Chairman!!). This resulted in a ban by the Boss of the house on him climbing any roofs. Some years later, during a storm, the house’s roof was damaged with a big leak – Michael attempted to fix it, but Garry, feeling he better knew the lay of the land from his first mishap, took over and this time, to Nikki’s delight, alighted the long way - using the ladder!!

• Fancying himself as a boat skipper, he once took the family for a boat ride and got stranded in the mouth of a river, infested with sharks, with the tide about to take them to India. Simultaneously he received a phone call from guys working in Angola to say they’d just overturned a barge! Nikki says this was one of the only times she’d heard Garry swear and cut off the call so he could go about “rescuing” his family from the peril in which he had placed them. Fortunately there was an uncle nearby who came to rescue them – Garry no doubt hated this as he could not claim the heroics! Needless to say they’ve never ventured into a boat again with him.

• A few years ago he and Michael walked the Camino in Spain – an annual pilgrimage where they walked some 500 km. After the first day’s speedy 37kms, Garry decided his backpack was far too heavy so he donated a lot of his clothing to the hostel in which they were staying. The next day it dawned on him that he’d left all his laundry behind on the washing line and was left with only the clothes he was wearing! On another occasion they shared a hostel room with two European pilgrims. Michael, knowing Garry’s terrible snoring capabilities (a result of one of his few botched jobs – a broken nose suffered while attempting to surf in his youth), was equipped with earplugs. The other guests, alas, weren’t, so late that night they headed off to get way ahead of Garry and Michael so they would not have to endure another night with this dreadful South African snoring machine!

• When Lauren was in Thailand and had a medical emergency, Garry, who was working in Botswana, dropped everything to fly over there to help her through it. She recalls how in all his running around to look after her, cook for her, shop for her, etc., he still found time to get to know, and make friends with, lots of the locals, even the local drunk who often frequented the bar, despite the fact that he could not speak one word of their language!

• He would do anything for his kids. Lauren had the habit of leaving her car lights on and even though Garry put a sign in her car to remind her to “Switch off lights”, he would still drive miles to Stellenbosch University to go and restart and recharge her battery whenever it happened.

• During the lockdown, ever busy as he is, he has started a vegetable garden at home. This has thrived and one can only imagine this is as a result of him giving the same motivational talks to his plants as he does so successfully to his site guys!

No, this Garry of ours is a very special guy! He is never too busy to help someone with any problem, lend a sympathetic ear where needed or go out of his way to help someone in need whether that person be family, a colleague, a friend or even some stranger. He is a man without any enemies but, instead, has an enviable host of friends.

We congratulate you Garry on your last 45 years with Franki and hope you will be around for many more – it will truly be a sad day and a huge loss to Franki when you leave – we would never find another Garry!

Ryan Goss

45, not out!Garry – 45 years’ service and still going strong!

A few years ago I was honoured to write an article on Garry’s 40 years in Franki and now another in his 45th year. In the space of 5 years one would not have expected much to have changed in anyone’s life, but not Garry’s. These last few years have probably been his busiest and most productive yet.

Garry, on his 500km pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Soon after I joined Franki in May 1987, we were awarded a contract for Southern Life on the slopes of the mountain in Newlands for a large double basement in difficult conditions with cobbles and boulders, a high water table and foundations requiring large diameter under-slurry auger piles socketed into rock. A “Big Challenge”!

We had no Works Manager in Cape Town at the time but there was this “youngish” Contracts Engineer/Works Assistant (with some 12 years of experience already) in Durban who had helped out very successfully the previous year on a similar, difficult contract for the Archives on the other side of the mountain who was again called upon.

As always, when there’s a “Big Challenge” who do we call on, none other than Garry Boyd! And so it was, I got to know Garry!

The following year Geoff Robertson, our then Regional Director, offered Garry the permanent position of Works Manager in the Cape and Garry went from being a “Banana Boy”, as the Sharks were called in those days, to being a strong member of the “Province” and later Stormers team!

Garry’s role has of course grown over the years to the extent that now he represents the “International” team as Group Works Director, a role he has filled admirably! As such Garry has been called upon to sort out many “Big Challenges” and as we all know, has been exceptional at doing this!

