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MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR 02 Congress 2022: Building on strong foundations COVER STORY 04 Fruitways and the Keller way MBSA CONGRESS 2022 06 Reconstructing South Africa 07 Master Builders National Safety Competition MBA NEWS 12 Raising safety INDUSTRY NEWS 14 Adding value to products 16 SA’s “roofers” held to high standards by PRAWA 17 Small uptick in consumer confidence 18 Tapping into hidden skills to accelerate plumbing industry transformation OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 20 Construction and substance abuse: Steps to a safer site 24PRODUCTS A power company transformer GEOTECHNICAL FOCUS 26 Holding the world together: The role of geotechnical engineering in construction 30 The different faces of excavation 32FEATURESBuilding women 35 New tools in the demolition armoury 36 Diverse structures intended for a diverse community 38 Making the right formwork and scaffolding choices 40PROJECTS Unique tied-arch bridge scores firsts across the board 44 The height of structural inspections and maintenance BUILDER’S VIEW 46 Weighing up the value of outsourcing CAPTAINS OF CONSTRUCTION 48 Meet Thandeka Nombanjinji-Nzama SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 01 CONTENTS AND CREDITS CONTENTS 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 © 2022. All rights reserved. IsikhovaPUBLISHERMedia (Pty) Ltd 10th Floor, Metal Box, 25 Owl Street, Milpark, Johannesburg, South Africa Tel: +27 11 883 www.sabuilder.co.za4627 /www.isikhova.co.za MasterCONTRIBUTIONSBuildersSouth Africa Tel: +27 11 205 9000 E-mail: www.masterbuilders.org.zaeditor@sabuilder.co.za Publishing editor-in-chief:director/Jason Aarons E-mail: jason@isikhova.co.za Editor: Nicholas McDiarmid E-mail: Director:nicholas@isikhova.co.zabrandstrategy:Jenny Justus Tel: 083 450 6052 E-mail: E-mail:Managingjenny@isikhova.co.zadirector:ImraanMahomedimraan@isikhova.co.za Creative director: Joanne Brook E-mail: Mobile:AdvertisingGraphicCopyE-mail:Operationsjoanne@isikhova.co.zadirector:ThuliMajolathuli@isikhova.co.zaeditor:AnnePhillipsdesigner:ZianCornelissensales:Tel:+271188346270723833203/0834506052 16 26 46 40 Free download available on: www.sabuilder.co.za Twitter: @Builders_SA | Facebook: @SouthAfricanBuilder savvy thinkers smart doers together people Proud Media Partner
This is our congress edition and we wish all those attending and the organisers the best for the day. Much will be tackled and much will be celebrated. And just remember: “Wow!”
Nicholas McDiarmid: editor
EDITOR'S NOTE CONGRESS 2022: BUILDING ON STRONG FOUNDATIONS
The first word that came to mind when considering this note over the past two weeks still rings loudly in my mind: “Wow!” It may seem silly, but it is actually a very powerful –and surprisingly trenchant – prompt. What makes me say it? You do. After all, which other industry faces the unique and – frankly jawdropping – challenges confronting the construction industry? The Covid-19 pandemic was calamitous enough, but add the Construction Mafia, red tape and margin-shrinking, and most people would be scurrying for safety. You, however, simply keep going. Your tenacity, courage and perseverance are inspiring. You adapt on a daily basis, impart skills, find money for materials, transport and salaries, go green, wait in line – and carry on building and repairing. Even without all those challenges, you still face one of the most hazardous operating environments there is, keeping everyone and everything safe and unharmed. So, yes: “Wow!”
As the construction industry stakeholders, we have the responsibility to preserve the family one bread winner at a time by ensuring “zero” work-related accidents in the industry, so a loved one can return home, to the embrace of family and friends. It ensures a child does not walk this journey called life without the foundation of self, acceptance, unconditional sacrifices, joy, support and love – that we call family.
The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company T +27 11 359 4300 E info@fema.co.za W www.fem.co.za A 2nd floor, Building 2, Oxford & Glenhove, 114 Oxford Rd, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2196 P Private Bag 87109 Houghton I don’t want to walk this road alone.
ZERO is the commitment to achieving 100% compliance to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), in the construction industry. For more information www.zeroisnoaccident.co.zavisit
The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (“FEM”) is licensed to conduct non-life insurance business.
By Roger Feldmann
Solving tricky geotech nical challenges for new developments is one of Keller’s core strengths. Doing it in record time is one of its core abilities.
PRINCIPLES OF RIGID INCLUSIONS
The new expansion at the Fruitways Molteno packhouse facility in Grabouw is a prime ex ample of this. The site for the new 1 150m² cold storage warehouse is underlain by a 3m-thick layer of clayey silt, which is certainly not conducive to using tradition al foundation techniques. This challenge called for a specialised foundation solution.
