SA Builder February 2024

february 2024 | No 1178

REACTOR 05 AZMET 12 CORROSION PROJECT: A VICTORY PROTECTION OF FOR SA'S STEEL SECTOR

ELECTRICALS

MICRO37 WSP'S TUNNELLING PROJECT

BREAKS NEW GROUND

contents 02 From the president’s desk

10 20 30 32 South African Builder is the official journal of Master Builders South Africa, established in 1923. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of Master Builders South Africa. SA Builder is a registered trademark of Master Builders South Africa.

Any use of this trademark without the express and written approval of Master Builders South Africa is prohibited. No material contained herein may be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the publisher. SA Builder © 2023. All rights reserved.

Ready 2 fit 04 Are you ready for quality and convenience?

COVER STORY 05 Azmet Reactor Project: A victory for SA's steel sector Mba news 08 MBA East Cape FEM mentorship programme 09 MBA East Cape: Upcoming events -

contents and credits

Skills 28 Live online workshops Skills and Training 30 Preventive maintenance for all lifting equipment Safety 32 Prioritising arc flash safety Feature 34 Out with the old?

DIgital building news

Products 10 Bobcat – the new kid on the forklift block 11 Atlas Copco supplies Africa's first E-AIR electric compressor 12 Corrosion protection of electricals Industry news 14 ASOCSA 18th Built Environment Conference 16 Building efficiency event brings together France and SA 18 SA infrastructure lays the foundation for growth 20 PG Bison addresses the MDF (Supawood) shortage in South Africa 22 Steeling up for ArcelorMittal's Newcastle mill closure Business 24 Demystifying debt collection

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February 2024 south african builder

36 Maximising with generator news Projects 37 WSP's Micro-Tunnelling Project breaks new ground 40 City of Johannesburg addresses Homelessness innovation 42 FH Electric wins "Truck of the Year" trends 44 KZN North Coast show unprecedented growth Global view 46 Poland's Road to Success captains of construction 47 Meet Roy Mnisi

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message from the president

the Year ahead On behalf of the MBSA board, I extend our warmest wishes for peace, joy and fulfilment in 2024.

A new year is a time of starting a new journey. Our industry faced many bad experiences in 2023, but we have not lost hope and expect many good things in the next 11 months.

MBSA welcomes Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala’s commitment to intensifying operation pay-on-time and urgently ending the failure to pay service providers in the construction industry within 30 days. Zikalala was speaking at the National Stakeholder Forum convened by the Construction Industry Development Board, which is an entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

The National Stakeholder Forum is convened for the minister to gain insight from players in the industry, learn about emerging trends and developments, respond to threats and gain awareness of new opportunities emerging in the sector. “We’ll commence engagements with all contractors not paid on time. It’s time that we fought bribery and corruption where payments are delayed in order to force them to pay. We’re

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alarmed by allegations that outstanding invoices amount to billions of rands and we’ll intensify the Re a Patala campaign to all provinces,” said Zikalala.

MBSA also welcomes the position taken by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to mitigate construction site disruptions and to make social facilitation an integral part of all project implementations across all spheres of government.

This will ensure community buy-in, involvement and beneficiation, which will isolate criminal elements.

All large projects should have empowerment elements which support upcoming professionals and make subcontracting and localisation compulsory. The department has promised to develop a national facilitation framework for the building industry. In addition, legal steps will be taken against those engaged in criminal activities such as extortion.

As we enter 2024 with cheer, hope and joy in our hearts, I wish you all a year of happiness, productivity, health and success.

MUSA SHANGASE MBSA president

south african builder February 2024

Are you ready for quality & convenience? they are ready to be installed. A newly added service included in the Ready-2-Fit range is that doors can be pre-hung in their frames, fitted with hinges, flush bolts and locks.

Swartland’s innovative Ready-2-Fit range of wooden windows and doors come pre-glazed and presealed directly from the factory – saving you time and money.

Top-quality timber architectural accents, such as beautifully crafted wooden windows and doors, can add an organically attractive and timeless aesthetic to any building they grace.

Over and above the beauty of these features, wood is also a wonderfully environmentally friendly choice of building material – it is renewable, an excellent insulator and, if properly maintained, it is exceptionally durable and long-lasting.

Problems of the past In the past, wooden windows and doors did not receive the necessary care and treatment they require. Installation methods were often not able to guarantee perfect results due to inconsistent levels of workmanship. Also, any raw timber products left outdoors on site were at the mercy of the elements until they were installed, glazed and sealed. Any exposure to rain or damp conditions could lead to serious long-term damage of the timber. Installation was also a very timeous procedure.

The solution: Swartland’s Ready-2-Fit range With Swartland’s Ready-2Fit range however, all the aforementioned problems are a thing of the past.

The Ready-2-Fit range of wooden windows and doors are professionally sealed and glazed before they leave the Swartland factory, so that when they arrive on the building site,

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This not only saves the builder and homeowner time and money on installation costs, but also ensures that the windows and doors are adequately protected against exposure to the elements.

Benefits of Swartland’s Ready2-Fit range at a glance: •

No more sanding – easy wash and wipe maintenance.

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Excellent durability ensured with high-end water-based sealant.

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Improves build quality at no extra cost.

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Validates the Swartland guarantee.

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It is an eco-friendly and energy-efficient solution.

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Constant testing ensures compliance with the National Building Regulation and Consumer Protection Act.

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Offers good thermal and sound insulation, depending on the glass chosen.

Visit www.swartland.co.za for more information, call Swartland’s customer service department on 086 10 2425 or e-mail: customerservice@swatland.co.za.

south african builder february 2024

Azmet reactor project:

Cover Story

a victory for sa's steel sector Fabricating six massive reactors that are over three storeys high in Gauteng and then transporting them more than 2 500km to a mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – where all 3 265 parts fitted perfectly, with not even one of the 26 900 bolts out of place – is a massive achievement.

This is according to Southern African Institute for Steel Construction (SAISC) CEO Amanuel Gebremeskel, commenting on the Azmet Reactor project, a collaborative effort led by Viva Engineering, an innovative and deserving 2023 Steel Awards: Mining and Industrial category winner.

skilled team, neither of which was readily available in the DRC. Using an established South African fabricator based in Gauteng therefore provided a viable alternative, allowing for a controlled environment and close monitoring to ensure that all construction materials and structures met the required quality and safety standards.

Poring over the project The Azmet Reactor project not only involved creating six huge

reactors, but required several other complex tanks, as well as platework and plant buildings.

From a technical point of view, engineers had to consider the design of the vessel in relation to permanence, material, equipment and wind loads. Due the nature of the spliced connections, these had to be modelled in detail, including all the bolts.

Furthermore, as the vessels had

(Below): The team on site at the Aztec Reactor project.

“The project entailed the detailed design of complex geometry with finite element modelling and an integrated support frame and platform. As such, it exemplifies precision engineering, showcasing intricate design and fabrication processes. To appreciate its complexity, one has to consider how to plan, design and fabricate such huge modular structures ahead of time, in such a way that they can be moved through four or five different countries by road to install on site at the mine,” he says.

Gebreskel explains that the more conventional approach would have been to use heavy concrete tanks or set up a substantial design office and fabrication works with a highly

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cover story

to be transported and erected piece by large piece, a lifting study first had to be performed.

This focused on the selection of the most appropriate lifting methodology, considering that the reactor components would need to be loaded onto conventional heavy-duty transport vehicles.

On the opposite end, at the mine in the DRC, careful consideration was given to the constructability of the project.

Shaping up and shipping out Gebremeskel says that the aspect of the project which stood out the most during the judging process was the logistics. “They designed each large structure in a modular fashion, for ease of transport and installation. However, bear in mind that these structures have a diameter of 9,9m and a height of 11,6m, which is almost the size of a three-storey building!”

The road transportation therefore necessitated exacting tolerances to ensure safe and timely delivery to site in the DRC. Transport jigs were designed and built to brace the components and reduce vibration during transportation, while meticulous load-packing optimised weight distribution for the lengthy trip.

All the components of each reactor were packed so that upon arrival on site, they could be assembled from the designated package. The components also had to be carefully packed in specially designed cradles to optimise each load and minimise the number of loads to site “The essential brilliance of this project lay in the smooth coordination and orchestration of design, fabrication and erection.

This process was perfectly choreographed by the project managers, who oversaw the planning down to the finest detail,” says Gebremeskel.

Reactors are essentially large tanks which are custom-made to remove precious metals from mined ore and must tolerate a variety of different temperatures and chemicals. A rubber bladder, which was needed to protect the steel from these compounds, therefore also had to be installed prior to leaving the Viva Engineering workshop in Gauteng.

The massive size of the parts needing to be unloaded, assembled and then placed made the project uniquely demanding.

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Here too, says Gebremeskel, adjectives such as “innovative” and “ingenious” come to mind.

“The lining’s put on the inside to protect the steel from whatever solvent’s being used. As one can imagine, it’s necessary to do some fairly detailed mock-ups and even trial assemblies to test this. The reactors were eventually bolted together. This meant that the lining had to work in a bolted tank, rather than a conventionally welded one,” he adds.

Maintaining the continuity of the rubber lining between the bolted faces of each component was successfully addressed, as the project brief explains: “The first reactor was trial-assembled to prove that the jigs and manufacturing were correct. All six rubber-lined reactors were installed without a single flange hole out of place. Rubber lining is continuous on the bolted faces.

This required the fabrication details to incorporate the lining thickness. During fabrication, spacer plates were also inserted in the connections to simulate the lining. Corrosion protection was furthermore applied to the external surfaces of the component.”