His success is built not only on the vast experience and knowledge he has acquired over the years but also on the total commitment to getting the job done, no matter what! This is always done in a firm but fair manner, with intellect and integrity and with respect to others.

He should also be commended for the trust he has developed with his teams, for the empathy he shows when they have problems and for the time he has invested in developing their skills and careers. He is always willing to assist and help others. All this while overcoming some serious health challenges of his own.

And Garry’s role in the Group goes well beyond this, where he adds a huge contribution to the group’s management and connection to the larger Keller world. He is well respected and acknowledged by our clients, other contractors and suppliers.

Garry is a totally committed and caring family man. Nikki, Lauren and Michael, thank you for giving us so much of his time and energy! I do think his golf has suffered though, for those who don’t know he comes from a family of golfers and was quite handy on the course when he had time to play!

Garry, it’s really been great working with you in the war room and on the playing fields. There have been many serious times but we’ve also had a lot of fun. It has been a privilege and a pleasure, I cherish our friendship, thank you.

Every one of us appreciates and congratulates you on your 45 years with Franki, a huge, proud and remarkable achievement.

Roy Louw

Garry - 45 challenging years!

Family Man! Garry with his wife, Nikki, son, Michael and daughter, Lauren.

Garry with his son, Michael, outside a Cathedral in Astorga.




4 November 2019 Civil Engineering

O N T H E COV ER

INTRODUCTIONA number of geothermal power stations have been constructed in Kenya since 1985. Franki Africa (a Keller company) is currently involved in constructing the foundations for a further expansion at Olkaria, the largest geothermal power station of its kind in Africa.

Olkaria is located immediately to the south of Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. This area is geothermally ac-tive, and the geothermal energy is being used to generate clean electric power.

The Olkaria region is part of a large volcanic complex, which was formed some 25–30 million years ago and is located at the axis of the East African Rift situated in the floor of the Great Rift Valley. Violent subterranean forces tore apart the earth’s crust in this area, and formed active and semi-active volcanoes and lake basins along the Rift Valley.

The geology in the area where the Olkaria geothermal power station is located is characterised by steep-sided domes formed from pyroclastic rock and lava flows. The domes enclose an approximately circular depression that was in turn cut by the Ol Njorowa Gorge, which was formed by out-flowing water from Lake Naivasha.

Franki was recently appointed to design, install and test the pile foundations for Unit 6, which is the latest addition to the ongoing expansion of the Olkaria I geothermal power station.

Olkaria I is one in a series of six sister power stations in the area. Olkaria I, II, III and IV are currently producing power, while Olkaria V is still under construction, with construction of Olkaria VI having been planned for 2021.

This impressive geothermal power plant facility is located within the famous Hell’s Gate National Park, surrounded by the magnificent scenery of Fisher’s Tower, Central Tower, Naivasha Lake and the Hell’s Gate Gorge. Abundant wildlife, such as zebra, buffalo, antelope, giraffe and baboons continue to graze idyllically in the area, particularly near the grassy shores of Lake Naivasha.

Over recent years the area has become a maze of pipes which now form an integral part of Kenya’s geothermal power generation.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTThis latest expansion project (Unit 6) broke ground in December 2018, and piling commenced in May 2019. Unit 6 will add another

Franki steams ahead in AfricaFranki working alongside the existing Olkaria I plant in Kenya

Roger FeldmannBusiness [email protected]

Dr Nicol Chang Pr EngGroup Technical [email protected]

Civil Engineering November 2019 5

content of the ground, created significant challenges in the execution of the project.

To ensure that the project progressed smoothly, the Franki site team worked closely with the main contractor, Civicon, to develop a mix design suitable for these particular site conditions. Careful planning of site operations was also important to mini-mise the time between casting of the pile and cage insertion to reduce the possibility of flash-setting.

The on-site Franki operations teams were able to achieve high productions rates – an excellent achievement, considering the challenging and confined site conditions.

STRINGENT TESTING REGIMEThe pile design and load-bearing capacity were further veri-fied by a stringent testing regime, consisting of four static load tests and a Pile Echo Test (PET) on all piles. The static load tests were done according to the test procedure outlined in ASTM D1143-81: 1994, where the piles are loaded in three cycles, i.e. 100%, 150% and finally 250% of the working load. The piles performed well, and all settlements observed were well within the project specifications.