GEOLOGY AT THE FRUITWAYS MOLTENO SITE
The ground investigation was done by Frank du Plessis of consultants Kantey & Templer. Geologically, the site is situated in (Top): The Keller Fruitways RI team at work.
rackingautomatedperformancesettlementcriteriarequiredformodern-daywarehousedevelopments.“Fruitwayswillbedeployinganmobilesystemfourpallets
The Keller design team, led by technical director Dr Nicol Chang, quickly assessed the settlement criteria and the ground conditions to come up with an efficient foundation for the new cold storage packhouse. This fast-tracked project demanded an innovative solution that would meet the timeline, the budget and, of course, the terrain composed of and underlain by meta-sedimentary siltstone/ mudstone/shales of the Ceres Formation, Bokkeveld Group, Cape Supergroup. The site is covered by a layer of fill up to 0,9m. Transported soils comprise very soft, clayey silt up to 3,0m underlain by residual shale grading to very soft rock shale. The very soft, clayey silt is highly compressible and problematic for the settlement-sensitive structure if shallow foundations are used. Traditional piling methods require significant modifications in the structure, which may cause delays in this already fast-tracked project.
FRUITWAYS AND THE KELLER WAY: A FOUNDATION SOLUTION FOR A NEW COLD STORAGE WAREHOUSE
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202204 COVER STORY
high. Any settlement would have disastrous effects on the racking, product and structure,” says Jacques Esterhuizen, Fruitways’ general manager: engineering. Keller’s rigid inclusions (RIs) ground improvement technique ticked all the boxes. RIs are a relatively new offering to South Africa and highlight Keller’s commitment to bringing reliable, industry-leading techniques to our region.
The design approach for RIs is quite different from that taken for a typical foundation or piled solution. With RIs, a grid of ground columns is installed under the footprint of stringent
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 05
COVER STORY
Solid support for warehouse floors is often underestimated, particularly when modern stacking and racking systems demand tight tolerances. Keller is proud to be part of the prestigious Fruitways project, which highlights the overall capability of its team, from design to installation. The company is able to deliver a complex turnkey design and construct service for all projects requiring specialist geotechnical services. the entire structure. These “ground columns” are then covered with an engineered fill, forming a load transfer platform (LTP). Load from the structure is transferred and distributed into the soil via this LTP. The depth of the LTP is a function of the spacing of the RIs. The ground improvement efficiency of an RI solution largely depends on the stiffness relationship between the soil and the columns.
traditional shallow foundations can be used to support the structure, without any further design changes to the structure. For the Fruitways project, this was certainly the case. Keller worked closely with structural engineers ABRI, which embraced the new technology and adapted to the RI solution with ease. “This was the first time we used RIs as a foundation solution,” says director André Burger.
TURNKEY DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT SERVICE
RIs are a proven method to reduce settlement and increase the bearing capacity of weak soils, even for high loads. The installation is relatively quick and generates minimum spoil, allowing a quick start to construction works. RIs are essentially a ground improvement method using high modulus columns constructed through compressible soils to reduce settlement and increase bearing capacity.
One of the main benefits of using RIs is that once the ground has been treated and improved, Completed platform areas on the left and newly installed RIs on the rightExamples of detailed FEM analyses done during the design stage
BENEFITS OF THE RI SYSTEM
PROVEN METHOD
The new cold storage warehouse development is a fast-tracked project planned to be completed within a relatively short period for the next fruit season. The project, led by industry specialist consultant Gerhard Potgieter from GPB Consulting, broke ground on 1 August and is due for completion in Q1 2023. “All in all, the RI solution provided by Keller was a good fit for our project,” says Esterhuizen. “The RIs were quick and easy to install, providing a solid foundation for the new cold store. We have confidence in (Below): Completed platform areas on the left and newly-installed RIs on the right.
Images courtesy Thomas Ferreira (thomasfphotography.co.za)
(Above): Examples of detailed FEM analyses done during the design stage. Keller’s technique and ability to deliver this project in good time and meet expectations.” The Keller site team, led by works manager Shaun van der Westhuizen and foreman Cedric Makhubela, installed a total of 360 RIs within 10 days, including establishing to site.
QUICK AND EASY
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202206 MBSA CONGRESS MASTER BUILDERS SA CONGRESS 2022 “RECONSTRUCTING SOUTH AFRICA”
• Uplifting SMMEs: In view of skills shortages and supply chain issues, partnering with and uplifting SMMEs may help larger firms with project delivery. It can also facilitate job creation and entrepreneurship in the construction industry. This is what our country needs from us.
This year’s congress is an important one and SA Builder will report back and track outcomes in our coming editions.
The Office of the Presidency is expected to address the industry on the theme of the congress, with a specific focus on key interventions to rescue the SA construction sector. It is expected that through this address, President Cyril Ramaphosa and his office will take the lead in facilitating collaborative social dialogue on challenges threatening the industry. Carefully crafted sessions will generate fresh perspectives, led by direct experience from the public and private sectors. Discussion points will include the R700 billion shortages and training is often unaffordable for contractors.
• Expansion of business offerings.
LOCALISATION OF GLOBAL TRENDS
infrastructure project pipeline, sustainability and alternative construction models, among others. The guiding principles of finding shared solutions will provide a framework from which to consider the way forward.
• Digital transformation.
• Implementation of lean construction principles.
• Green building: Demand is becoming less exclusive and regulatory drivers like Green Star ratings, as well as the everincreasing evidence of unavoidable catastrophe, is forcing a massive shift towards common demand.
The increasing adoption of auto mation, modular construction tech niques and other new technologies is continuing to shape the future of construction. However, with uncertainty surrounding markets (globally – particularly in SA), other trends may be less positive:
• Supply chain risks.
