Precast • Issue 4 • 2023

CONNECTING CONCRETE & CONSTRUCTION ISSUE 4 2023

R49,00

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IN THIS ISSUE: SA construction under siege Digitising our water infrastructure The dangers of noncompliant cement

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| CONTENTS |

In this issue As the scourge of construction sites being hijacked by armed mafiosi spreads to many more provinces in the country, threatening the lives and income of contracted labourers and delay ing projects, Precast has focused specifically on this alarming phenomenon.

Since it seems that the SA Police Force is both inadequately trained and under-resourced in dealing with this problem, we particularly value t he suggest ion of Dat abu i ld CEO Morag Evans that contractors and site managers take their own precautions using technology for measures such as access-controlled entry and exit points on sites, among others.

We regard this as a matter of utmost urgency in a country which is already verging on a state of lawlessness. If South Africa is to make any progress in redeeming its flailing economy and st imu lat ing economic g row t h, t he construction industry will play a crucial part in the process. Enabling it to do so, while also creating employment, housing and urban developments, is a priority.

On a happier note, we also showcase the astonishingly quick reopening of Colossal Concrete Products’ De Aar factory – which will have important spinoffs for the Northern Cape’s renewable energy projects, the benefits of concrete floors and Bell Equipment’s dynamic, new heavy industries division.

We also feature a stimulating article

by Peter Marumong, cluster WWW segment leader and Johan Potgieter, cluster industrial software lead at Schneider Electric on digitising South Africa’s water infrastructure, as a sure-fire solution to the country’s worsening water crisis and a wonderfully quirky French patisserie in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, using overstated “kitsch” elements, imaginative design and sheer chutzpah to bring the project to life.

The Precast team wishes its readers, advertisers, colleagues and the industry a safe and joyous festive season and a most prosperous, healthy and happy new year!

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| CONTENTS |

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Mob rule: SA construction under siege

CONNECTING CONCRETE & CONSTRUCTION ISSUE 4 2023

PRECAST R49,00

COVER STORY INDUSTRY NEWS 6 8

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9 11 13 15 16 17

Colossal Concrete Products reopens its De Aar plant Contract price adjustment provision (CPAP) work group indices Digitising our water infrastructure –a sure-fire solution Rocla supplies 2 866 sanitation units to municipality Nominations open for CCSA’s 2024 Fulton Awards for excellence in concrete Grindex’s magnum pump offers unmatched heavy-duty drainage Bell launches new heavy industries division Wei Rushan becomes new WCA president

PROJECTS

Digitising our water infrastructure The dangers of noncomliant cement

ON THE COVER

18 Peikko completes a warehouse in record time

TECHNICAL 19 The dangers of non-compliant cement 20 Benefits of concrete floors

PRODUCTS

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IN THIS ISSUE: SA construction under siege

Mafia-style gangs are increasingly holding building sites and everyone on them to ransom, threatening lives, income and the progress of projects.

We look at how these criminals operate and what measures construction companies can take to protect themselves and their employees.

PRECAST is independently published

21 Maintenance coatings 22 Complete lubrication solutions for cement and heavy industry 23 Products to preserve concrete infrastructure

HEALTH & SAFETY 23 Health and safety misconceptions impeding construction growth

by Isikhova Media (Pty) Ltd Tel: +27 (11) 883 4627 www.isikhova.co.za Director: Jenny Justus E-mail: jenny@isikhova.co.za Operations director: Thuli Majola E-mail: thuli@isikhova.co.za Design and layout: Joanne Brook E-mail: joanne@isikhova.co.za Managing director: Imraan Mahomed

BUSINESS

E-mail: imraan@isikhova.co.za

26 AECOM launches 34th Africa cost guide

SAFETY & TRAINING 28 AfriSam puts skills development front and centre

GLOBAL VIEW 30 French kitsch

Copy editor: Anne Phillips Media sales: Tel: +27 (11) 883 4627 / 083 450 6052 The views and statements expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publishers and neither the publishers nor the editor accept responsibility for them. No person connected with the publication of this journal will be liable for any loss or damage sustained as a result of action following any statements or opinions expressed herein. The same applies to all advertising. Precast© 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publishers.

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| COVER STORY |

MOB RULE: SA CONSTRUCTION UNDER SIEGE The South African construction industry is increasingly finding itself under siege.

Armed gangs, known as construction mafias, are routinely invading construction sites across the country, intimidating workers and demanding employment or a share in project profits under threats of violence.

Databuild CEO Morag Evans has reiterated the need for contractors to take a firm stand against these “business forums”, warning that unless addressed, the scourge is likely to worsen. The problem was first noted in KwaZulu-Natal and has since spread to Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and other provinces.

Roots in legislation The issue can be traced back to the promulgation in 2017 of new regulations to the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, requiring that 30% of all contract value on state construction contracts be allocated to designated groups, including black South Africans, women and people with disabilities.

Unfortunately, these regulations have been misunderstood and abused by the

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construction mafia, resulting in widespread disruption even on private-sector sites. The gangs demand either a 30% stake in the project or 30% of the total contract value in cash as “protection” against violent disruptions and work stoppages.

These demands are not only disrupting construction activities, but are also leading to devastating financial consequences for businesses, including black-owned SMEs. Projects often experience delays for months, causing costs to spiral. Notably, construction insurance policies do not always cover damage or loss in these circumstances, leading to financial ruin for many.

In a recent interview, construction attorney Euan Massey highlighted the seriousness of the situation, detailing the modus operandi of these criminal elements.

“At the outset of a project, they invade

“The gangs demand either a 30% stake in the project or 30% of the total contract value in cash as ‘protection’ against violent disruptions and work stoppages.”

the construction site, walk into site offices heavily armed and threaten individuals or their families. No progress can take place until their demands are dealt with.

This can also extend to violence and, in the worst cases, has resulted in murders,” he explained.

In October, Cape Town launched a campaign to tackle related crimes in the sector. Speaking at the launch, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the city was spending R55 million in 2023 on additional security simply to protect targeted sites so that construction could continue. The local government has also amended its contracts with contractors, who may not claim for any construction delays unless they report extortion to the police.

A s id e f r om t he v io le nc e , ot her challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic severely const ra ined supply cha ins.

T here have a l so been r isi ng level s of unemployment and even business liquidations that further compound the industry’s struggle. These challenges could potentially escalate illegal site invasions as the unemployed labour force becomes more desperate to secure work.

Massey pointed out that there are legal steps which can be taken, as there are several Acts dealing with the prevention of organised crime and intimidation.

“Through the police and laying charges, there's a framework for taking action.

The major problem is that people who’re threatened are intimidated and reluctant to go to the police.”

However, the police are themselves frequently reluctant to intervene, since they lack the training, manpower and conf idence to do so. Corruption and collusion between construction mafiosi and law enforcers are also factors contributing to the problem.

Technological help Amidst these challenges, though, Evans has highlighted the potential of technology as a powerful weapon against these construction mafia invasions. Effective strategies such as the use of webcams, drone sur veillance, robot guards and GPS technology can greatly enhance site security, providing continuous monitor ing and quick detection of any

unauthorised access or activity.

Using digital tools also offers a broader perspective. In addition to securing the site, these technologies can aid in tracking the movement and positioning of materials and equipment, flagging any unexpected changes and ensuring the projects stay on track.