Excellent quality and manufacturing Yet another innovative aspect of the Azmet Reactor project was the precision welding required to join the panels during the fabrication process, so that they could be bolted together once on site. The level of welding precision and accuracy had to be very high, as the structures could not distort during the transportation process.

south african builder february 2024

Cover Story

“A lot of the design had to cover exactly how to lift and manoeuvre these large and very heavy modular structures. The most significant load is during the lifting process, as opposed to when they’re in use, entailing a very different kind of engineering. The entire design is driven by how one plans to construct and then transport each structure, rather than by its ultimate application,” says Gebremeskel.

The benefits of steel in this project were numerous, as detailed in the project brief: “The complexity of the reactor geometry is best suited to fabrication in steel.

Construction of the reactors… in concrete would not be viable due to the complexity of formwork and deployment of plant onto a site of limited size. The benefit of steel for this application is a relatively lightweight structure (compared with concrete), which can be

pre-assembled and trial-erected before being transported to site.

This allows for fast and accurate erection in the final location.”

A precise and praiseworthy precedent One of the chief challenges, according to Gebremeskel, was completing the project on time, as late delivery would have resulted in substantial penalties. Needless to say, timeous delivery was achieved against all odds.

“The Azmet Reactor project represents a superb feat of engineering, showcasing brilliance of design, logistics and installation, and demonstrating the South African steel sector’s ability to execute structurally and logistically complex projects with praiseworthy precision.

“This is indeed a victory for our industry, which couldn’t

have been achieved elsewhere on the continent. Considering the number of mines being constructed throughout Africa, the good news is that similar projects will no doubt be required, which our local steel supply chain can certainly deliver,” he says.

ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION (SAISC) Founded in 1956, the South African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) represents all facets of the steel construction industry, as well as those with an interest in the use of steel in all sectors of business and society as a whole. The mission of the SAISC is also to promote the holistic vigour and prosperity of the people and companies in South Africa that provide steel-related products or services to the construction and related industries.

SAISC members include the steel mills, merchants and valueadded processors and service centres, steelwork contractors, companies that provide services (such as fabrication, galvanising or painting); or products such as fasteners, paint and a variety of other products, client bodies, architects, specifiers, consulting engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors, engineering procurement and contract management contractors, among others.

Transporting the parts to site in the DRC was a hazardous and gruelling task.

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MBA news

MBA east cape fem mentorship programme The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) invites all small, medium and micro-sized companies in construction to apply for a health and safety mentorship programme. This can be a valuable opportunity for companies wanting to empower themselves with skills to improve and implement their health and safety plans and files, conduct risk assessments and apply them to improve general health and safety practices on construction sites.

The programme will be facilitated

by FEM’s grant recipients in their respective regions (Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Free State).

Participating companies will have

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first-hand experience with experts in the health and safety field.

The applicant criteria: • Participating companies must be registered and active construction companies.

• Participating members must be company owners or persons responsible for implementing health and safety in their

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organisations.

Participants must have access to digital resources for all possible online interactions.

The FEM Health and Safety Mentorship Programme will run over the course of four weeks. The mentorship uptake will be as soon as applications are submitted.

FEM is intentional in promoting exceptional health and safety practices in the construction industry, which will result in a reduction of the fatalities and disabling injuries experienced on South African construction sites.

Zero is no accident!

south african builder february 2024

MBA NEWS

Upcoming events

MBA East Cape will be holding two important annual events during March speakers covering pertinent topics relating to the employment and management of labour in the construction industry.

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS SEMINAR Date: 13 March 2024 Venue: Dolphins Leap Conference Centre, Port Elizabeth Duration: Three hours The annual MBA Industrial Relations seminar with expert

february 2024 south african builder

For further information, e-mail: gerhard@ecmba.org.za Tel: 041 365 1835 Visit: www.ecmba.org.za

HEALTH AND SAFETY CONFERENCE Date: 27 March 2024 Venue: Dolphins Leap Conference Centre, Port Elizabeth Duration: Three hours The annual MBA Health and Safety conference featuring top speakers on important topics relating to health and safety in the construction industry.

For further information, e-mail: diona@ecmba.org.za Tel: 041 365 1835 Visit: www.ecmba.org.za

Products

Bobcat – the new kid on the forklift block The logistics market has recently acquired a new brand of forklift trucks: Bobcat. The brand is worldfamous for an extensive range of compact machines, which are used in construction, the agricultural sector, landscaping, demolition, recycling and many other industries.

Bobcat loaders and telehandlers, which can be equipped with attachments such as buckets, grabs, bale clamps, dump hoppers and pallet forks, are often used for material handling and logistics tasks.

It is therefore no surprise that products from sister company, Doosan Industrial Vehicle (DIV) forklift trucks and warehouse equipment, are now part of the Bobcat family.

where pallet trucks and stackers are made. The company is currently active in more than 90 countries.

Product portfolio The Bobcat range for logistics and material handling now consists of various product lines: a series of diesel forklift trucks with lifting capacities from 2-16 tons, a series of LPG forklift trucks with lifting capacities from 2-7 tons and a series of electric forklift trucks with lifting capacities from 1,2-10 tons.

The latter segment also includes a line of electric forklifts with three wheels for light work from 1,2-2 tons. The warehouse solutions include pallet trucks, stackers and reach trucks.

During the last LogiMAT exhibition in Stuttgart, Germany, Doosan Bobcat introduced its new B80NS forklift truck, which is part of a series of electric counter-balanced forklift trucks with lifting capacities of 8 and 10 tons. In addition, two prototypes were on display: the three-wheeled B18NT electric forklift with a lithium battery and the B30X-7 Plus hydrogen forklift.

DIV strives to bring simple and powerful machines to the market which offer driver comfort and are environmentally friendly. Both DIV and Bobcat also invest heavily in innovation to develop valuable, reliable and cost-effective products.

For further information, visit: www.bobcat.com.

The history of Bobcat forklift trucks goes back to 1968, when the first forklift truck was produced in South Korea under the Daewoo brand. In 2005, the company was taken over

by Doosan, after which DIV was founded in 2011 as part of Doosan Infracore.

In 2021, Doosan Bobcat took over the company and all its elements.

These include two factories in Incheon (Korea) and Yanta (China), where forklifts are produced, as well as a factory in Lübben (Germany)

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Products

Atlas copco supplies THE first

e-air electric compressor in africa More and more organisations are exploring energy-efficient solutions to meet their sustainability goals and combat global warming. To meet this growing demand, Atlas Copco continues to innovate, developing leading-edge technologies and engineering energy-efficient products that deliver sustainable, green solutions to industry.

A perfect example of this steadfast commitment is the Atlas Copco E-AIR electric compressor, which provides clean, quality air without the harmful fuel emissions. The compressor’s efficiency, paired with quiet operation, versatility and reliability, prompted Atlas Copco authorised distributor, Henri Fraise Fils & Cie (HFF) in Madagascar, to recommend the machine to a longstanding customer.

“Our customer needed an efficient air solution for their sand-blasting and painting workshop that operates 24/7 on a mine site,” explains Aina Rajaonarivelo, miscellaneous equipment sales manager at HFF. “Air is required to simultaneously operate two sandblasters that individually consume 6 000 litres/minute (210cfm), subsequently requiring 6 bar permanently. Special requirements sometimes also demand the use of a third and even a fourth sand-

february 2024 south african builder

blaster. The pneumatic paint pumps use 2 000 litres/minute (70cfm) and need 4 bar.

“The customer requested a particular Atlas Copco compressor model. However, we proposed instead the E-AIR T-range. Our experienced HFF team knew that the application needed a compressor that could push 937cfm to ensure that the machine doesn’t run permanently at full capacity, especially when it operates 24/7. The E-AIR has the same specifications as the model proposed by the customer, but incorporates more advanced technology, making it a much more efficient air solution.” Presented with technical data on the T400, T500 and T900 E-AIR compressors, the customer opted for the T900 machine, together with an air receiver, to ensure continuous operation.

“This is a complete Atlas Copco package, as Atlas Copco Compressor Technique Business Area supplied the air receiver,” says Pamela Finniss, product development manager for portable products at Atlas Copco Power Technique. “The T900 E-AIR electric compressor offers great productivity, reliability and green energy savings and is ideal for tough environments. The IE3 motor

reduces running costs by up to 50% and the compact design makes the compressor up to 50% lighter and 33% smaller than diesel-driven machines.”

Moreover, with a 2 000-hour/oneyear service interval, maintenance on the T-range is minimal and fast. Featuring low operating costs, best-in-class performance, unrivalled energy-efficiency, ease of use and long service intervals, the E-AIR is a sustainable air solution with a low total cost of ownership.

As the first electric-powered compressor to be sold by Atlas Copco in Africa, the T900 E-AIR is a new product for HFF. “However, we have a well-equipped workshop and a team of qualified Atlas Copco diesel and electric compressor technician specialists with the necessary tools and skills to take care of our customers’ service and maintenance requirements,” says Rajaonarivelo. “We also know that we can count on support from Atlas Copco, if needed.”

Founded in 1921, HFF joined the Atlas Copco distributor network in August 2000 and is a specialist supplier to the mining and construction sectors. It has a comprehensive fleet of Atlas Copco portable diesel compressors, pumps, and lighting towers.

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Products

corrosion protection of electricals One of the beauties of a new facility is that everything has a fresh start, with less chance of breaking for many years. That does not, however, mean the facility should not take precautions against corrosion. In fact, protecting electricals and electronics from corrosion can be one of the first steps towards ensuring a long, healthy service life through good preventive maintenance habits.

High cost of corrosion in electricals and electronics Corrosion can cause electricals and electronics to malfunction and fail. The risk is higher in a hot, humid climate and/or near the high-chloride sea spray of the ocean. Often, the corrosiveness of a facility stems

from its industrial activities. For example, wastewater treatment, pulp and paper manufacturing, as well as chemical processing, create highly corrosive industrial environments.