The leading strategies emerging globally for construction are:
Date: Friday, 9 September 2022 Venue: The Capital: Zimbali, "KeyKeynoteKwaZulu-Nataladdress:Interventions
to Rescue the South African Construction Industry From Collapse"
• Off-site and lightweightprefabricationconstruction:modularMoreoff-sitemethodsandstructures,such as those used to construct temporary Covid-19 wards, are being used in SA construction.
• Expansion of geographic reach.
• Economic pressures: It is predicted that the industry’s output will not return to prepandemic levels before 2025.
• Skills shortages: Senior management and specialised trades will likely continue to experience significant skills
• Low mark-ups: Downward trends in mark-ups may continue, with less work available and increased competition among contractors as a result.
The MBSA Annual Congress is a major highlight on the construction industry calendar which is attended by leaders and owners of established and emerging businesses in the industry, senior government officials from sector departments, representatives from local government, financial institutions, suppliers in the construction industry and many more.
a wine farm and utilised a mix of materials, including traditional cement bricks, hempcrete and Tiber.
is the industry’s flagship competition, culminating in an Annual Dinner Awards hosted at the association’s congress every year. This year’s congress
Private
(Right and below): MBA Western Cape Category D – R D: Master Builders: House. The site for this project was on
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 07 MBSA CONGRESS THE MASTER BUILDERS NATIONAL SAFETY COMPETITION
Managed Aquafer Recharge Plant. The ocean-adjacent site required extensive excavation and keeping it dry was a
&
dewatering
(Above): Category G – Stefanutti Stocks: particularly demanding process,
The Competition
successfully undertaken by the contractor.
on 9 September, at the Zimbali Game Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal.
National Safety
The Master Builders National Safety Competition takes place
is comprised of the winners of the Regional Safety Competitions, which are automatically entered per category. A total of 37 plant yards, allied trade operations and building sites were entered for the NSC. Boland 3 Eastern Cape 6 Free State 2 KwaZulu-Natal 9 North 9 Western Cape 8 Total 37 Entries received per category Category A 3 Category B1 5 Category B2 3 Category C 2 Category D 4 Category E 6 Category F 5 Category G 4 Category H 2 Category I 3
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202208 MBSA CONGRESS
(Above): MBA Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) Category A: Stefanutti Stocks Plant and Storage Yard.
HEALTH AND SAFETY IN A NEW ERA OF CHALLENGES
(Above): MBA KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Category C: Patcon Building and Civil Contractors’ Safety Awards entry site. The site was on a client’s premises which produces crude oil. National Safety Competition Internal judges were required to produce medical certificates and wear special personal protective equipment (D59 overalls) to gain entry.
58
(Above): Much Asphalt’s site for its entry into Category B2.
The construction industry’s Health and Safety Competition had its origins in 1963, when the first Building Safety Competition was held by NOSA in collaboration with the Master Builders Association. It took place in (then) Natal and the only facet that was adjudicated on was Housekeeping. In 1964 it was held as a national competition and it was extended to two categories, namely Building and Allied Trades. Both categories were won by members from Natal. Today, the competition is a comprehensive, well-supported annual event, open to all association members and FEM policy-holders. There are 10 different categories. Regional competitions are held by each of the associations and their winners are entered into the national competition. Master Builders South Africa (MBSA) then arranges for the national judging to take place.
(Above): MBA KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Category I: WBHO KZN’s Umhlanga Retail project. YEARS OF BUILDING SAFETY IN SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTRUCTION
The construction industry is one of the largest creators of employment in SA and with such a large workforce and unique working conditions, construction companies have always faced challenges unknown to general industry, from the fast-tracking
(Below): MBA KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Category E: Grinaker LTA’s entry: Coca-Cola Beverages SA’s Warehouse Extension project. (Ablove): MBA KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Category H: Stefanutti Stocks’ Bridge City Shopping Centre Refurbishment project. The shopping centre was looted during riots in KZN, requiring this significant refurbishment.
THEINDUSTRYCONSTRUCTIONISONEOFLARGESTCREATORSOFEMPLOYMENTINSOUTHAFRICA.”
The competition is sponsored by the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance (FEM) and is free to MBA members and FEM policyholders. The FEM covers more than 300 000 workers in the con struction industry and, according to the statistics it reported in 2021, there was a total of 6 423 acci dents across SA, of which 56 were deaths, 699 accidents that resulted in disabilities without pension and five were granted pensions.
THE MEASURE OF SAVING LIVES
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 09 MBSA CONGRESS of projects since the 2010 Soccer World Cup and shrinking margins compounded by inadequacies in public sector project design to the transformation failures that resulted in the chaos of the Construction Mafia. With these challenges well advanced by 2019, the coronavirus pandemic brought a whole new dimension to idea of As“challenge”.adrivingforce for our postpandemic economic recovery, meeting and improving on safety standards is more challenging than ever, especially as the skills it requires from the labour force are sorely lacking. This makes staying the safety course more important than ever. Initiatives like the National Safety Competition not only encourage this, but open the essential dialogues in which the sector learns from shared experiences, shaping the way forward for our uniquely challenging environment. The recipients of these awards are praised for their adherence to health and safety. Approximately 50 sites are entered on an annual basis, with only a small window of opportunity during which a site can be judged – when work is usually at its peak. The number of entries is always gratifying because of the extremely high standards entrances achieve.
“The Regional Safety Competition generates keen interest from our members because safety is an area that we all know needs attention in our industry,” explains Roets.