It is critical to have co-operation between contractors, law enforcement and politicians to ensure the safety of workers and the overall success of construction projects. By clearly demarcating sites with access-controlled entry and exit points, setting up robust safety and emergency measures and using legal avenues, the industry can mitigate the violence and disruptions.

“Harassment, violence and extortion are not the means to achieve transformation in the construction industry. Such actions are criminal in every sense of the word and cause more harm than good,” said Massey. “As an industry, we must remain resilient, adapt and innovate to ensure our survival and build a stronger, more sustainable future.”

“Approximately R68 billion has been lost due to the construction mafia, but the cost to society is even greater. For example, a school not being built means children lack education,” he added. He stressed the need for a holistic approach involving all role-players, rather than a reactive response through the police. Government must identify projects where the 30% target is achievable and designate groups that can help achieve that goal.

| COVER STORY |

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Colossal Concrete Products, a Level 1 B -BBEE company and the largest manufacturer of railway sleepers in southern Africa, with a proud 64-year track record, reopened its mothballed De Aar factory in October.

This move follows the recent conclusion of a one-year contract with Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) to supply precast concrete railway sleepers for the parastatal’s national freight rail network upgrade.

The De Aar facility is strategically located in the Northern Cape, near one of the arterial railway junctions connecting the Cape Town, Johannesburg and Kimberley lines. Through its manufacturing facility reopening, the company will not only prov ide a much-needed boost to the regional economy through the creation of jobs – as well as upstream and downstream manufacturing and supply opportunities – but will be able to reach its inherent capacity, with the production of over 1 million railway sleepers per annum.

“Africa’s rich in natural resources, but much-needed growth and progress are often hampered by lack of finance and the required infrastructure. Colossal Concrete Products understands the pivotal importance of infrastructure development and the impact this has on the economic development of any countr y. In line with our precast concrete manufacturing capacity, skills and our Pan-African growth strategy, Colossal can play a significant part in the roll-out of rail, civils and general infrastructure development, improving the overall prosperity of the continent,” says CEO Gwen Mahuma-Madida.

The company has grown substantially over the past two years, taking over from a listed entity and entrenching its own style and culture, while maintaining a sound client base and expanding its market share both locally and cross-border.

This followed the June 2021 acquisition – by a consortium comprising the Colossal Africa Group, Mafoko Holdings, Clone Capital and Randvest Capital – of Aveng’s Infraset’s Brakpan and De Aar facilities for their rail, telecommunications, civil

Colossal Concrete Products’ reopened De Aar facility.

COLOSSAL CONCRETE PRODUCTS REOPENS ITS DE AAR PLANT eng ineer ing and specia l ised precast concrete manufacturing capabilities and intellectual property.

Mahuma-Madida says the potential of the De Aar facility was always evident, despite its prior mothballing. “The TFR contract was the catalyst for the reopening and there are now further plans to keep the operation sustainable. The acquisition of an adjoining property in De Aar will also help us grow our footprint within the renewable energy space, which is on the cusp of significant growth following the publication of the final draft of SA’s Renewable Energy Masterplan in July this year,” she explains, adding that because the De Aar facility is close to the current Northern Cape hub of many renewable energy projects, it will be pivotal in supplying products such as precast wind turbine towers, among others.

Concretising job creation “De Aar, like many areas in the Northern Cape, has been economically depressed in

“Currently, Colossal Concrete Products is recognised internationally as one of the world’s most innovative and diverse concrete sleeper producers.”

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recent years. With this in mind, one of the most important elements in rejuvenating the manufacturing facility is the creation of some 50 jobs. No employment opportunities have been available since the plant was mothballed by the previous owner over three years ago and we’ve been inundated with job applications. We're also collaborating closely with the local mayor and municipal manager, who’re extremely excited about the plant reopening and what this means for the town as a whole,” says executive director Chris “CK” Klagsbrun.

Jobs include mixer operators, team leaders, boom scrapers, line feeders, crane operators, boiler operators, wire feeders, forklift drivers, grinder operators, wire cutters, slot washers, preppers and quality controllers.

“Preference is being given to those previously employed in the above positions at our De Aar facility and I’m confident that a fair percentage of them will be reemployed,” says Klagsbrun.

M a hu m a - M a d id a a d d s t h a t a l l Colossal’s products have met the safety and technical requirements for implementing projects for TFR. “The foundational concept here is that infrastructure development and job creation go hand in hand: when TFR – or any other

| INDUSTRY NEWS |

public- or private-sector entity - chooses Colossal as its precast concrete products provider, we can create jobs,” she says.

Further down the track Currently, Colossal Concrete Products is recognised internationally as one of the world’s most innovative and diverse concrete sleeper producers, with a highly experienced research and development division having developed over 40 rail-related products.

In addition, it manufactures other precast concrete products such as culverts, poles and masts for use in the mining, civil engineering, construction and renewable energy sectors, among others.

“We’re still the only company locally that has such a large range of railway products. Retaining t hat leadership position is critical. While our competitors manufacture a selective range of mainline sleepers, we’re the only ones making the entire range,” says Mahuma-Madida.

There are already plans to move the manufacture of all turnout sleepers to De Aar. These are highly specialised and supplied to VAE, which adds rails.

Technically, Klagsbrun points out that Colossal has maintained its high manufacturing standards, with all specifications remaining in line with original technology provided by its Swedish licensor. The company also consistently invests in research and development.

“Our vision is to constantly bring innovative solutions to the rail, mining, renewable energy, civil engineering and construction sectors, among many others.

Taking this a step further, we also plan to replicate what Colossal does across Africa.

We’ve already grown our consulting

division close to home and we’re working closely with our Swedish partner on PanAfrican rail projects. There have been two recent enquiries about establishing new manufacturing plants, where Colossal could either oversee construction or conclude service-level agreements to manage these facilities,” he says.

POLYURETHANE | MACHINERY | STEEL

A new platform for De Aar As the company is a major player in the precast concrete space supplying the mining, construction, civils and general infrastructure sectors, Mahuma-Madida says every Colossal facility will always produce a variety of products servicing multiple sectors. “Not only is the De Aar plant strongly positioned for projects in the renewable energy space, but it’s strategically and operationally well placed to f ill the gap left by the closure of companies serving the construction sector in the Northern Cape,” she points out.

“Therefore, once we have a solid base and increasing revenue, we’ll resume marketing to the civil engineering and construction sector, selling our culverts, pipes and other products. When the De Aar and other plants serving the construction sector closed in the Northern Cape, it left a void. Construction companies were forced to import precast products from Gauteng and other regions.

Now we’ll f ill that gap and save them significant transport costs,” she says.

The same goes for Colossal’s strategy in neighbouring countries. “We’ll use rail as a base to move into adjacent countries.

Once that’s set up, we can introduce other products. For us, it’s very important to be a Pan-African player, as well as a South African one,” says Mahuma-Madida.

WE SPECIALISE IN INDUSTRIAL QUALITY POLYURETHANE, STEEL MOULDS AND MACHINERY FOR THE PRECAST INDUSTRY (Above): The ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the De Aar facility’s reopening.

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| INDUSTRY NEWS |

CONTACT PRICE ADJUSTMENT PROVISION (CPAP) WORK GROUP INDICES The latest CPAP work group indices have been released for downloading by the Statistician-General.