Possible results of accelerated corrosion in these facilities include electrical shorts, frequent repairs or early replacements of expensive equipment. Moreover, the cost of downtime itself can be substantial due to lost production.

The ease of corrosion protection Corrosion can be prevented by the use of VpCI® Emitters, small devices that contain vapour phase corrosion inhibitors. Like the workings of a diffuser or air freshener, these devices release vapours that fill the enclosed space.

These corrosion-inhibiting vapours are attracted to exposed metal surfaces, where they adsorb, forming a protective molecular layer which discourages the corrosion reaction in the presence of oxygen and moisture.

If the door of the

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south african builder february 2024

products

Good preventive maintenance habits Cortec® recommends installing and replacing VpCI® Emitters inside electrical compartments once every two years. Starting this practice at the beginning of a plant’s life forms a protective habit that minimises the hassle of corrosion damage and failure on electronics and electricals over time.

Application is as simple as calculating the size of the compartment and placing the proper size of VpCI® Emitter inside (eg one VpCI®105 Emitter protects 0,14m³ of space, while one VpCI®-111 Emitter protects 0,31m³ of space).

The sticker on the convenient self-adhesive emitter cup backing can be placed next to the emitter as a reminder of when the emitter needs to be replaced.

electrical cabinet is briefly opened, the vapour phase corrosion-inhibiting layer will replenish itself once the door is closed again. VpCI® Emitters typically offer enough corrosion protection for at least two years in a fully enclosed space.

For additional protection in enclosures that are vented (and therefore lose some of their corrosion-inhibiting vapours over time), a light coating of ElectriCorr™ VpCI®-238 can be sprayed on metal contacts and wires inside the panel. In environments such as wastewater treatment facilities with a high amount of H2S, maintenance can add further protection by placing a Corrosorber® cup inside the compartment to absorb the corrosive gases.

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industry NEWS

ASOCSA 18TH BUILT eNVIRONMENT CONFERENCE Construction 5.0: Towards a Collaborative and People-Centred Industry 24-25 July 2024, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha In recent times, the Fourth Industrial Revolution has spawned huge, unprecedented and unparalleled investment, effort and energy into the rapid development and implementation of highly innovative technologies on a global scale which include, for example, simulation, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics. Unfortunately, this focus has either ignored or sidelined the human element.

On the other hand, Construction 5.0 (C5.0), which represents the next stage in global construction advancement, presents an exciting vision for the future of construction characterised by high efficiency, health and safety, sustainability and a human-centric focus, where technology complements human skills, rather than replacing them.

improve working conditions and foster a culture of creativity and innovation. To be successful, C5.0 must be tailored to the demands of the workers and the industry.

C5.0 is linked to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. As such, activities within the industry must be geared towards sustainability and the optimised use of natural resources.

C5.0 potentially accelerates both the green and digital transitions, aimed at a more resilient and sustainable society and economy.

It prioritises human-centric design, enhances human-machine collaboration, demands safer and more inclusive construction workspaces, promotes a greener economy and fuels societal transformation. It emphasises that people and the environment are significant and deserve protection and places at the heart of all construction processes throughout all construction project phases.

It is argued that if executed properly and proficiently, the construction sector will benefit from the following: 1.

C5.0 will involve upskilling and reskilling the construction workforce to work with new technologies, incorporate the human element into all construction processes,

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Increased profitability and efficiency by optimising resource allocation, reducing expenditures and enhancing time-effectiveness and management, resulting

in increased margins and improved organisational productivity.

2.

Environmental sustainability and compliance by highlighting waste minimisation and environmental preservation, bringing the construction industry into line with evolving sustainability rules and endorsing responsible practices.

3.

Customisation and competitive advantage through peoplecentred technological progress.

4.

Adaptability to market dynamics by reinforcing the importance of swift adaptability, flexibility and responsiveness to shifting market conditions, economic elements and unexpected occurrences, such as the recent global Covid-19 pandemic.

While C5.0 presents considerable advantages and prospects for the industry, there are also hurdles to surmount, including the reluctance to embrace and invest in advanced technological modifications driven by concerns for the human element and the need for training and retraining of construction workers, with the accompanying demand for substantial investments in comprehensive training and

south african builder february 2024

industry NEWS

provision of practice opportunities.

The shift to C5.0 becomes more critical as the construction industry becomes increasingly focused on sustainability, with pressure to respond to the challenges of climate change, the depletion of natural resources and the human impact on natural habitats.

C5.0 promises that construction sites will be “smart”, powered by the IoT. For example, sensors embedded in equipment, materials and the built environment will continuously gather data, providing real-time insights into project progress, resource utilisation, and health and safety conditions.

Building information modelling and digital twins will become commonplace, enabling simulation, optimisation and predictive maintenance.

AI and ML will be integral in construction decision-making

february 2024 south african builder

processes, which include identification of the best sites for construction, detection of potential design flaws, prediction of project delays or cost overruns, powering predictive maintenance and consequently significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing risks.

Robotics will play a crucial role in performing complex, repetitive or hazardous tasks, improving productivity, health and safety.

Robots will augment human capabilities and learn from human experience and expertise.

The conference seeks responses to questions related to current conversations, debates and empirical research on the challenges of and opportunities presented by C5.0.

ASOCSA is inviting full papers which address its themes in both the public and private sectors.

Selected papers will be published as book chapters and indexed in Scopus. Papers must be original and relevant to one or more of the following themes: trends and developments, innovation, opportunities and challenges, policies and procedures, the rigour and robustness of empirical research, research design and methods, legislation and regulations, practices or case studies.

Full papers should be e-mailed to: papers@asocsa.org by 28 February 2024. Notice of acceptance will be made by 31 March 2024. Final papers must be submitted by 15 May 2024. For further information, visit: https://asocsa.org/asocsa-builtenvironment-conference/18thbuilt-environment-conference/.:

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industry NEWS

building efficiency event brings together france and sa South Africa’s power provision challenge is providing the catalyst for the local building industry to prioritise and achieve energyefficiency, said Thabang Byl, building segment lead at Schneider Electric at the “Driving EnergyEfficiency in Buildings” event, which took place late last year.

Held at the Résidence de France in Pretoria, the event was hosted by the French Embassy in partnership with the Green Building Council SA, Schneider Electric, SaintGobain, Électricité de France, the French-SA Chamber of Commerce

and Industry, Business France and Les Conseillers du Commerce Extérieur de la France.

The event commenced with an opening speech by His Excellency David Martinon, AmbassadorDesignate of the French Republic and included attendees from local government, regulators, energy and efficiency experts, financial institutions, designers and developers.

Byl formed part of the panel discussing the impact of energyefficiency and how to achieve it,

which explored how to reduce buildings’ energy consumption, operating costs and environmental footprint, while simultaneously enhancing occupant comfort and well-being.

“The first step is to gain insight into a building by accurately measuring and monitoring its operations. With this foundational understanding of one’s consumption and infrastructure, the next level involves managing systems,” said Byl. “Once one has a clear grasp of one’s infrastructure and the ability to control it effectively, one can move on to what we refer to as ‘energy management’.”

The event was a refreshing opportunity for South African players in the industry to connect with their European counterparts, share experiences and learnings, and collude in strategising an energy-efficient future.

(Left): Thabang Byl, building segment lead at Schneider Electric, addressing the “Driving EnergyEfficiency in Buildings” event.

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south african builder february 2024

CHOOSE YOUR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR WISELY

Choosing your electrical contractor based on price can have deadly consequences! All electrical contractors must by law be registered with Department of Employment and Labour and only registered electrical contractors can legally issue Certificates of Compliance.

Using an unregistered electrical contractor is not only illegal, but also downright dangerous and insurers can refuse to pay any claims arising from illegal electrical work.

Registered electrical contractors ensure that all electrical work is performed in accordance with legislative requirements and the applicable codes of practice and technical standards.

Using an electrical contractor who’s a member of the ECA(SA) is a wise choice because while not all electrical contractors are members of the ECA, all ECA members are registered electrical contractors – and their work is covered by the ECA’s Workmanship Guarantee (terms and conditions apply).

National Office (011) 392-0000 | info@ecasa.co.za Pretoria (012) 342-3242 | infopta@ecasa.co.za Johannesburg (010) 271-0686 | highveld@ecasa.co.za Durban (031) 312-6313 | ecakzn@ecasa.co.za

Cape Town (021) 462-2690 | ecact@iafrica.com Port Elizabeth (041) 363-1990 | adminpe@ecasa.co.za East London (043) 726-6359 | adminel@ecasa.co.za Bloemfontein (051) 447-0859 | nita@ecasa.co.za

HOME OF

ECA

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION (SA)

YOUR TRUSTED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

HELPDESK 087 944 4555 www.ecasa.co.za

industry NEWS

SA Infrastructure lays the foundation for growth

By Roelof van der Berg, CEO: Gap Infrastructure Corporation (GIC) Much like building a skyscraper requires a sturdy foundation, infrastructure is often described as the backbone needed to build prosperous economies. With this in mind, there is reason for optimism in 2024 and beyond because, as China’s example has demonstrated, government’s focus on infrastructure development could serve as the catalyst needed to reignite economic growth.

However, to be successful, the

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private sector must urgently step up to play its part.

Quality infrastructure is the driver of trade and commerce, facilitating the smooth transportation of goods, services and people across regions both within and past a country’s borders. It is likewise responsible for providing the energy needed to fuel industrial and manufacturing activities, as well as the modern communication networks required by digital economies. Furthermore, infrastructure underpins human and socio-economic development,

improving access to educational and healthcare facilities, and economic opportunities.

Understanding the critical role of infrastructure as an engine for fuelling economic growth, infrastructure investment has formed a central pillar of China’s economic strategy for decades.

From 2002-2016, the Chinese government tripled its infrastructure investment as a share of GDP from 8% to almost 24%, during which time that country experienced an average annual real GDP growth of 9,6%.