Entries for this year’s competition closed on 10 May 2022. Entries were received from 59 contractors and 10 representingsub-contractors,atotalproject value of more than R8,8 billion. The majority of projects entered into the competition fell into the value range of R40 million-R250 million and 33 audits have already been successfully completed. The lead audit team consists of MBA North construction health and safety officers Manie van As, Mbuya Ramabulana and Roets. Using the process based on the MBSA Occupational Health & (Above): Dewing Construction’s work on phase 2 of the Cure Day Hospital in East London – one this year’s six entries audited in the East Cape Regional Safety Competition. “THE
SPOTLIGHT ON MBA NORTH REGIONAL SAFETY COMPETITION MBA North audits 69 projects to the value of R8,8 billion in four provinces and with competition entries now successfully audited, Gerhard Roets, construction health & safety manager at MBA North, has a good story to tell.
The annual regional competition gives construction companies in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the North-West the opportunity to benchmark their health and safety management systems and procedures against those of their peers.
“As we learn to live with Covid-19 and construction activity starts to pick up, we can't lose focus on this important aspect of our work.”
www.technicalfinishes.com Western Cape Chester Laas Cell: +27 (0)83 505 1819 Office: +27 (0)21 535 chester@technicalfinishes.com4455 Gauteng Nathan Calitz Cell: +27 (0)72 778 3449 Office: +27 (0)11 822 nathan@technicalfinishes.com7242 KwaZulu-Natal Yvette Watters Cell: +27 (0)83 524 3879 Office: +27 (0) 31 705 yvette@technicalfinishes.com7733 Eastern Cape Tobie Vosloo Cell: +27 (0)83 452 4031 Office: +27 (0)41 451 tobie@technicalfinishes.com3944 SPECIALIST CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS Technical Finishes’ leading range of specialist construction solutions include: • Concrete curing compounds and sealers • Epoxy flooring and coatings • Epoxy adhesives and repair products • Construction grouts • Waterproofing products • Joint sealants
(Above): This WBHO Plant Yard was entered into the awards under both Category A and Category B2 and was audited for both in one day.
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 11 MBSA CONGRESS
WINNING IS JUST HALF THE FUN: BENCHMARK BENEFITS This year the competition attracted 69 entries, up nine from 60 in 2021. New entrants included Concor Construction, 3 Dot Construction & Development, H Kampman, VIVA Projects JHB, JC van der Linde & Venter Projects, Reinforcing Mesh Solutions, Alt Ener Pro, Basonani Projects, Formacon, Bri-Rebar and Tate & AsideNicholson.fromprojects, MBA North also calls for nominations for BestPerforming SHE Representative, OHS Officer, OHS Manager, Construction Manager and Client’s H&S Agent during this competition. “This is an important event for our industry and MBA North thanks all those who participated this year. We encourage more construction companies to enter in 2023,” says Roets. “Benchmarking is one of the best ways to monitor your performance and, critically, to position yourself to win future contracts.”
(Above): MBA North: MBSA collaborated with the FEM in a distribution campaign aimed at getting the correct information about Covid-19 vaccinations to as many builders as possible. Audited independently, this image captures the information brochures which are handed out with the FEM mascot. (Below): MBA North: The contractor on this social housing project in Kempton Park was Tri-Star. The Category E entry was audited by the National Safety Committee. Safety Audit System, they’ve judged projects in outlying towns such as Emalahleni, Middelburg, Nelspruit, Secunda, Mahikeng, Rustenburg, Polokwane, Randfontein and Nigel.
• The DB is closed and protected.
• Signs containing warning notices stating the presence of the DB are posted.
Care must be taken of the crane’s electrical supply by ensuring that:
THE TowerCHECKLISTScrane
TESTING AND OPERATING LIFTING MACHINERY
It is the responsibility of the appointed operator to conduct visual inspections of the tower crane’s structure whilst ascending and descending the crane’s access ladder. The operator must record the findings of these inspections in a register and keep it on the crane. Any visible defects must be reported to the site supervisor or manager immediately.
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202212 MBA NEWS
RAISING SAFETY
By Neil Enslin, head: occupational health and safety, MBA KZN Manual lifting and mechanical lifting operations can put construction workers at great risk of injury or death. Knowing how to reduce the risks associated with using lifting machinery like tower cranes, mobile cranes and gantry cranes saves both lives and money.
Lifting machinery and all its components must be thoroughly examined and subjected to a performance or load test. This must be performed to the prescribed manufacturing standards by an ECSA-certified lifting machine inspector. The whole installation must be tested before it is put into use, every time it is dismantled and assembled and at intervals not exceeding 12 months thereafter.
In addition to this, lifting tackle (chains, ropes, shackles, hooks, etc) must be inspected by a competent person every three months, with all the results recorded and retained in a register kept on the site or premises where the machinery is Allused.lifting machinery must be clearly marked with the maximum mass load (MML) which it is designed to carry safely. If the mass load varies from the conditions of use, then a table showing the maximum mass load for each position must be post ed where it is visible to the operator.
Lifting machinery such as tower cranes must have a brake or device capable of holding the maximum mass load, should the power supply fail. Tower cranes must also be fitted with suitable limiting devices to prevent overloading.
Lifting machinery may only be operated by a specifically trained person who is declared medically fit each year.
• All the electrical cables are secured.
• The MML is displayed and the limit devices for both the mass and wind overloads are operational at all times.