Noteworthy month-on-month changes in August 2023 were as follows: Work group 120 – waterproofing: The index increased by 2,4%. There was a change of 3,3% in the index for bituminous mixtures (accounting for 65,0% of this group).

Work g roup 116 – br ic k a nd blockwork: The index increased by 1,7%.

There were changes of 3,7% in the PPI index for clay bricks (accounting for 45,0% of this group) and 0,8% in the PPI index for cement (accounting for 6,0% of this group).

Work g roup 16 0 – e lec t r ica l installations: The index decreased by 1,5%. There were changes of -1,4% in the SEIFSA index for PVC (accounting for 5,0% of this group), -2,2% in the SEIFSA index for copper 7,9mm rod (accounting for 35,0% of this group) and -7,3% in the SEIFSA index for aluminium products 99,7 EC grade rod (accounting for 10,0% of this group).

Work group 162 – electrical reticulation: The index decreased by 3,0%.

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There were changes of -2,2% in the SEIFSA index for copper 7,9mm rod (accounting for 45,0% of this group) and -7,3% in the SEIFSA index for aluminium products 99,7 EC grade rod (accounting for 25,0% of this group).

Work group 125 – metal roofing (aluminium): The index decreased by 6,5%. There was a change of -7,3% in the SEIFSA index for aluminium products 99,7 EC grade rod (accounting for 90,0% of this group).

Construction input price index (CIPI): The annual change in the index for total construction was 6,0% in August 2023. The index increased by 1,5% month-

on-month. The following indices recorded noteworthy month-on-month changes: Construction tyres (13,8%); Construction electric motors, generators or transformers (11,8%); Ready-mix concrete (5,2%); Electrical cable (4,8%); Builders’ carpentry of wood (-0,6%); Construction structural and reinforcing steel (-0,8%).

Mining and construction plant and equipment price indices: The annual change in the index for plant and equipment was 10,4% in August 2023. The index increased by 0,3% month-on-month.

Mechan ica l and elect rica l engineering input price indices: The annual change in the index for mechanical engineering was 2,9% in August 2023.

The index increased by 0,2% month-onmonth. The annual change in the index for electrical engineering was 8,0% in August 2023. The index increased by 1,9% monthon-month.

Civil engineering material price indices: The annual change in the total index (civil engineering material) was 3,1% in August 2023. The index remained unchanged month-on-month.

The full details and tables of the adjustments can be downloaded from: https://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P01511/P01511April2023.pdf

| INDUSTRY NEWS |

DIGITISING OUR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE –

A SURE-FIRE SOLUTION

By Peter Marumong, cluster WWW segment leader and Johan Potgieter, cluster industrial software lead at Schneider Electric

demand patterns, identifying water usage inefficiencies and opportunity usage while reducing water losses, promoting water re-use and New York City, USA, recently circular economy principles played host to the UN’s first at every scale. This all conWater Conference in over 50 tributes to the development years. However, while over of an effective water manage700 pledges were made to ment strategy. promote transformation in the T h a t s a id , t o r e a l i s e water sector, the challenges digitisation, investment will to achieve these goals are have to be made. Upgrading undoubtedly immense. outdated water systems to South Africa, of course, (Above): Peter Marumong, digital technology requires cluster WWW segment is currently in the grip of a invest ment in sensors, leader: Schneider Electric. national water crisis itself, monitoring equipment and with cities around the country deprived of other tools to detect leaks and improve • Diagnosis and prediction: Predictive water for long, continuous periods. Some water efficiency. analytics help utilities anticipate and communities – both rural and urban – Also, building technical expertise and prevent slowdowns and malfunctions, have been without water for months, with engaging policymakers and regulators reducing downtime and maintenance residents having to trudge long distances are important to support the adoption costs. to fetch a daily supply of it from water of digital solutions in the water sector.

• Work f low a nd resou rce opt itanks. The situation has culminated in It requires a true team effort to build a misation: By analysing data, utilities the latest initiative from government, water-secure future. can optimise work-flows and resource “water-shedding”, in which supplies to allocation, ensuring that operations certain areas are regularly stopped and Deploying digital solutions run efficiently. diverted to others. The strategy has evoked With the advent of the Industrial Internet • Energy-efficiency: Digital systems widespread criticism as an untenable longof Things (IIoT), a layer of intelligence enable utilities to f ine-tune energy term solution. However, the conference in – through the deployment of sensors and usage based on functional characteristics, New York brought to light an innovative other monitoring equipment – can be added reducing energy costs and environalternative. to every device in a water treatment and mental impact.

What emerged from the discussions distribution system. Then, by combining Schneider Electr ic’s EcoStr uxure was that water sectors in many countries, telemetry and cloud-based analytics with Automation Expert architecture provides including SA, face many challenges: ageing IIOT, water and wastewater ( WWW ) WWW plants with complete life-cycle infrastructure, the impact of climate plants can proactively conserve water ma nagement , sea m less I T a nd OT change, environmental degradation, the while taking steps to positively impact the integration, and improved automation growing demand for water and outdated environment and financial sustainability. system diagnostics. Importantly, it decouples water management solutions and strategies.

Digital transformation offers the following software from hardware, allowing for quick However, the good news is that the digital important benefits: modifications or upgrades. transition of the water sector can play • Rea l-t i me st ate of system s E coSt r u xure Automat ion E x per t a key role in accelerating progress and processes: With digital tools, adheres to the IEC 61499 standard for towards the UN’s Sustainable water professionals can access realinteroperability, making it adaptable to Development Goal 6, “Clean time information about the state specific customer needs, regardless of exwater and sanitation for all”, while of their systems and processes. isting automation solutions. This flexibility proactively addressing many of the This immediate insight allows for empowers water companies to modernise abovementioned challenges. quicker decision-making and their operations cost-effectively, without Dig ital transformaissue resolution. being tied to proprietary hardware. tion provides visibility into water supply and (Left): Johan Potgieter, cluster industrial software leader: Schneider Electric.

PRECAST | ISSUE FOUR | 2023

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| INDUSTRY NEWS |

ROCLA SUPPLIES 2 866 SANITATION UNITS TO MUNICIPALITY Rocla, one of South Africa’s leading precast concrete manufacturers, is in the process of supplying 2 866 Twin Eco Leach Pit sanitation units to the eThekwini Municipality in the current financial year as part of its programme of providing sustainable sanitation solutions to the wider population across the municipality.

“Rocla’s precast concrete toilet unit, which was selected on merit, following the eThekwini Municipality’s pilot project phase, is an eco-friendly, easyto-install and cost-effective solution to the massive sanitation needs not only in eThekwini, but across all of SA’s highdensity urban and rural communities.

There’s no reason for anyone not to have a proper, odour-free sanitation facility. It’s about human dignity,” says André Labuschagne, Rocla’s product development manager.

The stand-alone unit has been developed as a sustainable twin-leach pit configuration, but also remains upgradable to a full waterborne system, should this become an option in the future. These sanitation units are safe, hygienic, fully functional and, in many instances, replace dangerous “long-drop” pit toilet installations. They also function off the grid and use grey water for flushing.

T he un it is suppl ied complete with an Agrément-approved, high-

quality polymer pivot door and Rocla’s proprietary 40L grey water cistern. To ensure the re-use of water as a scarce commodity, the cistern is fitted with a practical mini-basin and an Agrémentapproved 10L clean water hand-washing apparatus which allows the waste water to drain into the cistern for flushing use.