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industry industry news

By contrast, the Infrastructure Consortium of Africa (ICA) estimates that poor and ageing road, rail and harbour infrastructure in African countries generally may currently be adding as much as 30-40% to the cost of goods traded across the continent. This is placing an undue burden on consumers and businesses, and strangling growth.

So, by continuing its diligent efforts to lift the various logistics constraints facing the country, as well as to roll out world-class national infrastructure to support the needs of SA’s expanding population, government can achieve the 5% growth target needed to stimulate job creation and eliminate poverty and unemployment.

As a result, South Africans should be comforted that government allocated R8,47 billion to public works and infrastructure in the 2023/24 year as evidence of its commitment, as outlined in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. An additional R1,18 billion was allocated for reconstructing and rehabilitating municipal infrastructure damaged by disastrous floods in KwaZuluNatal, the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

suffered a difficult few years, as the after-effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical shocks and what the International Monetary Fund has described as a “limping” world economy have weighed heavily upon our own economy and the fiscus.

the past, private companies have played a role in causing wastage and cost overruns in major projects. In response, the entire industry must make every effort to improve governance, transparency and accountability in public infrastructure projects.

So, as government faces the enormous challenge of balancing the many urgent demands on its limited budget, the private sector must seek where it can be of service in investing in vital infrastructure projects. Quality infrastructure boosts investment confidence in countries, which in turn attracts further investment in areas such as infrastructure. So, by leading the way in supporting infrastructure projects in SA, local investors can spark a virtuous economic cycle that benefits all.

As the GIC, for example, we are proud to be leading the way through finalising a fully digital cutting-edge project management programme that will provide realtime dashboards for monitoring projects’ progress. This will not only provide internal teams with greater insights and a holistic view of ongoing work, but will benefit government partners and other clients and stakeholders.

Developers, too, have a role to play in nation-building by ensuring that infrastructure is delivered at a high standard, on time and within budget. In many cases in

By embracing this type of innovative solution, the GIC hopes to bolster confidence, attract infrastructure investment, improve living and working conditions for local communities, and support the public sector in positively changing lives.

Roelof van der Berg, CEO: GIC.

The role of the private sector Critically, however, infrastructure development and the task of reaching the 5% growth target cannot and should not be the responsibility of government alone.

There is no denying that SA has

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industry news

PG Bison addresses the MDF (Supawood) Shortage in south africa Supply of locally produced medium-density fibreboard (MDF) in the Southern African market has been constrained for many years. That is set to change in July this year, when PG Bison’s supply of MDF from its R1 875 billion MDF Contiroll line investment in Mkhondo increases its installed capacity of MDF up to 1 180m³ per day across its two MDF plants (Boksburg and Mkhondo).

The new MDF line and recently completed particleboard line will position the PG Bison Mkhondo cluster as a globally competitive site for the production of woodbased panel products on the subcontinent. The manufacturing

facility will soon be the only one in Africa to house a particleboard line, an MDF line, upgrading facilities, resin manufacturing and paper treaters on one site.

“Our Proudly South African quality products are cost-effective compared with imports,” says PG Bison’s CEO Gerhard Victor. “They enable our customers to hold lower stock levels, which means better stockturns and improved cash flow, rather than tying up working capital in large tranches of imported products. Locally produced products have significantly better lead times than importing, so our customers can meet the growing demand for MDF substrate products well into the future.”

Localisation is a critical consideration in PG Bison’s investment strategy.

“As trends

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evolve, consumers look for newer and more exciting products,” says Victor. “If PG Bison can’t supply the products needed to make those trends a reality, the demand doesn’t go away. Instead, customers downstream turn to imports. The sad reality is that these imports are more likely to be finished products, putting many fabricator and installer jobs within the local industry at

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industry news

risk.” PG Bison’s Boksburg plant has been the business’s only MDF site for many years, but when the time came to green-light the investment for another MDF line, Mkhondo was chosen, thanks to the site’s proximity to critical raw materials and existing infrastructure. These factors greatly assist in managing input costs and improving overall cost-competitiveness.

february 2024 south african builder

Although there have been rumours regarding the future of the MDF plant in Boksburg, PG Bison has made it clear that it has no intention of mothballing it. PG Bison will produce MDF at two sites, as it already does with its particleboard.

PG Bison’s local and export markets.

The Mkhondo and Boksburg plants are well-placed to serve the growing MDF demand across

Victor confirms that the project is on track to meet its committed start-up date of July this year.

Site preparation for the MDF expansion project at Mkhondo began in April 2021, with construction and installation following in March 2023

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INDUSTRY NEWS

steeling up for arcelormittal's newcastle mill closure The imminent closure of the ArcelorMittal Newcastle “long” steel products operation in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, is likely to cause considerable turbulence within the local steel sector, with potential projected knock-on effects including product shortages, quality issues and even price increases, according to Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) CEO Amanuel Gebremeskel.

Commenting on an announcement by the organisation that it had exhausted all options and could not save the mill from closure, Gebremeskel warned that shutting down the only remaining fully integrated mill – and the largest producer of long steel products in SA – could have serious repercussions.

Economic challenges and supply shortages According to ArcelorMittal SA’s board and management, aggressive cost-saving initiatives, improved raw material cost-savings, asset footprint adjustments and other productivity measures had not managed to counter

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the combined impact of a slow economy, difficult trading environment, high logistics costs and protracted grid energy supply issues.

“The production and supply of all long products will be affected, including UB, UC and IPE angles, channels and rods. This will no doubt affect the local and regional market considerably, especially for products such as UB and UC profiles, where ArcelorMittal is the sole remaining local producer,” said Gebremeskel.

Amanuel Gebremeskel, CEO of the SAISC.

procure new sources of structural steel in the case of merchants and service centres, and billets or scrap metal in the case of the mini-mills.

However, this will inevitably take time.

“In addition, while we have several mini-mills producing good-quality long steel products, their range may be limited. The mill closure may also have an adverse effect on the price of steel. In turn, various projects which are in the planning stages may be adversely affected both in terms of cost and scheduling.”

Nevertheless, he added that the engineers, detailers, merchants, fabricators and contractors who know how to design, specify and procure steel in such a way that market disruption does not negatively affect their projects will succeed, despite the challenges ahead.

Benefits of beneficiation

“Mini-mills, merchants and service centres are likely to play a crucial role in making up the shortfall that will be left by the mill closure, having to expand and ramp up their production accordingly to

The Newcastle mill is the only remaining fully integrated mill in South Africa which converts iron ore into long-product steel. Other mills either recycle steel or use billets as

south african builder february 2024

INDUSTRY NEWS

their input material when making long products.

Gebremeskel pointed out that this is significant when it comes to the local beneficiation of SA’s abundant iron ore resources, which are mainly exported to steel manufacturers around the world.

He also lamented the projected 3 500 job losses, in an area where unemployment is already high.

“These are very worrying. The steel industry provides well-paid, quality jobs and any manufacturing facility closure is therefore of great concern. Various jobs at valueadding service providers which are linked to the Newcastle operation will also be adversely affected,” he warned.

to follow the market closely to ensure that the steel sections they require are available, in the desired quantity and quality.

Alternatively, they’ll need to think about redesigning their structures using substitute steel sections until the market stabilises,” said Gebremeskel.

“Fabricators will have to communicate very closely and frequently with merchants, service centres and specifiers early in the design phase, so that only sections which are available in the desired timeframe, quality and quantity are specified. Contractors will also have to communicate very early in the project life-cycle with fabricators, merchants and service centres to ensure that material shortages or quality issues don’t delay projects.”

Steel quality and availability Just as concerning, he added, is that the SAISC – the acknowledged industry authority on South African structural steel material availability, training, technical specifications and standards – will have to reconsider the quality and range of steel products which are available locally and communicate its findings to the market.

He advised project owners to be aware of the inevitable transitionary

challenges and to ensure that they allocate sufficient budgets and set realistic lead-times when it comes to the structural steel required for their projects.

Quality supports sector sustainability Most importantly, Gebremeskel cautioned the entire steel supply chain to be aware of quality issues that could potentially arise and to support the SAISC in its ongoing quality initiative, as well as its mission to develop and promote high standards within the industry.

“We’ll have to diversify our sources of long product steel.

Inevitably, this means that, more than ever, we’ll need a quality regime to closely monitor the steel which will either be imported or manufactured by smaller mills,” he said.

“Steel specifiers will also need

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business

demystifying debt collection

By Paul Crosland, partner: Webber Wentzel Debt collection plays a crucial role in managing a business’s finances, as it helps recover the money that is rightfully owed to the company, which again maintains its financial stability.

There are a few important aspects to consider around debt collection: how to avoid it, how to do it efficiently and effectively, and what cost(s) are involved.

Prevention is better than cure: mitigate the risks There are measures that could help lessen the risks associated with bad

debts. Most importantly, ensure that a contractual relationship is in place (whether it is based on a separate contract or standard trading terms) and that it is fit for purpose. Conduct credit checks and asset searches on companies that will be afforded credit, as this can help to establish whether the company has substance behind it and that it will not simply be an empty shell, should it default.

Then consider putting in place at least one of the common forms of security that is fit for purpose, often used by professional lenders.

Debt collection: what to consider •

Who to collect from: Companies and the individuals

behind them (shareholders, directors and employees) have separate legal personalities. In the context of debt collection, this means that the individuals are not automatically responsible for the debt of a company that defaults on its payment obligations. Only when there is fraud on the part of directors, or it can be proven that they have traded recklessly (that is, incurred further debt when the company’s liabilities exceeded its assets) can a court go beyond the veil of separate legal personality and hold directors personally liable.

However, such a remedy is often difficult to achieve, as the burden of proof to establish claims of fraud or reckless trading is high.