• The condition of the crane’s access components has been checked.
• The hooks must be throat popmarked, with the safety latch fitted and functional.
• Check the brakes to ensure that they are in good working order.
• By-pass valves must be fitted correctly, securely mounted, functional and no leaks must be present.
• Crane hooks are pop-marked and if the hook has opened beyond the safe limit, it must be replaced.
• Inspect the rear-view mirrors, windscreen, windscreen wipers and indicators to ensure that they are fitted correctly, in good condition and operational.
Hydraulic pipes must be in good condition and attachments in working order, with no leaks.
Finally, lifting machinery and lifting tackle must only be used as per the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, as well as the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
• Lights must be operational.
•
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 13 MBA NEWS
• Areas of operation must be marked with warning signs.
• The gantry crane’s logbook must be kept up to date and available in the yard where it is used.
• Strobe lights or aviation lights are fitted to cranes that might be hazardous to aircraft.
“LIFTING MACHINERY MAY ONLY BE OPERATED BY A SPECIFICALLY TRAINED PERSON WHO IS DECLARED MEDICALLY FIT EACH YEAR.”
• The boom must be in good condition, with no visible damage. If this is not the case, degradation and defects must be reported.
• The operator must at all times observe and adhere to the hand signals given by the rigger or slinger.
• Check hooters to ensure that they are working.
• The hooter and siren are in working order.
• A deflection chart must be fitted, in good condition and visible to the operator.
Sources: Occupational Health and Safety Act and MasterRegulations.Builders SA Construction Manual and Audit System.
• The MML must be clearly displayed on the crane, as well as the crawler beams.
• The outriggers’ condition must be inspected and foot plates fitted correctly when used for lifting.
• All the wheel nuts must be inspected to ensure that they are correctly fitted.
• All grease nipples and joints must be greased.
• The battery condition must be inspected. Batteries and terminals must be secured, with no corrosion present.
Mobile crane
Gantry crane
• All hooks must be fitted with safety latches and be functional.
• Tyre condition and pressure must be checked on a regular basis.
• The windscreen is intact and visibility from the cabin is not obstructed.
A banksman is a skilled person who directs the operation of the crane and is in charge of the crane movements from the point of loading and unloading at ground level. The banksman directs the crane operator and controls all operations via hand signals. All signals made by him or the rigger must be noted and obeyed to ensure safety and maintain order on site.
• The cabin has been wellconstructed and is undamaged and free from rust.
• Check for oil leaks and report any to supervisor.
• Cables and sheaves must be greased and have no visible damage or corrosion. Any defects must be reported.
• Load limiting switches must be fitted and fully operational.
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202214 INDUSTRY NEWS
CONCRETE MIX, TESTING AND CUSTOMERCENTRIC DELIVERY SERVICES
These services, rendered by staff from the AfriSam Centre of Product Excellence, help customers determine the ideal mix designs for their specific applications and propose aggregates that meet these requirements.
AfriSam’s offering to concrete precast manufacturers (CPMs) operating in today’s highly competitive marketplace incorporates several value-adds, designed to improve performance of their products and help contain costs.
Underpinning the primary products supplied to the market – Rapid Hard Cement in the 52.5R strength class, High-Strength Cement (HSC) in the 42.5R strength class in the northern market and the 52.5N HSC product in the southern market – AfriSam’s valueadds include on-site technical services.
Top-of-the-range 52.5R Rapid Hard Cement, developed for specialist concrete product manufacturers, is performing particularly well, achieving more than the SANS 50197 minimum of 30MPa mortar strength at the two-day mark. This is enabling CPMs to develop a variety of new high-specification products, such as highway barriers, roof tiles, retaining wall systems, culverts and concrete pipes.
“These market-leading products, together with our value-adds, are part of AfriSam’s in-house customer value management initiative that seeks to unlock value for our customers across the board in new ways,” says McDonald. “Our innovative approach allows us to make a genuine contribution to optimising their operations.”
HIGH-STRENGTH CEMENT ENABLES HIGH-SPEC PRECAST PRODUCTION
TO CONCRETE PRECAST MANUFACTURERS
SANAS-accredited laboratory services are used to verify and test the efficiency of mixes, while product deliveries can be specifically scheduled to suit customers’ individual activities.
The “R” early strength factor in AfriSam’s 52.5R CEM I Rapid Hard Cement and 42.5R CEM II HighStrength Cement is proving to be a real differentiator in the CPM market.
PRECAST
“In the CPM market, we focus on assisting our customers to operate as efficiently as possible,” says Mike McDonald, manager of AfriSam’s Centre of Product Excellence. “This involves evaluating their existing mix designs and helping them reduce unnecessarily costly components without compromising the quality or aesthetics of the end product.”
AFRISAM’S VALUE ADDS BENEFITS
The company's 42.5R High-Strength Cement has been specially formulated and activated to allow for further extension with additional mineral components in the production of structural concrete. The “R” rating of the HSC is supported by AfriSam’s strict quality control plan and this product is achieving in excess of the SANS 50197 minimum of 20MPa mortar strength at the twoday mark. High-strength cement is commonly used to achieve concrete strengths of 10-60MPa, but it is also suitable for high-strength concrete, with strengths of 80MPa and higher.