“The excellent production and test results that were achieved reflect the importance of choosing the right pile type to suit the ground conditions,” comments Dr Nicol Chang, Technical Director at Franki Africa. “We have equipment strategically located in East African countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique and Mauritius, which allows us to tackle any geotechnical project in the East African region.”

IN CLOSINGThe Olkaria project endorses Franki’s commitment to supply the sub-Saharan African region with quality geotechnical solutions.

Info

Victor FerreiraFranki Africa+27 11 531 [email protected]

83.3 MW to the output capacity of Olkaria I, bringing the total output capacity of Olkaria I up to 274 MW.

A comprehensive geotechnical investigation was done on the site, and the results of this investigation formed an integral part of the foundation design. The Franki team was commissioned to provide a ‘design and construct’ solution for the foundations. The in-house design team was able to use this valuable information to provide optimal foundation solutions to meet the stringent settle-ment criteria set down for the various structures.

The design included foundations for the turbine building, cooling tower, hot well, and scrubber areas. Initially a combination of two soil improvement techniques (dynamic compaction and rigid inclusions) and a piled foundation were considered. After careful analysis and taking differential settlement into account, the team finally concluded that piled foundations for all the structures would be the most suitable. The ground conditions were conducive to the CFA (Continuous Flight Auger) piling method.

The 600 mm Ø CFA piles were designed to withstand loads of up to 1 200 kN, installed to depths of up to 15 m.

VOLCANICALLY ACTIVE AREAThe mix design is one of the most important factors to consider for CFA piling projects. As this area is volcanically active, the ground temperature is substantially higher, which resulted in accelerated setting of the concrete placed in the ground. Flash-setting, together with the requirement for full-length reinforce-ment cages and high-strength concrete due to the high sulphate

Piling in confined access conditions

Pile load test under way to confirm pile design and construction

Cover story published in Civil Engineering Magazine – November 2019




Cover story published in Civil Engineering Magazine – April 2020O N T H E COV ER

6 April 2020 Civil Engineering

Located south of Port Louis, the A1M1 Bridge – as it is commonly referred to – will effectively connect the areas of Chebel and Sorèze on either side of the Great River North West Valley, and finally join the main A1 and M1 arterial roads.

The Road Development Authority of Mauritius (RDA) has been planning a bridge to link these two areas on the eastern and western sides of the valley for some time in order to ease the growing vehicular traffic congestion in the area and provide a dedicated pedestrian walkway between Chebel and Sorèze. Finally, on 11 April 2018, the government

of Mauritius and the RDA launched the construction of the A1M1 link as part of the larger road decongestion programme.

Frankipile Mauritius International, a Keller company, was appointed by the client to supply and install the specialised piled foundations to support the two piers of the bridge.

“The new bridge is based on a classic extra-dosed design and is the brainchild of Systra International Bridge Technologies,” says Frankipile Mauritius contract engineer and manager, Mirvesh Jugurnauth. “Boasting a bridge deck length of 330 m and supported by two

piers towering in excess of 80 m from the river level, the bridge is set to become a national landmark.”

The bridge deck incorporates a dual lane asphalt surface for vehicles, a pedes-trian walkway on each side and two ob-servation decks, guaranteeing spectacular sunset views over the Indian Ocean.

BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACEThe comprehensive geotechnical report provided by ARQ Consulting Engineers, and the position of the two piers, posed distinct logistical and technical challenges to the foundation solution.

Firstly, it was clear that the piles needed to be founded in the hard rock basalt some 18 to 22 m below the river bed level. Secondly, it was evident that the final pier positions were located in the largely inaccessible 100 m deep ravine, making it extremely complex to move

Franki supports the Great River Bridge in MauritiusPaving the future for one of the most aesthetically pleasing infrastructure landmarks in Mauritius, the Frankipile team achieved another milestone with their successful completion of the foundations for a new iconic ravine bridge�

Artist’s impression of the Great River North West Bridge

heavy-duty piling equipment and mate-rials to the site.