The toilet structure also comes standard with a Rocla proprietary rainwater harvesting system that helps keep the cistern filled.

“The leach pits themselves are also available as polymer options for difficult terrain or can be manufactured from concrete to create the maximum employment opportunities. These are then supplied together with the toilet unit,” says Labuschagne.

Through Rocla’s unique “community cast system”, jobs are created at all levels, from casting right through to erecting.

The units themselves comprise only eight panels that make up the complete structure, while offering a relatively large interior (900mm wide x 1 100mm deep x 2 000mm high), which conforms to all relevant standards and offers the safety of a dual opening locking system (ie, they can be opened from the inside, while locked from the outside).

“Members of the community can also be upskilled to self-install,” adds Labuschagne.

| INDUSTRY NEWS |

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CONNECTING CONCRETE & CONSTRUCTION ISSUE 3 2023

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| INDUSTRY NEWS |

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR CCSA’S 2024 FULTON AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN CONCRETE Cement and Concrete SA (CCSA) is now calling for nominations for the prestigious 2024 Fulton Awards, the South African construction, civil engineering and architectural industries’ prem ier a ccol ades for excel lence in concrete. The dead line for ful l submissions is 14 December this year.

Hanlie Turner, business development manager of CCSA, says the Fulton Awards were initiated in 1979 as a tribute to the late Dr Sandy Fulton, former director of the Portland Cement Institute, for his outstanding contributions to the understanding, development and improvement of concrete which are recognised internationally.

“As an international partner of the American Concrete Institute, CCSA will nominate Fulton Award winners for the ACI’s Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards 2024, in line with the American awards’ project categories and eligibility criteria,” she explains.

The categories for the 2024 Fulton Awards are: • Buildings of up to R50 million in value: Use of concrete as the principal construction material, demonstrating an exceptional structure, design principles, construction techniques, surface finishes or particular details, in an aesthetic manner. Office buildings, residential, schools, commercial, factories, warehousing and industrial structures fall in this category.

• Buildings of over R50 million in value: As above, but of greater project value.

• Infrastructure of up to R100 million in value: Use of concrete as the principal construction material, demonstrating an exceptional structure, design principles, construction techniques, surface finishes or particular details, in an aesthetic manner such as in bridges, roads,

water resources, marine structures, power and transportation.

• Infrastructure of over R100 million in value: As above, but of greater project value.

• Innovation and invention in concrete: This category includes research, technologies, new applications, techniques, designs and/or concepts which have been developed and utilised for a project.

The adjudication panel for the 2024 awards will comprise Bryan Perrie, CEO of CCSA, Stephen Humphries, director of Nyeleti Consulting and Daniel van der Merwe of LEAF Architects, who will once again visit all the entered projects in person to ensure that they are not judged only on written submissions, but on their actual merits.

(Above): 2022 winner the Umhlatuzana River Bridge Modification.

(Above): 2022 winner New Ashton Arch.

For further information and nomination forms, visit: https:// www.cemcon-sa.org.za/2024fulton-awards or contact CCSA membership and events manager Natasja Pols at e-mail: natasja. pols@cemcon-sa.org.za.

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| INDUSTRY NEWS |

GRINDEX’S MAGNUM PUMP OFFERS UNMATCHED HEAVY-DUTY DRAINAGE In the two decades since its launch, Grindex’s Magnum pump has emerged as the first choice for heavy-duty drainage tasks across a myriad of applications in the construction, mining and quarrying sectors.

Available from Integrated Pump Technology, the Southern African distributor for this quality international pump brand, there are three distinct configurations – the Magnum L for low head, Magnum N for normal head and the Magnum H for high head applications.

Justin Bawden, key account manager at Integrated Pump Technology, says that despite its robust industrial strength, the Magnum pump is surprisingly portable.

“The ergonomic design of the pump facilitates easy and straightforward handling, which aids ease of installation and movement from site to site,” he says.

Further, its streamlined construction, characterised by fewer components, simplifies maintenance inspections and servicing, making these not only quicker, but also more cost-effective.

Grindex has incorporated a cuttingedge hydraulic design into the pump, ensuring it provides high wear-resistance and minimises performance decline after prolonged use. The pump boasts up to three times the wear-resistance of its competitors, thanks to this optimised hydraulic design.

Adding to its resilience, the Magnum pump features an air valve specifically designed to prevent overheating by cooling the equipment dur ing dr y runs. This innovative measure ensures prolonged pump life and uninterrupted performance, even under challenging conditions.

The Magnum pump’s dependable desig n, combined w it h its ease of maintenance, has earned it a favoured position among hundreds of customers worldwide and it is available in both 50hz and 60hz variants.

When it comes to environments and applications that demand resilience and eff iciency, such as construction sites, tunnels, mines and quarries, Grindex’s Magnum pump stands out as an unparalleled asset. “In essence, for industries that prioritise reliability and a proven track record, the Grindex Magnum pump remains unmatched,” says Bawden.

“The ergonomic design of the pump facilitates easy and straightforward handling.”

(Above): The Grindex Magnum pump’s dependable design and ease of maintenance have earned it the support of customers worldwide.

| INDUSTRY NEWS |

BELL LAUNCHES NEW HEAVY INDUSTRIES DIVISION With almost 70 years of demonstrated expertise in complex engineering, heavy fabrication and machining for its own range of material handling equipment, Bell Equipment is now offering these specialist services to all industries in the country through its newly-formed division, Bell Heavy Industries (BHI).

Bel l E qu ipment’s g roup busi ness development director, Stephen Jones, empha s i ses t he cu r rent sc a rc it y of companies providing these vital services locally. “South A fr ica’s seen a huge reduction in engineering companies. In response, we’ve strategically positioned our local manufacturing facility to fill this void by providing project engineering and contract manufacturing through BHI. “The growth of Bell as a well-established mining, earthmoving and agriculture equipment manufacturer, both domestically and in terms of exports around the world, is a testament to the skills available and the quality of products that we make in Richards Bay. We’re confident about our ability to expand into other industries and believe this will benef it not only the manufacturing sector, but the whole country,” he says.

The 45 000m² undercover manufacturing area in Richards Bay complies with the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and welds to the internationally recognised ISO 3834-2 Appendix 10 standards. It is well equipped with specialist machines, including both horizontal and vertical computerised numerical control machining centres, five-axis boring machines, laser cutters, high-definition oxyfuel and plasma cutters, bending brakes and advanced welding technology. A blasting plant, phosphating tanks, a sealed spray booth, a galvanising bath and an automated powder coating installation are available for surface treatments.

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(Above): Bell Equipment’s 45 000m² undercover manufacturing area in Richards Bay. (Left): The Bell team of over 800 machinists, welders and assemblers is among the best in the country, thanks to the company’s own training centre, which develops worldclass skills from the surrounding community.

The Bell team in Richards Bay of over 800 machinists, welders and assemblers is among the best in the country thanks to the company’s own training centre, which plays a crucial role in internally developing world-class skills from the surrounding community. “This is complemented by our highly skilled team of welding, quality and industrial engineers, along with onsite calibration facilities, equipment to perform material checks and a number of highly specialised co-ordinate measuring machines,” says Jones.