CUSTOMER MANAGEMENTVALUEINITIATIVE
Technical Finishes’ range of stan dard adhesives systems is unique in that it is one of only a few suppliers offering such a wide selection of specialised epoxy adhesives for var ious construction applications. The adhesives are suitable for bonding mild steel, stainless steel, various plastics, ceramics and different metals such as brass and copper. The range includes rapid-set and underwater curing adhesives for pool repairs and reservoirs
In addition, the company’s standard range of repair products can be used to repair cracks and protect steel and concrete against corrosion, while delivering an aesthetically pleasing finish in either industrial or commercial Itsenvironments.specialistrange of cementitious and acrylic waterproofing products can be applied as a water barrier system to cementitious substrates or for sealing off flowing water, for use in common structures such as walls, ponds, roofs, tunnels, founda tions and underground structures. further information on Technical Finishes’ range of visit:
•
specialist construction solutions,
•
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 15
Technical Finishes is a leading manufacturer and supplier of a vast range of constructionrelated systems, each uniquely tailored to address a specific set of construction challenges, whether in an industrial or commercial environment. The company offers construction solutions for: Concrete compoundscuringand sealers Epoxy adhesives and repair products Construction grouts Epoxy flooring and coatings Waterproofing products
LEADING CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS
THAT PACK A PUNCH For
Western Cape Chester Laas Cell: +27 (0)83 505 1819 Office: +27 (0)21 535 chester@technicalfinishes.com4455 Gauteng Nathan Calitz Cell: +27 (0)72 778 3449 Office: +27 (0)11 822 nathan@technicalfinishes.com7242 KwaZulu-Natal Yvette Watters Cell: +27 (0)83 524 3879 Office: +27 (0) 31 705 yvette@technicalfinishes.com7733 Eastern Cape Tobie Vosloo Cell: +27 (0)83 452 4031 Office: +27 (0)41 451 tobie@technicalfinishes.com3944 www.technicalfinishes.com ADVERTORIAL
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• Joint TechnicalsealantsFinishes’ range of construction solutions includes its well-respected cement under layment products such Flowline, Floorskim and Floorflow, coupled with its comprehensive range of screeds such as Solidscreed 400 and the unmatched, Polyscreed PMC Self-levellingmicro-screed.cement screeds, non-shrink grouts and polymerreinforced cementitious slurries are also included in Technical Finishes’ range, each ideally suited for use in the repair and protection of concrete structures. Whether for bridges, buildings or silos, the industry favourite is Technical Finishes’ aptly named smooth and patch to repair spalled and damaged concrete screeds.
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properties. Even small leaks can eventually cause severe damage if left unchecked. In extenuating circumstances, entire roofs have had to be replaced by proper ty-owners because of a lack of maintenance or due to sub-stan dard workmanship. Leaks can also cause major damage to the struc ture itself and the property inside. In terms of a commercial build ing, this may include computers, printers and important paperwork. Many properties were especially at risk during the heavy rainfall that was experienced in various areas of the country this year.
(Above): Jeanine de Meyer, operations manager of PRAWA.
PRAWA members are also able to guarantee their workmanship. The guarantee period varies according to the type of work performed and the application, while also being subject to maintenance being undertaken within a specified Importantly,time-frame.
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202216 INDUSTRY NEWS Quality roof repair and water proofing services fulfil a very important role by safeguarding commercial, residential, industri al and hospitality developments against widespread damage. South Africa’s roof repair and water proofing contractors are therefore being held to the highest possible standard of work by the Profession al Roof Repair and Waterproofing Association (PRAWA). “Roofs are the most exposed part of any structure to harsh elements, such as strong winds and high quantities of ultraviolet light, as well as heavy rainfall and hailstorms. Therefore, they experience wear and tear over time. Property-owners rely on competent contractors to help them maintain and repair their roofs correctly. Knowing that the contractor they’ve appointed to execute the repairs and waterproofing complies with basic minimum standards gives the consumer peace of mind that the job will be done correctly the first time around,” says Jeanine de Meyer, operations manager of ThePRAWA.quality of services delivered by professional roof repair and waterproofing contractors can ac tually extend the life of a roof and, in doing so, preserve the value of SA’S HELD“ROOFERS”TO BYSTANDARDSHIGHPRAWA
De Meyer therefore advises property-owners to seek advice from PRAWA to ensure that they partner with skilled and experi enced “roofers” which are able to deliver the best service to avoid buyer’s remorse. This is until such time as the minimum basic quality standards and register of approved waterproofing products have been introduced to the industry.
a roof that has been waterproofed correctly keeps occupants of buildings safe from moulds, mildew and bacteria that can grow in warm and moist places. These minimum quality standards will be supported by a register of approved waterproofing products. This register is being developed by PRAWA with the help of leading suppliers and manufacturers of quality waterproofing products. Many of these companies are members of PRAWA. As important participants in the value chain, they are also invested in developing a world-class industry that provides a service comparable with that supplied by the new roof and waterproofing industry.
The Bureau for Economic Research polls the opinions of senior executives in the building and civil construction sector within Grades 3-8.
“The confidence level during the second quarter of 2022 was at 42 on the index, compared with 35 during the first three months of the year. We’ve seen a slow, but steady rise for the past seven quarters since the early days of the pandemic,” says Dladla.
“THE CONFIDENCE LEVEL DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2022 WAS AT 42 ON THE INDEX, COMPARED WITH 35 DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THE YEAR.”