• Establish the existing contractual terms in place: When faced with a situation involving a bad debtor, first establish the applicable contractual terms and whether the contractual relationship in place is a specific contract and/ or a standard terms and conditions contract in any of the documents (for example, purchase order, quotation or invoice). Then consider:

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south african builder february 2024

Business

– what the terms say about when the debt is due (credit terms); ­– what the rights/obligations on non-payment are; – what interest and legal costs claimable on non-payment will be; – whether the contractual terms impact the typical dispute resolution process, eg whether there is an obligation to first refer the dispute on non-payment to an alternate dispute resolution process (such as negotiation between company principles or mediation); – whether there is an arbitration clause in the agreement and how that applies when the debt is not disputed.

•

Options for legal debt collection 1.

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Action proceedings (typically through a court summons) A standard letter of demand from the company itself or its attorneys precedes a court summons. This letter details the existing contractual framework with the established debt in relation and demands any amounts outstanding (such as any default interest and certain costs, depending on the contractual terms) from the debtor. Usually a time is allowed for the payment of debt, either in terms of the contract, or it is determined based on what is practical in the circumstances. If this is not provided for in the contract, demands for payment usually provide for one week, failing which a threat of the commencement of a

february 2024 south african builder

quickest process and takes several weeks to obtain. A summary judgment will be longer, but is also a relatively quick process. A full trial can take anything from 1836 months to complete and is therefore a less desirable option.

court process is made. The seriousness of receiving a letter of demand from attorneys is often enough to result in payment, but this is not always the case.

If there is no response to the demand, or the demand raises some form of dispute that cannot be resolved by negotiation between the parties, a summons for the claim is issued. The court that will have jurisdiction over the matter will depend on several factors, such as the contract terms and the quantum of the claim, as well as the location of the debtor’s registered or business address.

•

If the summons is not defended, it will result in a default judgment against the debtor. However, if the summons is defended, the debtor must detail its defence in the form of a plea. A full trial process will then continue.

•

After the plea stage, the company has an option to apply for summary judgment against the debtor if the plea does not offer a bona fide defence to the claim and the matter is merely being defended to delay the case.

Such an application is decided by the parties’ filing affidavits and by arguing a motion in court.

•

Turnaround time: A default judgment is typically the

•

Once a court order is obtained (either by way of default judgment, summary judgment or a judgment following a full trial process), the process moves into the execution phase, which includes that:

– a sheriff of the court can (by using a warrant/writ of execution) first attach the movable property of a judgment debtor. If the movable property is insufficient to cover the order, the sheriff can attach any immovable property of the judgment debtor; – the attached property is later sold by the sheriff on auction, with the proceeds paid to the judgment creditor. If the sheriff cannot find any property (movable or immovable), then the lack of assets is sufficient grounds to apply for the liquidation of the judgment debtor.

2.

Application proceedings (for liquidation)

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In application proceedings for liquidation, a Section 345 notice (also referred to as a statutory demand) is sent to the debtor in accordance with section 345 of the old Companies Act (as certain

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business

rights (such as mining rights) which would lapse upon final liquidation. To the extent that a debtor company is not trading or has no assets to protect, it may simply ignore the threat of liquidation and allow the process to proceed, thus rendering this form of debt collection strategy largely ineffective.

provisions of the old Act still apply in relation to insolvent companies). This letter contains the same details as the standard letter of demand, but a period of 21 days is allowed for the payment of the debt.

•

If the debt is not settled within this period, the debtor is deemed to be insolvent. This is sufficient grounds to apply to a court to have the debtor wound up.

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If the demand is ignored, an application can be filed with a court having jurisdiction and an order sought for the company to be placed under either provisional or final winding up.

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Turnaround time: As the application process is done by way of affidavits, it is quicker than the action proceedings and it can result in a liquidation order within several months.

•

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A final liquidation brings about the end of the company, which makes the threat of a liquidation a useful tool in the debt collection process.

It is also helpful to establish whether the debtor company is trading as a going concern, as this will inform the strategy surrounding the threat of liquidation. If the debtor company is trading, it will have much to protect and will likely want to avoid being placed into liquidation. This is especially the case for companies that hold certain regulatory approvals or other

•

A final liquidation is ultimately value-destructive, as the debtor company will cease trading and all creditors will then be ranked as ordinary, preferred or secured. This means that the ordinary creditors (those that are not preferred by way of statute or do not hold any form of recognised security) face the distinct risk of not receiving anything for their claim.

Cost(s) of legal debt collection Legal debt collection can be a costly exercise, depending on the complexity and the duration of the selected process.

Although successful litigants can claim back legal costs from the opposing party, the quantum of those costs will not equal the amount paid to their own attorneys. To claim back legal costs, a litigant goes through a taxation process, when the costs which are claimable are detailed in a bill of costs,

prepared with reference to tariff amounts contained in the respective court rules.

The bill of costs is then considered by a Taxing Master, who will alter the bill and, if necessary, add VAT, plus an amount for drawing/ taxing the bill. The Taxing Master therefore determines the final amount and the bill of costs is endorsed. The taxed bill of costs has the power of a court judgment for the final amount. It is important to note that the tariffs contained in the court rules are largely out of date and not in line with the amounts charged by legal professionals, which means that the amount a successful litigant can expect to get back from an opposing party on a taxation is about one-third to one-quarter of the amount paid to its attorneys.

Paul Crosland, partner: Webber Wentzel.

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skills

live online workshops The CASI Construction Academy’s series of live online courses offers cost-efficient, customised training in essential aspects of construction contract management, estimating, tendering, financial management and financial project appraisal for employers and employees alike. All you need is a laptop and a good Internet connection to attend.

registration must be done as soon as possible.

Please note sessions are limited to 20 per session, so application and

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1.

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Construction Contract Management Masterclass: JBCC, NEC, GCC, FIDIC (3 CPD) Johannesburg: 26-28 February 2024, 25-27 March 2024 Cape Town: 26-28 February 2024, 25-27 March 2024 Durban: 26-28 February 2024, 25-27 March 2024

This workshop covers conditions for international contracts for civil and industrial projects. The above four contracts are a recurring theme in our country for contractors and consultants alike, as they form part of the standardisation of the Construction Industries Development Board of SA. This makes these contracts compulsory when government entities contract for built environment projects. These

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Skills

standard contracts are also widely in use in the commercial contracting sector and two of them, FIDIC and NEC, are used internationally. JBCC and GCC 2010/2015 are created by South African entities and mainly used in SA for building and engineering works.

Participants will also learn how pandemics like Covid-19 and natural disasters affect construction contracts.

NB: Only attendees who are members of ECSA will be able to claim these CPD points from the ECSA website.

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Estimation and Tendering Workshop (2 CPD) Johannesburg: 15-16 February 2024, 12-13 March 2024 Durban: 15-16 February 2024, 12-13 March 2024 Cape Town: 7-8 December 2023, 15-16 February 2024, 12-13 March 2024

There is more to estimation than simply tossing some numbers together and winning a tender. The technical, general and escalation requirements, as well as a thorough understanding of the scope of work, are crucial.

The tender process often adds to the pressures faced by professionals in the industry.

Delays, poor documents, inaccurate estimations on value of work, illequipped staff managing tenders and risks being passed on to contractors are just a few of the challenges.

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This workshop will take delegates through the process of tendering and construction estimation to ensure handover to the site is smooth, should the tender be successful. You will discuss how to develop strategies for preparing well-researched bids, how to mitigate risks and how to effectively engage all participating stakeholders. Delegates will also learn about the conditions of contracts and how to modify them in mutually beneficial ways without taking on excessive risk.

associated with disputes and 10% of total project costs are legal ones.

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Financial Management and Financial Project Appraisal for Engineers (2 CPD) Johannesburg: 13-14 February 2024, 7-8 March 2024 Durban: 13-14 February 2024, 7-8 March 2024 Cape Town: 13-14 February 2024, 7-8 March 2024

The aim of this intensive, handson workshop is to help delegates master business plans, budgets, forecasts, profit and loss statements and end-of-year accounts using the same language as the business operations of their organisations.

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Construction Claims Management Workshop (2 CPD) Johannesburg: 19-20 February 2024, 14-15 March 2024 Durban: 19-20 February 2024, 14-15 March 2024 Cape Town: 19-20 February 2024, 14-15 March 2024

Fifty percent of all legal costs incurred in construction projects are

The correct preparation and submission of contractual claims is fundamental to parties’ success in being awarded additional monies on a project. Failure to adhere to the very strict procedures laid down in the various contracts will usually render the claim invalid.

This masterclass will demonstrate the various mechanisms detailed in major contracts prescribed by the CIDB for infrastructural work in SA.

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Project Management in Construction Workshop (3 CPD) Johannesburg: 21-23 February 2024, 18-20 March 2024 Cape Town: 21-23 February 2024, 18-20 March 2024 Durban: 21-23 February 2024, 18-20 March 2024

This workshop will provide some new and additional insights into project management approaches, human behaviour, interdependencies and relationships that facilitate successful projects. Managing and executing projects that are on time and within budget can be done by identifying, exploiting and managing project improvements and changes.

For costs, session details, terms and conditions and further information, or to register for any of the above masterclasses, tel: 087 700 5633, e-mail: register@casits.co.za or visit: www.casits.co.za.

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skills and training

preventive maintenance for

all lifting equipment Three key factors required of lifting equipment in production and manufacturing facilities are reliability, safety and reduced downtime. The days of fixing a crane component after it breaks are long gone. It is simply an unaffordable and impractical way to maintain critical and hardworking equipment.

Preventive maintenance is not a new concept, but the cost and safety savings it offers are immeasurable.

Konecranes and Demag, global leader in the supply and maintenance of lifting equipment, offer preventive maintenance programmes that will keep a customer’s equipment on track, safe and with minimal downtime, thereby increasing uptime. These programmes are not

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just for the company’s equipment, but offer the same standard of

preventive maintenance inspections to crane and lifting equipment of any brand.