The underlying soil profile at each pier position revealed a combination of silty gravels, colluvium, clay, rock layers and boulders, common in river beds. The pile design called for a total of 40 piles per pier, with each pile being 1 080 mm in diameter. The piles were designed to carry a working load of 8.85 MN.

Through careful coordination and planning with the main contractor (comprising the Transinvest-General Construction Co-Bouygues TP / VSL Joint Venture), the experienced Franki team were able to mobilise the large track-mounted piling equipment to the engineered platforms at the pier posi-tions in a safe and carefully controlled manner. Franki used a combination of the powerful Bauer BG20 piling rig to handle the drilling, and a Liebherr 845 crane to service the site, weighing in excess of 70 and 50 tons respectively. This robust combination was well suited to handle the installation of the 1 080 mm diameter piles to a depth of 20 m.

BELTS AND BRACESThe Franki team were fully prepared for the anticipated ground conditions.

“To overcome the complex soil profile, a combination of rock augers, coring buckets and a chisel was used. Where thick rock layers were encountered, a cluster drill was used to penetrate these layers,” explains Mirvesh Jugurnauth. “The cluster drill incorporates numerous small down-the-hole (DTH) hammers and is specifically designed to penetrate hard rock. Having both methods available on site enabled the team to reach the re-quired founding depth with relative ease, despite the ground conditions.”

This “Belts and Braces” approach ensured that Franki was able to meet the approved programme and complete the project on time and within budget.

Due to the upper soil profile and the high water table, temporary steel casings were used to ensure the integrity of the pile shaft. The piles had to be cast underwater using a gravity-fed tremie pipe system. The high-slump, self-compacting concrete mix was transported to the pile positions using traditional readymix trucks.

In order to meet the tight timeline of the contract, the Franki team worked a double shift each day.

“All things considered, and with strong commitment from the team, the project was plain sailing,” adds Yannis Mongelard, Frankipile country manager.

OSTERBERG CELL (O-CELL) TESTINGAs a first for Mauritius, two O-cell tests were carried out to verify the design and construction of the foundation piles.

O-cell tests require no kentledge or reaction piles, and are cost-effective for tests with very high test loads. These tests were carried out by Fugro Loadtest, to a maximum load of 17.65 MN. The test piles performed extremely well, with set-tlement of 7 mm at 14.5 MN and 11 mm at 21 MN.

SAFETY FIRSTThe platform at Pier 2 was very close to a steep cliff, which posed a safety risk due to potential rock fall. A sturdy catch fence was designed by ARQ and installed by the main contractor above the pier position to protect the works below.

In line with Franki’s stringent safety standards, the “Think Safe, Work Safe, Go Home Safe” mantra was always top of mind, resulting in the piling contract being completed with no lost time inci-dents recorded.

“This prestigious project emphasises Franki’s diverse technical expertise and capabilities to successfully overcome the unique piling challenges related to infrastructure of this nature,” comments Dr Nicol Chang, Franki group technical director.

Roger Feldmann Business Development, Franki Africa

info

Victor FerreiraFranki Africa+27 11 062 7718victor�ferreira@keller�com

Preparation of the pile reinforcement cage with O-cells in place

Preparing the pile cap encompassing forty piles of 1 080 mm diameter each

Civil Engineering April 2020 7




Keller helps Neste towards a greener future

Posted on www.keller.com on 11 March 2020

After designing and building foundations for the world’s largest renewable products plant in Singapore in 2008, Keller was back again in 2019 to help energy giant Neste expand its operations.

As the world looks to meet growing demand for low-carbon energy sources, Neste – a global leader in renewable products – is investing S$2.2 billion (€1.4 billion) to increase biofuel production in Singapore by up to 1.3 million tonnes a year.

The high-profile move will see the expansion of the current plant, set to come online in 2022 at Tuas. Having impressed Neste with foundation works on the original plant, Keller Singapore was invited to bid for the new project – and won thanks to what General Manager Seah Yeow Teck says was a more flexible, innovative and cost-effective solution than traditional piles. Keller’s solution also had a low carbon foot print which resonated with Neste’s approach to low carbon energy.

“The soil profile was particularly complex, as the whole site is reclaimed from the sea,” he says. “After carrying out a lot of analysis and developing various design models, we chose stone columns to treat the clays and vibro-compaction to densify the sand.”