“BHI can also tap into a wealth of group resources, notably a team of over 100 South African design engineers, enhancing its

suitability for local manufacturing across diverse industries.”

B el l E qu ipment’s ma nu fact ur i ng operation, which is 55% black-owned and 24% black women-owned, contributes to BBBEE scores and creates localisation opportunities for potential customers.

“Over the years, we’ve established a global supply chain with access to worldclass suppliers. Procurement staff are well skilled in international logistics and our strategic sourcing department has strong commodit y expertise, which ensures stringent input cost control. “ We’ve a lw ay s m a i nt a i ne d t h at manufacturing has massive transformation potential for the South African economy and employment, so we’re optimistic about this new division and will be actively engaging with those seeking the expertise we now offer outside of our traditional market segment,” says Jones.

“The 45 000m² undercover manufacturing area in Richards Bay complies with the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and welds to the internationally recognised ISO 3834-2 Appendix 10 standards.”

WEI RUSHAN BECOMES NEW WCA PRESIDENT The World Cement Association (WCA) has appointed Wei Rushan as president, replacing founding president Song Zhiping, who retired recently. Rushan is the president and executive director of the China National Building Materials (CNBM) Co Ltd, the world’s largest cement producer.

He has extensive experience in strategy, investment and capital management, as well as transformation and development, and holds a doctoral degree in political economy from the School of Economics of Renmin University in China.

Wei also serves as president of the China Building Materials Engineering Construction Association. He won first prize for China’s National Enterprise Management Modernisation in 2018 and first prize for National Building Material Enterprise Management Modernisation Innovation Achievement the following year.

Speaking at the closing of the recent WCA annual conference in Dubai, Wei said: “As a platform for communication and exchange, the WCA will follow the principles of openness, inclusiveness, connectivity and win-win co-operation, and continue to provide value-added services to its members through annual conferences, member forums, professional committee activities, etc. There’s an African proverb: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Let’s work together, build consensus and create a healthier and more sustainable future for the industry.”

Ian Riley, CEO of the WCA, said: “Wei Rushan brings a new range of skills and ideas that will mark a new chapter in the association’s growth. I’m excited to work with him for the good of the entire cement industry.”

THE WCA The WCA is the leading international organisation representing the cement industry. Committed to promoting sustainable development, it brings together cement manufacturers, associations and technology providers from around the world to address the global challenges and opportunities within the cement sector.

| PROJECT |

A major advantage of the Peikko precast system of interconnecting precast beams, slabs and columns is time-saving and the element of accuracy, compared with conventional on-site concrete or steel construction. This was the case at a warehouse extension contract recently completed by the company in Roodepoort, north of Johannesburg.

Peikko’s slim floor structures and connection technology for precast and cast-insitu applications offer innovative solutions, which are a faster, safer and more efficient way to design and build, says Winston Visser, project engineer at Peikko SA, who shares his experience at the Pasedena project – a warehouse extension of 1 000m2 coupled to a 660m2 office extension for a specialised manufacturer.

“The original architect’s design – which involved adding an additional storey to the client’s existing warehouse and an additional floor to the office accommodation – was conceived as a structural steel project, but due to steel procurement issues and time pressures, we were able to convince the client that by opting for the Peikko system of interconnected precast elements, tight deadlines and budget targets could be met, with the bonus of a more aesthetically pleasing design,” explains Visser.

The warehouse extension involved the creation of a new 1 000m2 mezzanine floor

Peikko completes a warehouse in

RECORD TIME

above the existing warehouse space, which meant raising the roof to create a total storage and manufacturing space of 3 600m2.

“The client’s manufacturing operations involved the strategic placement of machines, which necessitated the roof support beams allowing an uninterrupted span of 11,9m, utilised with a 765mm precast beam.

“Adding a 660m2 floor to the existing of f ice bu i ld i ng proved to be more challenging, as substantial groundwork was involved to provide additional column support for the precast floor slab.

“While the construction of the stub column concrete foundations was underway, the other elements of the second-f loor

“Peikko’s slim floor structures and connection technology for precast and cast-in-situ applications offer innovative solutions, which are a faster, safer and more efficient way to design and build.”

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design were taking place concurrently, with our patented bolted connection system being used to connect precast columns to the stubs and the adjacent retaining wall.

“As the design and manufacture of the Peikko system of beams, columns and slabs take place completely off-site, accuracy was paramount to tie the new office extension in with the existing one and with the new, enlarged warehouse’s manufacturing mezzanine,” he explains.

Visser adds that the speed of construction astonished both the client and the owners of the neighbouring building. “One day there was nothing, the next there was a complete structure!

“Reducing construction time from a likely 45 days to just five gave the client substantial cost-savings, as expanded production facilities could start producing much earlier than originally envisaged.

The client was so satisfied with the end result that we’ve been entrusted with a new contract at a different site,” he says.

Reprinted with permission from Peikko SA.

Peikko Group Corporation is a leading global supplier of slim floor structures, wind energy applications and connection technology for precast and cast-in-situ. Founded in 1965, it is based in Lahti, Finland, and has sales offices in over 30 countries in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America, with manufacturing operations in 11 countries. A family-owned and managed company, it employs over 1 800 professionals. Visit: www.peikko.com

| TECHNICAL |

THE DANGERS OF NON-COMPLIANT CEMENT Cement & Concrete SA (CCSA) has published a special informative leaf let stressing the importance of using the correct and legitimate cement for new structures to prevent building collapses and potential lethal accidents.

Know Your Cement – In the Interests of Safety was produced because CCSA says many secondary blenders and unscrupulous importers are selling non-compliant cement, specifically in rural areas, and such structural failures are increasingly occurring.

Matthews Mag waza, a lecturer at CCSA’s School of Concrete Technology, says that after a house recently collapsed in Johannesburg’s Western Areas, tests showed that the strength of the foundation had only been 3MPa instead of the required 15MPa. The builder had used an incorrect or inferior type of cement, or an incorrect concrete mix, for the foundations. “Uncertainty about the different cement types, or when dishonest contractors and builders are using the wrong or non-compliant cement and don't follow the correct mix proportions for a specific project, can be potentially life-threatening,” warns Magwaza.

He says any project that involves concrete begins with the purchase of the correct cement. There are two main types of it commonly sold in South Africa:

Masonry cement, which should only be used for mortar and plaster. These bags have “MC” printed on them, as well as the following wording: “Masonry cement intended to be used for preparation of mortar and plaster only.”

Common cement, which must be used

“Any project that involves concrete begins with the purchase of the correct cement.”

(Above): Matthew Magwaza, a lecturer at CCSA’s School of Concrete Technolog y.

for all structural concrete and may also be used for mortar and plaster. These bags must have “CEM” printed on them.

Magwaza says South African cement is regulated by a compulsory standard (VC 9085) administered by the National Regulator for Compulsory Standards (NRCS).

This means that by law, cement must meet certain performance specifications and ensure the prescribed markings on the bags appear to protect human health and safety.

“A Letter of Authority [LoA] number should also be printed on the bag. Unfortunately, however, this is no guarantee that an LoA has actually been issued, so when buying cement from an unknown source, the purchaser should always contact the NRCS on tel: 012 482 8700 to confirm that the printed LoA is valid,” he adds.

CCSA stresses that the use of SANScompliant cement and masonry cement is important to: • Build quality safe structures and buildings.

• Ensure that the user does not break SA law.