“Those with critical or process cranes, standard cranes and light lifting equipment used in production who want to benefit from safe and reliable production processes will see the benefits and advantages of our preventive and predictive maintenance options, no matter who their suppliers are,” says Ian Grobler, sales manager for Konecranes and Demag SA.

The Konecranes and Demag preventive maintenance programme can mean significant cost-savings and more efficient production by prolonging the life of all crane and lifting equipment, no matter what brand.

“Konecranes and Demag believes that prevention is better than cure, so while regulations state that six-monthly crane inspections suffice, our threemonthly preventive maintenance programmes ensure that all the lifting components are analysed

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skills and training

for general wearing, component condition and performance. This eliminates the risk of a potential component failure or breakdown that can occur within the six-month regulatory inspection period. It reduces equipment downtime not only in the short term, but also in the medium to long term, which minimises operational costs.”

The preventive/predictive maintenance programme has been designed to improve equipment safety, productivity and sustainability through systematic applications of preventive maintenance inspections, compliance inspections, where applicable and routine maintenance. The benefits are numerous, such as: •

Reduction of downtime and increased reliability.

•

Safety and production risks are documented and recommendations for corrective actions are provided.

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Recommendations for improving the safety, productivity, application or useful life of the asset are provided.

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The programme includes frequent and periodic inspections to satisfy regulatory requirements, thus keeping lifting equipment fully compliant.

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Operating data from TRUCONNECT provides insights into crane usage.

“Our preventive maintenance programme also embraces smart, data-driven maintenance via our MAINMAN planned maintenance option, which utilises visual inspections and maintenance work to help satisfy manufacturers’ maintenance recommendations.

This type of maintenance is based on time and usage and helps maintain equipment performance and availability,” says Grobler.

Konecranes and Demag offers a suite of online, app and remote connectivity services for equipment information data in real time.

•

• •

It contributes to maintenance planning and decision-

february 2024 south african builder

maintenance operations and drive improvements in safety and productivity. It is an important building block in delivering life-cycle services in real time and the foundation for the predictive maintenance programmes, and it is linked to the yourKONECRANES customer portal.

making with inspection and maintenance information available on the yourKONECRANES.com customer portal, at any time, on any device.

The yourKONECRANES online portal gives customers quick and easy access to their crane maintenance information.

Usage, maintenance data and asset details are linked, giving a transparent view of events and activities over any selected time interval. Aggregated data can be viewed, analysed and shared quickly, for a single asset or an entire fleet. It can be accessed at any time from any place.

TRUCONNECT is a suite of remote service products and applications to support

•

TRUCONNECT additions include brake and wire rope monitoring, as well as oil analysis, critical component and design life analysis.

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The Konecranes CheckApp for daily inspections has been designed to help crane users record their findings quickly and easily when performing pre-shift and/or pre-lift inspections. It offers a digitalised and cost-effective way of recording and retrieving daily inspection data that can be used for internal auditing and compliance.

“The sole objective of our preventive maintenance programme is to ensure that crane and lifting equipment components are optimally maintained, no matter what make, and that they perform reliably, safely and compliantly. The cost of a component break and the resulting disruption to plant and personnel safety, as well as to the manufacturing or production process, is enormous compared with the small investment in the preventive maintenance programme which we confidently offer,” says Grobler.

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safety

Prioritising arc flash safety Comtest, the leading local representative of Fluke, a global technology leader in the manufacture of compact, professional electronic test and measurement tools and software, has developed a range of thermal imaging and wireless testing tools designed to ensure safety for engineers working in potentially dangerous arc flash zones.

Every company’s electrical safety strategy should be based on limiting workers’ exposure to electrical hazards such as arc flash and electrocution. Fluke believes that the best way of doing this is by giving them access to non-contact

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tools which not only protect them, but also reduce by up to 50% the time they need to work on live circuits in arc flash zones.

Arc flash is the light and heat created from an arc fault explosion; temperatures can reach up to 19 000°C, capable of igniting an operator’s clothing and burning the skin of anyone within a few metres.

Arc flash can also melt metal, cause lung and eyesight damage and lead to hospitalisation, or even death.

Engineers and health and safety teams will be familiar with establishing arc flash boundaries

and wearing arc-rated clothing and rubber-insulating gloves.

However, using non-contact tests and measurement tools means operators can minimise the level of personal protective equipment (PPE) required and the length of time they spend inside the boundary.

One such product is Fluke’s PQ400 electrical measurement window (EMW), permanently installed into cabinets with voltage and current connections inside the panel. The PQ400 gives workers access to critical power quality and energy data, while decreasing testing time and maintaining a high level of

south african builder february 2024

safety

safety. Users can plug their power quality tools directly into the EMW to collect all the required data.

Other advantages of using the PQ400 include lower maintenance costs and reduced downtime by making critical power quality and energy measurements without opening the panel door. The EMW also enables logging and monitoring to be done at any time without disrupting operations, while increasing measurement efficiency.

A second product – Fluke’s CV400 ClirVu 4in window – is a permanent infra-red window that provides a view of what is on the other side of a panel without workers being exposed to live voltage or needing full PPE. Offering the most visibility into a panel for a thermal camera (simplifying the inspection process by allowing measurements to be taken without having to open a cabinet), the widest Fluke window option available also helps to reduce the time and costs involved in preventive maintenance.

Likewise, Fluke’s TiS75+ thermal camera enables operators to capture and measure heat energy emanating from a source without having to make physical contact, meaning they can instantly see what is running too hot or too

cold before anything breaks down.

Offering one-handed image capture, review and save facilities, the camera helps operators keep a safe distance from an arc flash boundary. Using the Fluke Connect app allows them to compare thermal scans over time.

A fourth product – the Fluke 376 FC clamp meter – makes it possible to set up measurements and transmit the data from inside the arc flash boundary. This means that someone within 20m of the equipment can open the Fluke Connect app and read the figures from outside the boundary. The clamp meter also helps them log,

trend and monitor measurements remotely so that they can pin-point intermittent faults.

Finally, the Fluke 3000FC digital multimeter is a flexible DMM allowing users to read results through the Fluke Connect app outside the arc flash boundary.

Using this equipment cuts technicians’ time inside the boundary and offers them an easyto-read display with large digits and a bright backlight.

For further information on these products or demonstrations, contact Comtest on tel: +010 595 1821, e-mail: sales@comtest.co.za or visit: www.comtest.co.za.

“Fluke equipment helps keep electrical workers out of harm’s way, while also halving the time required to work in dangerous arc flash zones.”

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feature

out with the old?

The demolition of older, compromised structures – from residential buildings to industrial facilities – can have significant environmental and social implications. The demolition process can generate a huge quantity of waste, including hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead, posing a risk to human health and the environment, such as air and noise pollution.

“Demolition implications for older, compromised structures vary depending on the type, size, location and condition of the buildings or facilities,” notes Kate Bester, contracts and project manager at Jet Demolition. The company has been undertaking industrial demolition works since 1994 and is the leading, largest and most technically advanced demolition company in Africa.

It offers in-house, full-range demolition services, including advanced mechanical solutions and controlled implosions. It actively pursues ongoing development of skills and equipment suited to the changing needs of the industry.

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Common challenges and risks of demolitions are the presence of asbestos and other dangerous materials that may pose health and environmental hazards during both the demolishing and disposal process. In addition, there could be structural instability and the potential for collapse due to deterioration, damage or design flaws.

Noise, dust, vibration and traffic disruption may impact residents, businesses and infrastructure in the immediate vicinity. Legal and regulatory requirements in the form of permits, approvals, consultations and notifications must also be considered, both before and after demolition.

On the other hand, modern buildings tend to have recyclability incorporated into their design and construction. The use of sustainable materials such as bamboo, recycled steel and reclaimed wood is becoming increasingly popular in modern construction. In addition, modern buildings are designed to be energy-efficient and incorporate features such as solar panels,

rainwater harvesting systems and green roofs.

The design of modern buildings often incorporates the ease of disassembly and recycling at the end of their useful life. Further alternatives such as adaptive re-use

Demolition has become something of a default action in South Africa to make way for modern, newer structures.

However, there are risks that must be considered.

south african builder february 2024

Feature

are also considered, with forwardlooking analysis of potential rezoning to accommodate urban growth. Closed-loop design and construction methodologies enable the re-use of building materials at the end of their life-cycle, where adaptive re-use repurposes fit-for-purpose structures to accommodate an ever-changing environment.

Newer buildings are also more likely to embrace green building standards and certifications such as LEED, BREEAM or Green Star to promote resource-efficiency, waste reduction and environmental performance. Adopting circular

february 2024 south african builder

economy principles and practices such as cradle-to-cradle, closedloop or regenerative design can reduce waste significantly and create value from waste streams.

Preserving our heritage When it comes to very much older buildings, the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999 states that no structure or part of a structure older than 60 years may be demolished or altered without a relevant permit from the relevant provincial heritage resources authority. Certain conditions may also be imposed as to how the property may be developed

(Above): Demolitions are a ubiquitous sight in SA’s cities, but the environmental and health impact needs to be carefully considered.

in future to conserve heritage resources.

In huge metro hubs like Johannesburg and Cape Town, particularly, burgeoning urban populations require continual development of housing, industrial and office space. While this is a crucial and unavoidable process, and a welcome sign of healthy economic growth, the impact of arbitrary demolition needs on the surrounding environment needs to be carefully considered.

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Digital Building newS

Maximising roi with generative design For those tasked with overseeing the architectural destiny of corporate giants, the landscape is evolving through the formidable capabilities of generative design.

Think of it as an exclusive toolkit empowering today’s architect with evolutionary algorithms, sparking an unparalleled revolution in the industry.

seamless and providing the team with the freedom to explore an abundance of other options.