Global resources

Keller began on site in February 2019. The team installed thousands of bottom stone columns, along with top stone columns. In total, they prepared over 100,000m2 ready for the site’s vast feedstock tanks, along with pipe racks, buildings and other structures.

“For most of our projects we typically use a team of fewer than 50 – at its peak this project had 160,” adds Seah. “We also had to carry out four operations: pre-drilling through dense sands, using the Alpha-S system rig to install the stone columns in the clay layer, vibro-compaction to firm the looser sands and finally a vibrocat to install the top stone columns in the residual soil.

“These operations had to run sequentially, so planning and coordination of teams

and workflow had to be very precise. The demands for design works is also very intensive given the soil variability and tight timeline. Our Project Manager Adrian Lenin and Design Manager Selvaganesh ensured both operations and design processes ran in a seamless manner.”

Added to all of this was a very tight schedule and so the Singapore team knew it had a challenge on its hands. However, being part of a larger global group meant they could call on colleagues at Keller Malaysia to provide extra equipment, Keller Vietnam to provide additional engineers and supervisors, and Keller India to offer support with planning and cost control.

Through meticulous design, well-planned execution and close collaboration with the contractor and Neste, Keller finished the project in September a month ahead of schedule, delighting the client and even picking up several safety awards along the way.

Saving the client time and money

“Projects of this complexity don’t come along for Keller Singapore that often, but we’ve proven that we have the expertise and resources to handle it,” says Seah. “By using stone columns and vibro-compaction instead of piles, we’ve saved the client money and time and allowed them to start the civil works much earlier.

“It’s also given them flexibility, because usually with piles the construction design would determine the exact location for the piling to start. But with our methods of ground improvement, the building foundations can be sited anywhere within the treated area, giving the client more time to design the site.”

Once the facility is completed in 2022, Neste will employ an extra 100 people and be able to vastly increase its production of renewable diesel, aviation fuel and raw materials for chemicals and polymers.

Keller grows expertise in Polish marine sector

Posted on www.keller.com on 6 February 2020

Over the past few years, Keller Poland has expanded rapidly in the marine market. More recently, the team delivered its first marine combi-wall project, helping with the expansion of one of Europe’s busiest ports.

Gdansk port on the southern side of the Baltic Sea is a major transportation hub, linking the Nordic countries with vital trading routes into Southern and Eastern Europe.

Following a €140 million investment from the European Union, the port is in the midst of a vast programme of works that will improve road and rail links and upgrade the inner port’s network of busy quays.

A trusted partner for BudimexIt’s at one of these quays, Dworzec Drzewny, that Keller Poland has successfully completed a new 1.2km retaining wall, allowing the fairway to be deepened from 3m to 12.5m and enabling larger cargo vessels to use the route.

Keller was awarded the project by general contractor Budimex, the country’s biggest construction company.

“We have completed many successful infrastructure projects for Budimex over the years,” says Keller Technical Director Rafał Buca. “About three years ago the company became active in the marine sector and we took advantage of that opportunity to also expand into this market. They trusted us to design this complex project and execute it flawlessly, and that’s what we did.”

Optimising the designThe project wasn’t without its challenges. “In our initial design analysis we knew that traditional sheet piles would not be sufficient for the loads required, so we proposed a combi-wall, which consists of steel tubes and sheet piles. The use of a combi-wall together with raked large diameter continuous flight auger [CFA] piles under the slab form a strong quay wall foundation."

The project began in December 2018 with the CFA piles. In total, the team installed 47,145m of piles (2,245 with an average length of 21m), 437 steel piles of up to 26m long (just under half of which were installed in the water) and 477 double sheet piles of up to 17m long.

Works also included a 233m temporary sheet pile wall constructed offshore to protect the 160t crane.

“The wind and the waves, particularly towards the end of winter, were the biggest challenge, so we had to ensure a safe working environment for our crew,” adds Site Manager Tomasz Rybarczyk.

A specialist team“This was our first combi-wall in the marine sector, and we knew we had to be very careful about quality,” he adds. “So to ensure we were able to deliver to the highest level, we assembled a special team,

highly motivated and very experienced. We also carried out a number of rigorous tests. This included 17 static load tests, seven tension load tests and over 560 pile integrity tests.”