• Prevent liability claims that could follow failures when a cement without a valid LoA was used.

The full leaf let can be downloaded free of charge from the CCSA website: www.cemcon-sa.org.za

(Above): How to identify a legally compliant bag of cement.

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| TECHNICAL |

Apart from concrete’s essential sustainability and resilience in industrial flooring and pavement applications, they also have many other diverse benefits in construction, says Bryan Perrie, CEO of Cement & Concrete SA (CCSA).

Shallower floor systems, for example, are an important structural advantage of concrete.

“This means that concrete buildings will, on average, be able to accommodate an additional floor for each 10 storeys of a traditional building’s height, offering more rentable space than other building materials. When faced with height restrictions, concrete construction is consequently a key consideration and provides not only initial cost-savings, but additional income generation,” he says.

C onc rete’s exce pt ion a l loa d - bea r i ng properties allow for longer floor spans and fewer supporting columns in new structures. “This offers flexibility in architectural layout and even more usable space. It’s therefore not surprising that concrete’s setting the standard for space planning and utility infrastructure.”

As the need for economical and effective means of data distribution constantly soars, Perrie says thin concrete floor structures play an important role in the layout of raised floor systems in which the wiring is installed in the space below offices. “The needs for these hidden voids in building structures are increasingly complex, so more and more designers are turning to concrete raised floors to meet their requirements,” he says.

Containing sound within the walls of a building is critical, as “green building” – with

“Concrete’s exceptional loadbearing properties allow for longer floor spans and fewer supporting columns in new structures.”

BENEFITS OF CONCRETE FLOORS

(Above and below): Polished concrete floors are not only durable and economical, but highly decorative.

its demands for control of noise pollution – is now the norm. “The natural mass of concrete floor and wall systems provides both acoustical resistance and vibration control to assist architects in this regard,” Perrie adds.

Moreover, specially designed concrete pavers and ever-evolving opt ion s of at t r act ive su r face treatments of concrete surfaces can turn the world’s oldest building material into a stunning decorative feature underfoot.

Apart from their many construction benefits, concrete floors – with special treatment such as polishing – create durable and aesthetically striking features of commercial properties.

(Above): Brian Perrie, CEO of Cement & Concrete SA.

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| PRODUCTS |

MAINTENANCE COATINGS Heavy equipment is essential to the mining and construction industries. However, work crews face two major upkeep challenges: (1) Harsh environments lead to corrosion and shortened service life, and (2) Spilt cement and asphalt are difficult to remove once hardened.

Cortec® is seek ing to help crews minimise these problems with three handy preventative maintenance coatings.

Option 1: Annual preventative maintenance VpCI®-391 is a water-based coating that can be sprayed directly over bare or painted metal. It leaves behind an inconspicuous, non-tacky coating that inhibits corrosion, thus extending the service life of the equipment. Since VpCI®-391 is technically a removable coating that can wear off over time, it should typically be re-applied once a year during annual preventative maintenance activities. Heavy equipment owners/ users who have applied VpCI®-391 in this way have seen a significant improvement in service life in harsh conditions.

Option 2: Long-term preventative maintenance For workers who want to get more time out of their “paint job”, EcoShield® VpCI®386 is an outstanding permanent waterbased corrosion inhibitor coating. It can be applied as a very thin, clear coat over bare

metal and painted surfaces or, if desired, tinted to match the truck’s colour theme.

It can slow down the corrosion process for multiple years without re-application.

Option 3: Corrosion protection + easier cleaning MCI® Creteskin® is a great option for ready-mix or asphalt trucks which are incredibly difficult to clean after concrete or asphalt residues dry on the surface.

Spraying a coating of MCI® Creteskin® on the equipment before it is used leaves behind a coating that cures to a slightly waxy f inish and prevents adhesion of cementitious materials. This makes it easier to clean hardened materials with highpressure water instead of abrasive blasting or acid removal. It also inhibits corrosion.

Touch-ups can be done as needed to areas of the coating that wear away after normal use. Although it takes more initial thought and effort to apply a protective coating before the problem arises, doing so pays off in the long run by helping equipment last longer and making it easier to maintain.

Take some time today to consider what situations your equipment will be up against and contact Cortec® for help picking the best coating for your application.

(Above): Heavy equipment such as ready-mix trucks and mining equipment can benefit from preventative maintenance coatings.

| PRODUCTS |

COMPLETE LUBRICATION SOLUTIONS FOR CEMENT AND HEAVY INDUSTRY Fuchs Lubricants of SA, a leading supplier of lubricants and services for the cement industry, offers diverse products such as STABYL HD, high-performance grease for roller bearings in kilns and mills. “The cement industry has specific requirements for lubricants,” explains Astin Allin, who heads the company’s Cement Local Business segment.

These include high temperatures, heavy loads, dust and water contamination, and long service intervals. Fuchs meets such challenges with innovative solutions that provide high performance, reliability and efficiency. It also offers technical support, condition monitoring and customised service packages to optimise the lubrication of cement plants.

STABYL HD, in particular, is a heavy-

duty lithium soap grease containing a highly viscous base oil and wear-reducing EP additives and solid lubricants. It is mainly used in heavy equipment engineering to lubricate large, self-aligning roller bearings in roller mills and presses and plain bearings subject to high surface pressures.

The product has been approved by major global OEMs such as KHD Humboldt Wedag International, Koyo Australia, Loesche, Maschinenfabrik Köppern, Outotec and ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions AG. Their endorsement means that apart from the cement industry, it is perfect for construction, machinery and equipment, power generation, mining, quarrying and exploration.

Fuchs is able to support its customers throughout the cement manufacturing process.

Right from the quarrying stage, equipment such as crushers, trucks and excavators operate

• Tel: + 27 11 822 2320 • Fax: + 27 11 822 2354 • e-mail: cindy@ashak.co.za

in arduous conditions and are exposed to vibration, massive loads and dust. Fuchs supplies a range of special lubricant solutions from blending beds to grinding units.

It also provides chain oils, special oils and greases, as well as lubricants for gearboxes and synthetic heavy-duty oils.

When it comes to the kilns and clinker coolers involved in hot processing, the company offers open-gear and high-temperature lubricants, lubricants for thrust and support rollers, and even cleaners to degrease metal parts. The vertical roller mills used in the final grinding process require high-performance oils for trunnion bearings and gearboxes, as well as special open-gear lubricants for spray bath and circulation lubrication.

• Visit: www.fuchs.com/za (Far left): Astin Allin, Cement Local Business Segment lead at Fuchs Lubricants SA. (Left): Fuchs STABYL HD is mainly used in heavy equipment engineering.

For Quality Release Oils Formulated For Specific Applications!

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| PRODUCTS |

(Below): An Atlantis waste pond after the application of Durarep FC.

PRODUCTS TO PRESERVE CONCRETE INFRASTRUCTURE South Africa’s diverse climate, from the arid regions of the Karoo to humid coastal areas, presents unique challenges to concrete structures. Factors such as moisture, temperature fluctuations and aggressive environmental conditions can lead to concrete degradation, including cracking, spalling and corrosion of embedded steel reinforcements.

Leading supplier of construction chemicals, abe Saint-Gobain, believes timeous concrete protection and repair are vital to preserve the established infrastructure and create durable new projects for the future.