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 17 INDUSTRY NEWS
SMALL INCONFIDENCECONSUMER
Confidence in the future of the construction sector has reached its highest levels in five years, despite a marked decline in business activity in recent months. This is a primary finding of the quarterly SME Business Conditions Survey conducted by the Bureau for Economic Research on behalf of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).
“The construction sector has been hard hit by the economic downturn which was aggravated by Covid-19,” says Bongani Dladla, CEO of the CODB. “However, there are still positive sentiments that the industry might be on the road to recovery.
From a grades perspective, contractors in Grades 3 and 4 and Grades 5 and 6 registered an uptick in confidence to 50 and 38 index points respectively. In contrast, contractors in Grades 7 and 8 registered a slight decline in sentiment. In terms of the regional comparison, the results for confidence were mixed. While sentiment almost doubled in KwaZulu-Natal (from 26 in 2022Q1 to 49), it fell in the Eastern Cape to 41 from 62 in 2022Q1. Confidence in Gauteng and the Western Cape was unchanged, at 32 and 29 index points respectively. A divergent performance in activity was also observed. While activity in the Western Cape improved significantly and, to a lesser extent, in KwaZulu-Natal, contractors in Gauteng saw activity fall noticeably. Boosting confidence was a decline in tendering price competition, as well as respondents’ own expectations for activity next quarter. Only 18% of respondents stated that tendering competition was keener than a year ago. This is the best level on record, but not enough to offset the effects of lower activity on overall Orderprofitability.books remained under pressure, with 79% of respondents indicating that the lack of new building demand placed constraints on the business. More than half (51%) of those surveyed cited a lack of access to credit as a major constraint. This is the highest level on Respondentsrecord.were also more optimistic, with only 15% of participants predicting lower levels of construction activity in the third quarter of the year. Dladla added that the survey was a snapshot of sentiments among contractors in the building and civil engineering sectors at a time when the economy was under severe pressure. “The report is important for the entire country, given the fact that the construction sector is a harbinger of broader economic activity,” he said.
Among general building contractors, who have been struggling for months, sentiments improved from 33 to 44 on the index. Confidence in the civil engineering sector was supported by better activity and rose marginally from 38 to 40.
UPTICK
(Above): ARPL could be extended to enable more individuals to access decent, secure and better-paying jobs in the formal plumbing industry.
secure and better-paying jobs in the formal plumbing industry, while also being afforded the opportunity to grow and develop as professionals and individuals.
ADDRESSING THE PLUMBING SKILLS SHORTAGE At present, more than 86% of all individuals working as plumbers are not qualified to do so, with more than half of the industry’s total workforce currently operating in the informal sector. Some of these individuals acquired their skills from working in the formal plumbing industry. They left their employers to service propertyowners who may not want to pay the fees charged by professional plumbers, or who are unable to afford these services. In certain
“AT PRESENT, MORE THAN 86% OF ALL INDIVIDUALS WORKING AS PLUMBERS ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO.”
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202218 INDUSTRY NEWS Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL), which officially acknowledges prior learning in terms of registered qualifications and unit standards, can be a highly effective driver of transformation of the formal plumbing industry and the construction sector in general. This is by enabling more skilled and experienced craftspeople operating in the informal plumbing industry to attain a recognised qualification. Through closer collaboration between leading industry bodies, public institutions, education providers and industry, the reach of ARPL could be significantly extended to enable more individuals to access decent, TAPPING INTO HIDDEN SKILLS TO ACCELERATE PLUMBING INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION
(Above): Increasing the training options and qualifications assessment opportunities are some strategies aimed at strengthening the profession.
Meanwhile, TIPS has recommended that IOPSA and PIRB continue to encourage the formal industry to register unqualified employees for the ARPL. This includes making them aware of the benefits of the programme and the importance of having qualified employees. Although training is beneficial for both employers and employees, some companies are still reluctant to send members of their teams for ARPL. They cannot afford the time it takes for employees to undergo several processes before they are ready to write their trade tests. There are also companies that do not want to pay the higher wages that qualified employees command. Other employers are concerned that employees will leave the company once they are qualified to start trading on their own. This means that their companies will lose their skills and incur costs replacing them, while also having to compete against more qualified plumbers in the formal market.
and Harambee offer fully funded ARPL training with trade tests.
Conventionally, professional plumbers have completed a threeyear post-matric qualification at National Qualification Framework Level 4 and the necessary industryrelated plumbing training before writing a trade test.
HOW IT WORKS Individuals who have worked for at least four years in the industry can apply to undergo ARPL to attain a qualification. Checklists and phase assessments are used to determine candidates’ readiness to write their trade tests. If limitations in their knowledge are identified, candidates are provided with the opportunity to complete gap training. Once candidates have completed this instruction, a technical portfolio of evidence can be compiled and used to recommend them for trade testing.
BROADER OPTIONS
Among the hurdles identified are the costs involved in participating in the ARPL. This inhibits many self-employed individuals in the informal industry from participating. TIPS therefore suggests that the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Sector Education and Training Authorities and the National Artisan Moderation Body work towards removing the cost of the ARPL entirely. Another alternative is to offer a subsidy or incentive to make the programme more affordable. In an effort to remove the cost barrier, IOPSA, PIRB
(Above): Plumbing emergencies reveal an alarming level of sub-standard, often hazardous “fixes”.