The project wrapped up at the end of October 2019 and Rafał believes its success will pave the way for more work in the marine sector.

“Both the client and Port Authority have been impressed that we were able to create an optimum design for a complex project and execute it professionally. We’re excited that the success of this project will open up more opportunities for us in the marine sector.




14 15// CI MAGAZINE // SEPT-OCT 2019 SEPT-OCT 2019 // CI MAGAZINE //

Franki’s lateral support team applying gunite to the contiguous pile wall.

Franki was contracted to undertake geotechnical work for the development of the new Capitec Head Office Stellenbosch Development. The scope of work entailed the provision of both temporary and permanent lateral support works.

“Temporary support works called for a total of 603 linear metres of soil nails and gunite. The temporary supported height ranged from 3 to 9m. Permanent Lateral Support works entailed a total of 148 linear metres of soldier piles, gunite and anchors for a retained height of between 4m - 9m” explains Gert Gouws, Contracts Engineer at Franki Africa.

The project was divided into two phases; the main HQ building and the Parkade building. “We were originally scheduled to start early March 2018, but due to public objections at a municipal level, the start date shifted to the end of August,” explains Gouws.

A key challenge on the project was the

stringent timeframe. Anton Stoll, Senior Contracts Manager at Franki Africa, says the extremely tight programme required numerous resources to be deployed in a short space of time without delay, and this is exactly what transpired. “The interface between the main contractor, WBHO and the earthworks contractor, JVZ Construction, went extremely well. JVZ moved in excess of 2 500m³ a day, while Franki installed the lateral support in tandem,” explains Stoll.

Stoll said “Both the earthworks and the lateral support works were assisted with favourable weather conditions, and a drier than anticipated soil profile, thereby assisting us in beating the programme”

“Further, close collaboration between the parties involved and the fact that the entire project was thoroughly planned between ourselves, JVZ and WBHO before we started on site, made for a successful contract.” concludes Gouws.






Franki Africa is proud to have carried out the Lateral Support works for the

New Capitec Head Office in Stellenbosch.

Franki Africa 1/2 page ad June 2019.indd 1 2019/06/05 10:56

The closely-knit interface with other contractors working on the new Capitec Head Office Stellenbosch Development, allowed geotechnical specialist Franki Africa to complete the lateral support project – with an

extremely tight programme – 3,5 weeks ahead of schedule.

CLOSE COOPERATION AT THE HEART OF FRANKI’S SWIFT PROJECT COMPLETION

Sept Magazine.indd 14-15 2019/09/09 18:39:28

14 15// CI MAGAZINE // SEPT-OCT 2019 SEPT-OCT 2019 // CI MAGAZINE //

Franki’s lateral support team applying gunite to the contiguous pile wall.

Franki was contracted to undertake geotechnical work for the development of the new Capitec Head Office Stellenbosch Development. The scope of work entailed the provision of both temporary and permanent lateral support works.

“Temporary support works called for a total of 603 linear metres of soil nails and gunite. The temporary supported height ranged from 3 to 9m. Permanent Lateral Support works entailed a total of 148 linear metres of soldier piles, gunite and anchors for a retained height of between 4m - 9m” explains Gert Gouws, Contracts Engineer at Franki Africa.

The project was divided into two phases; the main HQ building and the Parkade building. “We were originally scheduled to start early March 2018, but due to public objections at a municipal level, the start date shifted to the end of August,” explains Gouws.

A key challenge on the project was the

stringent timeframe. Anton Stoll, Senior Contracts Manager at Franki Africa, says the extremely tight programme required numerous resources to be deployed in a short space of time without delay, and this is exactly what transpired. “The interface between the main contractor, WBHO and the earthworks contractor, JVZ Construction, went extremely well. JVZ moved in excess of 2 500m³ a day, while Franki installed the lateral support in tandem,” explains Stoll.

Stoll said “Both the earthworks and the lateral support works were assisted with favourable weather conditions, and a drier than anticipated soil profile, thereby assisting us in beating the programme”

“Further, close collaboration between the parties involved and the fact that the entire project was thoroughly planned between ourselves, JVZ and WBHO before we started on site, made for a successful contract.” concludes Gouws.