Elrene Smuts, the company’s product ma nager: genera l const r uct ion a nd concrete repair, says SA’s infrastructure, including bridges, dams and buildings, relies on extensive application of timeproven sealants, coatings, adhesives, repair mortars and corrosion inhibitors.

“The abe product range plays a crucial r ole i n g u a r d i n g a g a i n st moi st u r e ingress, chemical attack and destructive environmental exposure,” she says.

“In addition to failure prevention, concrete repair and rehabilitation are a lso ind ispensable pract ices in SA’s construction industry. For decades, skilled contractors, with the technical support of abe’s consultants, have carried out crack injection, patching, fairing and reprofiling,

as well as structural adhesion and repair to address existing damage and restore the structural integrity of concrete. From roads and bridges to airports and ports, these practices are critical to maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure and are far less expensive than building entirely new structures,” she adds.

P roduct s reg u l a rly s pec i f ied for concrete repair and protection include: • For crack injection: Epidermix 365 and 389, as well as PU Injection Filter foam.

• For fairing and reprof iling: Durarep FC and Epidermix 505.

• For priming and adhesion: Epidermix structural adhesives, Durabond GP and SP, Durarep 2R Primer, Duralatex and Durafibre System.

• For concrete protection: Duracote WB and FT, abecote SF217 andSF 356, Duraflex, Durafibre, Durasil and Silocoat.

• For steel protection: The abecote range.

• For concrete repairs: Various Durarep and Epidermix mortars.

“In SA, concrete protection and repair represent a dynamic f ield that bridges the past and the future. By preserving historical landmarks, maintaining vital infrastructure and embracing innovation, abe Sa int- Goba in is forg ing a pat h towards a sustainable and resilient built environment,” says Smuts.

For further information, visit: www.abe.co.za.

| HEALTH AND SAFETY |

HEALTH AND SAFETY MISCONCEPTIONS IMPEDING CONSTRUCTION GROWTH The entire construction industry benefits when its participants, whether big or small, improve their operations – particularly their focus on safety.

Unfortunately, prevailing misconceptions about the importance and benefits of adhering to occupational health and safety standards hinder many companies, especially SMMEs, from attaining stable growth.

“Every company’s most valuable asset is its workforce, which is also its greatest risk factor. As a result, while health and safety regulations were originally implemented to ensure that construction workers no longer work in unsafe environments, the industry has since evolved and now embraces a culture of health and safety which benefits both employee and employer,” notes Roelof van den Berg, CEO of the Gap Infrastructure Corporation (GIC).

Construction has the highest occupational health and safety (OHS) compliance rate, compared with the agriculture, chemical, iron and steel, manufacturing, (Above): Roelof van den Berg, CEO of GIC.

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wholesale and retail sectors. This is due in large part to its emphasis on advanced employee-focused workplace protocols. “ It’s genera l ly accepted t hat t he industry standard for health and safety regulation compliance is around 80%.

At GIC, we strive for 100% in terms of compliance, understanding the advantages of these standards for employees, as well

as for construction companies and their clients,” says Van den Berg.

Yet regardless of the many advantages of improved adherence to health and safety regulations, a few misconceptions regarding these regulations persist. They prevent companies from realising their true growth potential – especially smaller businesses struggling to find a foothold in the industry.

| HEALTH AND SAFETY |

Occupat iona l hea lt h and safet y myths limiting business growth One common misconception suggests that strict adherence to health and safety regulations hinders productivity and efficiency, and slows project completion.

In reality, however, these regulations exist to safeguard construction workers from potential harm which would otherwise result in considerable lost time, high medical costs, insurance costs and potential equipment damage for businesses.

A not her m isconcept ion is t hat regulations apply exclusively to largescale construction projects and that only larger companies with many employees need to comply with them. However, SA’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, regulated by the Department of Labour, applies to every participant in the construction industry and smaller businesses can also benefit substantially from compliance.

“When businesses prioritise health and safety and adhere to regulations, they demonstrate a commitment towards their employees’ well-being. This commitment creates a working environment where employees feel valued, supported and confident in their own capabilities, leading to increased morale and productivity,” says Van den Berg.

Yet another myth is that accidents, injuries and lost time are unavoidable risks inherent to construction work. However, many incidents can be prevented by adhering to established safety procedures and general guidelines that have been carefully crafted and enhanced over the years.

Investing in safety training, conducting reg u lar inspect ions and ident i f y ing potential hazards signif icantly reduce the potential for accidents and damage to property. Moreover, a company-wide proactive mindset encourages employees to become more aware and sensitive to potential workplace hazards, enabling them to perform their duties with a stronger sense of security.

Van den Berg also notes an alarming trend among smaller construction businesses concerning the expenses involved in implementing strict safety regulations.

“A common objection to health and safety compliance is that it’s prohibitively expensive and simply not worth the

investment,” he says. “Yet it’s vital to consider the potential impact and threat to employees, remembering that their safety is ultimately paramount. People should always come first.

“Additionally, consider that the costs associated with injuries on the job site far surpass the expenses associated with

implementing a proper safety strategy.”

Beyond the associated medical costs, legal consequences and project delays, workplace accidents have a devastating effect on morale. They spark unnecessary fear of completing everyday tasks and could lead to far-reaching reputational damage, which may result in diminishing contract opportunities.

As a result, GIC has invested in and seeks to implement the latest technology on its sites to improve safety standards.

These include Internet of Things devices to proactively monitor weather conditions and equipment, on-site CCTV systems to ensure that safety guidelines are being followed and Near Field Communication stickers that can provide digital manuals and enable experts to track important items.

The company is even in the process of investigating new exoskeletons for workers to reduce the strain on their bodies when picking up heavy objects and moving them around sites. “ U lt i mately, a convent iona l a nd comprehensive OHS strategy is not only necessary for ongoing project success and employee security, but is also a solid blueprint for economic success. Businesses that thrive in this highly competitive industry are the ones that place an emphasis on safety,” says Van den Berg.

“Construction has the highest occupational health and safety compliance rate, compared with the agriculture, chemical, iron and steel, manufacturing, wholesale and retail sectors.”

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| BUSINESS |

(Below): AECOM takes a holistic approach to infrastructure, as at the Exxaro head office in Centurion.

Globally trusted infrastructure consulting firm AECOM is launching the 34th edition of its highly anticipated and well-respected Africa Cost Guide: Property & Construction 2023/24. “It’s something we’re very proud of indeed. The industry at large anticipates the release of this document every year,” comments Herman Berry, director of programme cost consultancy Africa.

Described as an institutional tool for the broader built environment, the guide is endorsed and disseminated by key entities such as the Association of SA Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS).

In his foreword to the guide, Berry highlights that the South African economy has encountered various disruptions on both global and local fronts. To counter that uncertainty and volatility, AECOM’s “Think and Act Globally” strategy sets a new standard of excellence in the professional services industry.

The strategy is focused on extending

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AECOM LAUNCHES 34TH

AFRICA COST GUIDE the company’s industry-leading expertise to each of its global projects, transforming the way it delivers work through technology and digital platforms, and enhancing its position as a leading environment, social and governance (ESG) company.

In terms of trends highlighted by the latest guide, there is currently a major discussion in the industry concerning the role of building information management (BIM), says Yvonne Bosch, associate QS at AECOM. “The main issue is how we integrate different parts of the construction programme into one global system. AECOM prides

itself on being able to deliver and work in this new integrated, multi-disciplinary fashion driven by rapid advances in technology,” she says.