This innovative approach transcends conventional design methods, providing architects with a turbocharged design assistant for creative and technical breakthroughs. But what does this mean for major corporations eyeing monumental projects, like constructing expansive headquarters?

Huge plusses all round

For one thing, it forges a smarter, more efficient path forward, particularly when it comes to elements like parking bays, for example. BPAS Architects, a renowned multi-disciplinary architecture and interior design firm, has harnessed this magic tool with the help of Autodesk’s computational design software, Dynamo. This allowed the team, as well as Archithera, a division of the company, to automate parking layouts for one of its projects, making the design process

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The team is taking it even further by exploring the automation of apartment unit mixes (for instance, designing two- and three-bedroomed apartments simultaneously).

Generative design has turned traditional architectural processes on their heads. Architects no longer need to spend weeks or months finding a suitable design solution. Instead, they can focus on feasibility metrics, freeing up time and energy for the artistic side of the project. The result? More innovative and engaging designs that perfectly capture the essence of a client’s vision. In simpler terms, architects now have more time to focus on the creative aspects, resulting in designs that truly bring a client’s dream to life.

Generative design also offers extensive environmental and safety benefits in the architectural sector. Its application can be used to optimise buildings for greater resilience against natural disasters like floods and earthquakes.

However, Landseer Collen, principal director and founder of BPAS Architects, points out that SA is lagging behind the global curve. “Many local architects still adhere to manual design processes and show hesitation in using new technological tools. Yet the architectural ecosystem, from educational institutions to industry bodies, should embrace this technology,” he says.

To foster long-term innovation, it is essential for architectural students to gain exposure to these tools while pursuing their studies, before they enter the workplace.

Like any revolutionary technology, generative design also comes with its set of risks and Collen stresses that the responsibility lies with the designer to meticulously evaluate and implement thorough quality control.

So, while the magic of generative design is undeniable, it also demands responsibility and attention to detail. Like any powerful tool, generative design should be wielded with care and precision. Mistakes or oversights can lead to less-than-ideal results, so architects need to be vigilant and detail-orientated.

february 2024 south african builder

projects

wsp's micro-tunnelling project breaks new ground WSP’s project, which entails the planning, design and construction monitoring services for the Farm 694 development, is set to bring significant benefits to Mitchell’s Plain communities. The project is intended to support the Western Cape Government Department of Infrastructure’s plan to develop several housing opportunities for the Kosovo informal settlement in the surrounding area.

It will also support several other planned developments, as well as the densification of the Mitchell’s Plain area.

The Farm 694 project is the first phase of the ambitious upgrade and will enable dedensification of the larger Kosovo informal settlement.

Owing to the project’s proximity to existing services and roads, WSP decided to utilise (Left): Micro-tunnelling on the WSP project..

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projects

the contractor’s (Power Smart joint venture) alternative tender offer.

The alternative tender proposed micro-tunnelling by specialist sub-contractor CSV Construction, as opposed to open-trench excavation, to minimise disruptions to the project and surrounding community.

The project is significant for two reasons. Firstly, it has been minimally disruptive to local communities, due to the implementation of microtunnelling. While most projects of this class would have required conventional, open and deep

excavation, micro-tunnelling enables limited excavation along the pipeline route.

This is important, explains Du Toit Carstens, technical director: WSP in Africa Civils, as conventional excavation (up to 8m deep) would have posed major safety risks for both construction personnel and the public.

“The project’s located within an existing developed area and the full extent of the pipeline is situated within an existing 4m servitude and existing class 3 arterial road.

Conventional construction methods

would have substantially impacted the surrounding community. Apart from major traffic disruptions, several open spaces – including parks and schools – would have had to be closed for the duration of the construction period for safety reasons,” he says.

Another reason the project is notable is that it is the pipeline with the longest length and biggest diameter to be constructed within South Africa using the microtunnelling method.

WSP was appointed to this project by the Western Cape Government’s

Micro-tunnelling on the WSP project..

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south african builder february 2024

projects

former Department of Human Settlements in September 2018 as a joint venture, whereby WSP was appointed for the planning, detailed design and construction monitoring services, while MPAMOT was appointed for construction monitoring and the contract administration services for the bulk sewer and water services upgrade.

Construction commenced in August 2019 and the project was completed in March 2023, with the microtunnelling completed in March 2022.

However, project delays were experienced due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The full scope of the project includes the installation of a 500m water main, as well as all associated pipe fittings and chambers, along New Eisleben Road in Mitchell’s Plain; installation of 1 250m of a 1 200mm diameter sewer pipeline between Merrydale Road and Park Avenue, and the installation of 1 150m of a 1 350mm diameter sewer pipeline from Park Avenue along Spine Road to the Mitchell’s Plain Wastewater Treatment Works.

Furthermore, the project entails the construction of all associated

february 2024 south african builder

structural manhole chambers, including the installation of a new collection chamber at the wastewater treatment works. In addition, the installation of a new sand trap structure along the sewer pipeline has been constructed for the removal of grit and debris.

“One of the challenges was the continuous changes which needed to be made to the design during the construction phase in order to accommodate unknown existing services via either temporary relocating services, the permanent relocation of services or the reconfiguration of existing services,” explains Darren Osborne, civil engineer (civil and municipal infrastructure) at WSP in Africa.

Another significant challenge was not knowing the total extent and accurate location of a major existing stormwater pipeline which clashed with the new bulk sewer pipeline.

“We managed to address these challenges by constructing temporary stormwater infrastructure, including a siphon structure and sand trap during micro-tunnelling. We then microtunnelled a new stormwater pipeline section over the new bulk sewer pipeline after installation,” adds Arnaud Malan, civil engineer specialising in water and wastewater at WSP in Africa.

Despite these challenges, the professional team and appointed contractor remained committed to ensuring the success and completion of the project, which substantially benefits the surrounding communities.

Working in the team’s favour is the fact that, if necessary, the microtunnelling machine can be run 24 hours a day, requiring no more than a switch of operators, enabling the contractor to catch up any lost time.

This reassured residents in the area, as this project highlights the vital role that water and functioning infrastructure play in their lives.

The scope value of the project was R176 million.

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projects

city of Johannesburg addresses homeless The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), the city's infrastructure arm, has commenced with the construction of a new shelter for displaced persons in Region G. A sod-turning ceremony in Devland, Johannesburg on 4 December 2023 marked the construction of the R50 million shelter, which will provide temporary accommodation to both males and females in need within Region G and its surrounding areas.

measures to address this issue.

The construction of this vital facility, which has capacity for 200 beds, marks a significant step towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for those who find themselves without stable housing.

The shelter will be located at Sodiak Circle in Devland, Ward 119 and will provide the following essential assistance: •

Homelessness is a complex challenge affecting many individuals in South Africa’s metropolitan hubs, particularly Johannesburg, where the sight of both adults and children sleeping on pavements, in parks and under bus shelters is a common and distressing experience. The City of Johannesburg is therefore committed to taking proactive

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•

A space to sleep in and the ability to conduct their business or trade during the day with the comfort of knowing that they have a haven to rest in at night.

Access to three meals a day, ablution facilities, a skills development programme and reintegration to the community as fully functional members of society after social work

•

•

•

•

•

intervention.

Individuals suffering from substance addiction will be assisted with admission into substance abuse treatment centres.

Beneficiaries will also be helped to reunite with their families and reintegrate into society.

The initiative will help businesses which have been badly impacted by the influx of displaced individuals to revert to their original state, or even improve it.

The existence of a shelter will assist with by-law enforcement in the most affected wards in the region.

The shelter will decrease crime hotspots in the region, especially Ward 9 in Lenasia, since criminals frequently hide among vulnerable street people.

south african builder FEBRUARY 2024

projects

The displaced persons’ shelter aligns with the Johannesburg municipality’s broader commitment to social development, inclusivity and creating a city that cares for all its residents.

The modern facility will include a guardhouse, a parking area, a generator room, an administration block, three social workers’ offices, a medical room, a gym area, afterschool care, a garden and a caretaker's house. In addition to a skills centre, there will be a 90-seat boardroom.

The JDA’s implementation of the facility will include the following: •

The JDA, a wholly-owned entity of the City of Johannesburg, combines a social, economic and environmental mandate as an areabased development agency with project management capabilities and is thus suitably placed to coordinate this project.

• •

• • •

Site establishment and bulk earthworks.

Excavations and foundation works.

Civil and structural works, including new columns and suspended slabs.

Brickwork and plaster.

Façade installations.

Electrical and mechanical

• • •

installations.

Finishes, including the installation of furniture.

Landscaping.

A new fence installation.

Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, JDA acting CEO Siyabonga Genu said: “As we break ground on this essential project, we recognise the importance of fostering compassion and understanding in our community.

“Working in collaboration with various departments, stakeholders and the community, the JDA is dedicated to delivering this vital facility in time and within budget.

“We’re committed to delivering a facility that not only meets the highest standards of construction, but also contributes to the wellbeing and dignity of those who’ll find shelter within its walls.”

FEBRUARY 2024 south african builder

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Innovation

FH Electric wins "truck of the year 2024" award Volvo’s heavy electric truck, the Volvo FH Electric, has been selected as International Truck of the Year 2024 – the first time ever that an electric truck has won this award. In explaining their decision, the jury praised the electric truck’s performance, seamless acceleration, quietness and vibration-free behaviour.

“With the introduction of the FH Electric, Volvo Trucks has delivered

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a state-of-the-art battery electric vehicle range, suitable for a wide array of transport operations. This is proof that the energy transition is gaining strength even in today’s challenging business environment,” stated Gianenrico Griffini, chairperson of the International Truck of the Year.

Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks, accepted the prestigious award in November last year during

the prize ceremony at the Solutrans Transport Exhibition in Lyon, France.