Franki Africa is proud to have carried out the Lateral Support works for the

New Capitec Head Office in Stellenbosch.

Franki Africa 1/2 page ad June 2019.indd 1 2019/06/05 10:56

The closely-knit interface with other contractors working on the new Capitec Head Office Stellenbosch Development, allowed geotechnical specialist Franki Africa to complete the lateral support project – with an

extremely tight programme – 3,5 weeks ahead of schedule.

CLOSE COOPERATION AT THE HEART OF FRANKI’S SWIFT PROJECT COMPLETION

Sept Magazine.indd 14-15 2019/09/09 18:39:28

Article and advert published in Construction Insight Magazine – Nov/Dec 2019



OCTOBER 20192236 Franki Newsletter May 2020

Article and advert published in Architect and Builder Magazine – March 2020


50 AdvertoriAl

C ontracted to provide geotechnical services for the ground-breaking 144 Oxford project, Franki was

responsible for the design, supply and installation of the earth retaining lateral support system and the piled foundations. The project scope included a five-level basement to a maximum depth of 15m below natural ground level with a total of 5,755m² of lateral support, as well as 235 no. foundation piles with column loads varying between 3,800 and 15,000kN.

Contract ProgrammeAccording to Brett Markides, Senior Design Engineer at Franki Africa, from the onset, the contract programme proposed by the client proved challenging. However, the development was considered a key project for Franki and an optimised design to match the contract programme was fundamental to winning the tender in such a competitive market.

The west elevation of the development incorporated a Gautrain servitude roughly 12m beyond the site boundary where no structural elements of any lateral system could be installed through. The solutions to this problem were not immediately obvious as the servitude posed a restriction on the anchor lengths required for conventional lateral support. “The design team at Franki had to revert to first principles and hand

calculations to conceptualise a workable solution that would account for this restriction,” explains Markides.

Changes in design were a constant challenge and design development had to conform to the engineer’s and client’s specifications. In this regard, Franki relied heavily on its uniquely integral in-house design team to deal with the changes as and when they occurred, as well as providing cost-effective workable solutions to the professional teams.

Challenges in Lateral SupportThe design of the lateral support system on the North, East and South elevations comprised soldier piles with a system of active and passive support in the form of anchors. On the west elevation, an initial cut back and batter was proposed to reduce the retained height of the wall, effectively reducing the lateral forces and mitigating the requirement for structural elements extending into the Gautrain Servitude. The west elevation comprised soldier piles with a similar system of alternative active and passive support.

Franki developed a FEM model in Plaxis 2D, capable of staged construction analysis and analysed all expected forces in structural elements and factors of safety at every stage. Verification of stability and deflections in the temporary

and permanent state were analysed and checked against the required specifications. The resulting output confirmed the expected modes of failure at the factor of safety stages and the model was deemed appropriate for the design solution.

Verification of the design followed an observational approach on site through stringent monitoring to ensure predicted vs actual deflections aligned throughout construction.

Due to the innovative design process, health and safety considerations were incorporated by employing well understood and recognised methodologies in Franki, so that neither additional risk would be placed onto the site teams nor would any unfamiliar construction methodologies be introduced.

PilingThe geotechnical information indicated competent rock granite between 5 m and 15 m below bulk excavation level. Auger cast in-situ piles socketed into competent rock were chosen as the most economical piling solution, and Franki optimised the pile layout to accommodate higher loads on fewer piles. This was made possible with specialised cleaning tools to effectively clean the pile bases through mechanical action.

An optimised design to match a taxing contract programme was instrumental in Franki Africa’s ability to hand over the challenging foundations and lateral support work for the landmark 144 Oxford project on time

Franki Defies Challenges to Meet Tight Programme



Franki is proud to have carried out the Lateral Support and Piling works

for the 144 Oxford Road Project


011 062 7600 | [email protected] | www.franki.com


Franki_ad_Architect and_Builder_March20.indd 1 2020/03/19 06:48


speaking · to build a dream team consisting of a diverse group of leaders with a mix of skills...

Documents