Another strong theme in the guide is the growing importance of ESG goals in the industry. Sustainalytics, a provider of ESG research, ratings and data, has ranked AECOM 12th out of 307 in the industry group for construction and engineering in terms of ESG. Last year saw Estia Cronjé appointed as PCC technical director for AECOM’s Centurion head of f ice, ser vicing the Gauteng region. “AECOM’s been proactive

| BUSINESS |

in addressing potential challenges in the broader industry. Our track record of delivering complex projects is testament to our ability to manage change effectively.

I believe this will be the same moving forward,” she says.

Commenting on the ongoing transformation of the PCC team, Berry says: “Being part of a large organisation with depth and having experienced people who can step up and have been with the business for a long period makes these transitions much easier.”

One sector which has struggled since the Covid-19 pandemic has been the commercial office sector. However, the focus of the PCC team in the commercial space has changed from large, new office buildings to delivering cost consulting services tailored for a rapidly changing tenant environment.

“There’s been a large number of tenant movements over the past 18 months since

(Above): AECOM delivering a better world at the Sol Plaatje University.

“In terms of trends highlighted by the latest guide, there is currently a major discussion in the industry concerning the role of building information management.” the working-from-home phenomenon began due to the pandemic, specifically in the commercial office market. Even though there’s not much growth in that market, there’s still an appetite for the type of services we deliver,” says Berry.

One change in the industry which he is advocating is a bigger role for the QS to play in the public sector. He points out that it is usually excluded from any bids or (Below, from far left): Estia Cronje, PCC Technical Director; Herman Berry, Director, PCC Africa and Yvonne Bosch, Associate QS, all of AECOM.

opportunities in public civil infrastructure investment.

“The engineer’s typically responsible for the design, procurement, contract administration and cost management components on civil infrastructure projects.

We believe that the QS can contribute more to project roll-out and procurement, for example. That’s definitely going to be a focus area for AECOM. Moving forward, we’re looking at an integrated multi-disciplinary service where the cost management aspect supports our engineering offering. Such a development bodes well, specifically on the back of the larger infrastructure projects on our books and in the pipeline,” he says.

“There’s a core need for the QS society to play a larger role in infrastructure investment and development in South A fr ica. T he si ze a nd mag n it ude of infrastructure projects are signif icant compared with the commercial sector.

Hence it’s even more important to get the budgets right and ensure due process in terms of cost management and control,” says Herman.

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| SAFETY AND TRAINING |

AFRISAM PUTS SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

FRONT AND CENTRE As the shortage of technical skills continues to grip the construction materials sector and industry at large, investing in training and development has never been more critical. For that reason, AfriSam has placed skills at the forefront of its people development initiatives. With its various training programmes, the company has successfully created a pool of talent not only for the benefit of its own operations, but for the industry at large.

Over the years, the organisation has invested significantly in its in-house training initiatives, namely the Engineer-in-Training, Artisan Learnerships, Trainee Works Manager programmes and general operational training. This has recently been expanded with the introduction of the Trainee Operations Managers programme for the ready-mix business unit.

Glenn Johnson, AfriSam’s general manager of construction materials, explains that the Engineer-in-Training

programme is targeted at young graduates who have come through the company’s bursary channel. “Individuals who demonstrate the best aptitude for the aggregates and ready-mix businesses are integrated into the programme with the aim of developing a pipeline of electrical, civil, mechanical and mining engineers,” he says.

AfriSam has a two-pronged approach to developing its Engineer-in-Training gradu a t e s f u r t h e r. T h e y c a n choose to either move into line management or remain in their chosen technical discipline, be it mechanical or electrical engineering, or a multi-function of the two.

The Trainee Works Manager programme exposes candidates to all the critical aspects of works management on ag(Above): Glenn Johnson, general manager: construction materials at AfriSam. (Below): AfriSam believes that strong technical skills are at the core of its operational excellence.

“To provide context, since 2012, a total of 83 artisans − both 18.1 and 18.2 students − came through the system.” gregate operations, including legal training, blasting certificates, financial management and, above all, people management.

The Trainee Operations Manager programme follows the same pattern, but with a specific focus on ready-mix concrete production, including technical specifications, product application and customer interface. Candidates are also exposed to the financial and operational aspects of the ready-mix business.

The Artisan Learnership programme targets candidates who have completed their National Qualification Framework courses, be they internal employees (18.1 students) or external candidates (18.2 students).

“AfriSam’s recorded massive success with these programmes,” says Johnson “To provide context, since 2012, a total of 83 artisans – both 18.1 and 18.2 students – came through the system.”

He adds that despite the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the continued downturn in the construction sector, AfriSam’s resolve to develop people has not flagged.

“I also urge other industry players who’ve generally lagged behind to play their part in developing skills the industry needs, now and well into the future,” says Johnson.

(Right): As a leading construction materials supplier, AfriSam continues to take the lead in skills development.

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PRECAST | ISSUE FOUR | 2023

| SAFETY AND TRAINING |

PRECAST | ISSUE FOUR | 2023

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| GLOBAL VIEW |

FRENCH KITSCH A construction site’s assets are the valuable tools and equipment necessary for successful completion of a project. This guide will help you manage them with maximum efficiency to lower costs

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| GLOBAL VIEW |

The main design concept of French Kitsch in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, was developed by interpreting its name.

Apart from being a specialised French patisserie, the owner’s love of French bulldogs also became a brand identity, portraying a playful, yet elegant image for the café. This was embodied in oversized red bulldogs, one squatting with its tongue out and another on its hind legs, presenting cheeky counterparts to the stately, near-medieval ambience of the surroundings. The design aimed to enhance this image, together with the concept of “kitsch”, a form of art that champions imperfection through architectural elements and materials, under which such depictions of bulldogs would be categorised.

The project was completed earlier this year and occupies a site of 360m².

The French cathedral was taken as a primary reference to the design, where rhythmic arches were developed.

However, instead of symmetrical arches, imperfect arches of different scales were used. The design started from a perfect rectangular mass which was rendered imperfect by carving out irregular arches on the first level and inverted imperfect arches on the second one. On the first floor, these arches embrace visitors with their antique, yet modern look, creating shadows along the path. When light passes through the arched window, it creates reflections on the floor, similar to those cast by cathedral stained glass.

The oversized, imperfect arch also creates a continuous space from the fullfunction counter to the second floor, thus highlighting the counter and allowing it to be seen from both floors. On the second floor, voids were carved into the inverted curves, allowing sunlight to enter.

The use of textured concrete strengthened the concept of the “perfection of imperfection”, where the wall was not completely smooth, but ref lected the authenticity of the material – which is beautiful in itself. Moreover, by using concrete as the main material, the furniture, decorations and LED lights of green and pink were highlighted, emphasising the brand’s colour identity and creating a strong, memorable image of the café.

Architects and interior: TOUCH Architect. Principal architects: Setthakarn Yangderm & Parpis Leelaniramol. Owner: Chanon Jeimsakultip x Anuchit Vongjon. Photographer: Metipat Prommomate x Anan Naruphantawat. Reprinted with permission from TOUCH Architect. Visit: www.toucharchitect.com.

PRECAST | ISSUE FOUR | 2023

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