“I’m very proud of this recognition that for the first time in history, the transport industry’s chosen an electric vehicle as Truck of the Year.

The Volvo FH Electric represents a new era in trucking and winning this award clearly shows that the shift to zero emission transport is happening here and now,” he said.

south african builder FEBRUARY 2024

innovation

“I sincerely thank everyone who’s contributed to this success. It’s based on great teamwork with passion and dedication among our fantastic colleagues within the Volvo Group, as well as close co-operation with our valued customers, partners and suppliers.”

Winning for the fourth time This is the fourth time that Volvo’s iconic FH model has been named Truck of the Year. The Volvo FH is one of the industry’s most

february 2024 south african builder

The Volvo FH Electric can operate at a total of 44 tons. Production of it began in 2022 in Volvo’s factory in Gothenburg, Sweden and production in the factory in Ghent, Belgium began last year.

global manufacturer to start series production of electric trucks in 2019 and today it has a broad electric line-up, with a total of six electric trucks designed to handle a wide variety of transport assignments.

The company is leading the market for heavy electric trucks in the EU (including Norway and Sweden), with a market share of 49%.

A complete electric truck programme Volvo Trucks was already the first

Its complete electric range was introduced to the South African market in June last year.

successful models ever, with nearly 1,4 million trucks sold all over the world.

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trends

kzn north coast show unprecedented growth According to property and lifestyle marketing agency Rainmaker, buyer activity within the towns of Salt Rock and Ballito on the KwaZuluNatal North Coast has surged.

proximity to King Shaka Airport,” says Stefan Botha, director of the agency.

Despite challenges experienced in recent years within the province, the North Coast remains one of South Africa’s most sought-after and fastest-growing regions.

“The desirable infrastructure and amenities which are drawing people to it include schooling, healthcare and medical practices, multiple retail malls and centres, blue-flag beaches and strong urban precinct management. Younger, more established families are also being drawn to the region for its educational, retail and lifestyle benefits – as well as being in close

Semigration has been a noteworthy trend. Of the people moving to KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, 77% are from within the province itself.

The region has also witnessed an influx of residents from other provinces, with Gauteng contributing 12%, the Western Cape 6% and the rest of SA 5%. The overarching attraction for these semigrants include exceptional educational facilities, robust security measures, quality healthcare services, diverse retail options and efficient water and urban precinct management.

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Semigration

Buyer activity Brenda Padayachee, head of market research at Rainmaker, notes that the predominant buyers in Ballito (36%) and Salt Rock (45%) fall into the 36-49 age group. This demographic is largely driven by young families seeking top-class schooling and lifestyle amenities.

Another interesting statistic is that 45% of buyers in Ballito and 41% in Salt Rock are over the age of 50, which calls for the emergence of diverse retirement offerings.

Ballito and Salt Rock specifically are experiencing resilient growth, with approximately 102 adults moving into the area each month – equivalent to about 41 families per month.

south african builder february 2024

Trends

Market dynamics Over the past 14 months, the average price of a sectional title unit within an estate exceeded those outside by 48% in Ballito and 49% in Salt Rock. Additionally, the number of freehold sales occurring in estates exceeded sales outside of estates by 144% in Ballito and 190% in Salt Rock.

some of the most prestigious developments in the KZN North Coast,” says Botha. Top-performing estates include Brettenwood Coastal Estate, Seaton Estate, Dunkirk Estate, Simbithi Eco Estate, Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate and Elaleni Coastal Forest Estate, all experiencing excellent capital appreciation of up to 25% for sectional scheme properties.

Price point and affordability

Forecast

The average household income in Ballito and Salt Rock has grown by 89% and 144% respectively since 2020. This reflects the increased affluence of the area and the growing property market.

According to Botha, the future outlook for the North Coast is promising. “We believe that we’ve seen the peak in interest rates and anticipate a gradual decline over the next year. The expected relief on interest rates in 2024 will bolster affordability and stimulate North Coast sales beyond 2023 numbers.

The region’s also been attracting local and international developers,

Year-on-year performance “We’ve been very fortunate to be involved with the launch of

February 2024 south african builder

offering a diverse range of products to the market across various affordability brackets. The introduction of the R2,2 billion Club Med Tinley is poised to contribute to significant job creation, attract international visitors and enhance infrastructure. Additionally, upcoming interchange upgrades, such as the Sheffield Beach project which is set to commence this year, signify a commitment to ongoing development,” he says.

Based on Rainmaker Marketing’s research, the depth of sectional title demand in both Ballito and Salt Rock will continue to be under R3 million. Estates continue to dominate the market, with 44% of Ballito homes and 57% of Salt Rock homes being within one.

“The implementation of a privately managed water supply between Siza and the municipality, coupled with holistic urban management and quality lifestyle amenities, will continue to attract investors. The region’s sustainable initiatives, supported by a strong business community, a thriving chamber of commerce and backing from local businesses, are expected to fuel growth and further solidify the North Coast as a thriving economic hub,” says Botha.

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global view

A Lintec CC3000D containerised concrete mixing plant recently worked hard to bring Poland’s A18 highway up to the requirements of the modern era. Owned by Czestochowa-based contractor Budpol, the Lintec CC3000D was transferred to the site in November 2021 after concluding work on the A1 highway.

The A18 was originally constructed as a single carriageway in the 1930s, connecting Wrocław with Olszyna near the Polish border with Germany.

It is an important link in the European E36 road network and benefited from the construction of a northern carriageway, which began in 2004, before reconstruction of the southern carriageway started in 2020. The Lintec CC3000D travelled directly from the A1 project to the A18 project – a relatively simple task, thanks to the high mobility of its design.

“It’s completely built into ISO shipping containers, which allows for economic transport and simplifies installation,” explains Przemek Modrzejewski, regional sales manager at Lintec & Linnhoff. “The exceptional stability of the plant on compacted soil means there’s no need to pour concrete foundations, which further reduces the cost of set-up.”

Poland's road to success The Lintec CC3000D produced 500 000m³ of concrete in its first year of operation on the A18. The A18 will then be officially designated as an Autostrada, operating as a dual carriageway along its full 76,5km length.

“Our Lintec CC3000D has performed well ever since it was first installed on the A1,” says Marcin Szymanski, plant manager of Budpol. “It performed flawlessly in all seasons and when maintenance was required, we were able to do it quickly and safely. That’s why we now own three Lintec plants.

Budpol has supplied concrete for roads all over Poland since we started out in 1997 and we firmly believe that using innovative technology has been a key factor in our growth.”

double the Lintec CC3000B’s 120m³/ hr output thanks to an additional high-performance twin-shaft mixer.

This extra mixer is especially useful when the varying concrete mixes required for separate road layers need to be produced simultaneously.

Big brother with the twin-mixer Prior to starting work on the A18, the Lintec CC3000D worked on upgrades to the A1 highway which runs for over 550km from Gdañsk to the Czech border near Gorzyczki.

For this contract, Budpol used the Lintec CC3000D alongside a smaller Lintec CC3000B, with both machines producing over 400 000m³ during 2020 and 2021.

Capable of blending materials with particle sizes of up to 150mm in diameter, the twin-shaft design offers much greater wear-resistance than conventional designs, due to the thick interior abrasion-proof linings.

This makes it ideal for large-volume production and improves mixing intensity, enabling the plant to yield higher loads of zero-slump concretes, RCC mixes or any type of readymixed concrete mixtures.

Although sharing the same 3m³ mixer volume and 4,5m³ loading capacity, the Lintec CC3000D can economically

Work on the A18 highway has been completed successfully and opened in October 2023 for operations.

"A Lintec CC3000D belonging to Budpol produced concrete for the 76,5km A18 highway in southwestern Poland."

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south african builder FEBRUARY 2024

captains of construction

MBA Regional Listing and Affiliate members Master Builders Association Boland Contact: Daniel Uys info@mbaboland.org.za 021 863 3330 Master Builders Association East Cape Contact: Greg Steele ecmba@global.co.za 041 365 1835

From London landmarks to coastal creations Charles Thompson Director: Devmco Group

Master Builders Association Free State Contact: Stephan Claassen admin@mbafs.co.za 057 352 6269 Master Builders Association Greater Boland Contact: Duane Phillips info@mbagreaterboland.org.za 023 342 6964 Master Builders Association KwaZulu-Natal Contact: Vikashnee Harbhajan info@masterbuilders.co.za 031 266 7070 Master Builders Association North Contact: Mohau Mphomela info@mbanorth.co.za 011 805 6611 Master Builders Association Northern Cape Contact: Graham Andrews info@mbanc.org.za 053 832 1762 Master Builders Association Western Cape Contact: Mark Fugard info@mbawc.org.za 021 685 2625 Association of Architectural Aluminium Manufacturers of SA Contact: Johan Heyneke reception@aaamsa.co.za 011 805 5002

February 2024 south african builder

With an Honours degree in BSc Construction Management and over two decades of experience, Thompson’s career began with a seven-year stint in London, working on iconic projects such as the Houses of Parliament and The Gherkin. He then returned to SA and joined JT Ross, working on approximately 180 initiatives, including the Glass House, Netcare Hospital in Umhlanga, eThekwini Heart Hospital, Beacon Rock and Urban Park, as well as founding the iconic Umhlanga Arch project.

In 2007, driven to overcome residential development bottlenecks, he founded Devmco. Since then, he has overseen the completion of 35 homes in Zimbali and spearheaded ground-breaking developments within the Sibaya precinct. Devmco’s portfolio ranges from low- and high-rise apartments to hotels, free-standing homes, retail malls, industrial buildings, motor car dealerships and office blocks.

Thompson’s hands-on approach and ability to seek and nurture new opportunities, while managing diverse investor relationships, have made him a highly respected leader in the industry.

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south african builder february 2024