TIPS also suggests that education and skills bodies, TVET colleges, the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the DHET work with the industry to find alternatives to Red Seal QCTO qualification. For example, individuals could qualify to become assistant plumbers. This approach will ensure that skilled individuals in the formal market who do not pass the trade test can still access decent employment opportunities.
IOPSA and the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB), the professional body of the South African plumbing industry, continue to promote the ARPL programme. By recognising prior knowledge, skills and competencies through proper assessment processes, ARPL makes it possible for individuals who acquired their learning outside traditional education and training to attain a certification.
SHORING UP THE PROFESSION Brendan Reynolds, executive director of the Institute of Plumbing SA (IOPSA), says the dire shortage of qualified plumbers and increasing “informality” of the industry have been long-standing problems. “These issues are threatening the sustainability of the professional plumbing industry and efforts geared at strengthening a trade that plays a key role in providing water and sanitation for health, hygiene and well-being.”
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 19 INDUSTRY NEWS instances, they are permanently employed by professional plumbing companies and work on an ad hoc basis in the informal plumbing industry to supplement their incomes.
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202220 OHS
By Rhys Evans, director: ALCO-Safe
CONSTRUCTION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE: STEPS TO A SAFER SITE
The very nature of the construction industry is what makes it hazardous to work in. Workers are often required to handle heavy machinery, drive large vehicles, operate dangerous equipment or perform tasks (such as welding) which are all risky, even when undertaken by a completely sober individual. However, this situation is exacerbated by the addition
Construction is one of the most dangerous industries to work in, as the potential for occupational accidents is high. In addition, the industry has a high rate of alcohol and drug abuse, not only in South Africa, but also across the world. This hazardous combination not only puts workers and their colleagues in danger, but creates unnecessary risk for construction companies, which may be held liable should accidents occur under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Mitigating this risk and ensuring the safety of all parties requires a multi-faceted approach that includes appropriate substance abuse policies, education and the right equipment to deter alcoholand drug-related incidents.
(Right): Construction sites in SA have high accident rates, exacerbated by a culture of alcohol use.
“EMPLOYEES UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS ARE A SAFETY HAZARD TO THEMSELVES, TO ALL THE OTHER WORKERS AROUND THEM AND TO BUSINESS.” The negative effects of prescription drugs can also be problematic. Legitimately prescribed scheduled medication can cause impaired concentration and drowsiness, and should not be used by people operating heavy machinery. Workers need to be aware of these effects and the consequences of using or abusing any substance that can alter perception and impair judgement and concentration.
BEHIND THE PREVALENCE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 21 OHS of alcohol and drugs to the workplace. While local statistics on substance abuse in the construction industry are not readily available, international research shows that this is an ongoing problem and SA faces the same challenges, particularly around the consumption of alcohol.
Drug abuse is another challenge that, while not as prevalent as alcohol abuse, is still a problem in SA. Marijuana is one commonly used drug and the consequences of its usage on an active construction site can be incredibly dangerous. Marijuana distorts perceptions and emotions, vision, hearing and co-ordination, none of which are desirable when operating heavy and dangerous machinery. While SA recently amended its legislation to permit the cultivation and use of marijuana in certain circumstances and environments, it is still a substance which poses a considerable hazard to workers on construction sites and other spheres of labour. or even after hours can seriously endanger the safety of everyone on site, not to mention negatively impacting a business’s operational ability, productivity levels and reputation. Alcohol and drugs are a major contributing factor to many workplace accidents in the construction industry. These chemicals impair control of both physical and mental capabilities, leading to poor judgement and retarded reaction times, among other Employeesproblems.under the influence of alcohol or drugs are a safety hazard to themselves, to all the other workers around them and to business. If one worker is injured because another caused an accident as a result of alcohol or drug impairment, the construction company may be legally liable. If an accident results in a member of the public being injured, the ramifications could be even more severe. Construction companies could be liable for heavy fines or even prosecution, should
(Right): Information-sharing and policy transparency are the foundations for a successful workplace substance testing programme.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND OTHER LEGAL PROBLEMS
THE IMPLICATIONS OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL USAGE ON SITE Workers who drink alcohol or take drugs on the clock
The reasons for the significant rate of alcohol abuse, particularly in the construction industry in SA, are numerous. Firstly, the local “culture of drinking” is a problem across this and other industries and workers are often not educated about the dangers and implications of alcohol abuse and daily drinking. In addition, the construction industry often requires workers to travel far from their homes, which means living on site with other workers away from their families. Drinking often ensues after work as a result of depression or boredom, as well as the aforementioned drinking culture in the country. Excessive drinking at night impairs concentration the following day as the result of alcohol remaining in the system, or the effects of a hangover.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) stipulates a zero-tolerance policy for intoxication in the workplace, which means that any trace of alcohol or drugs in the system and workers is in contravention of health and safety standards. However, it is up to construction companies to enforce this. While heavily intoxicated people are easy to spot, even a small amount of alcohol or drugs in the system can be enough to impair judgement and concentration, and even the tiniest amount contravenes the OHSA.
(Above): Trust before testing: the foundation of any workplace substance abuse management programme is training, awareness transparency and education.
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202222 OHS accidents result in death or permanent disability.
The latest technologybreathalyserissaferand faster than ever, providing a quick result with a tiny breath sample, without the need for a mouthpiece. Testers are therefore not required to change mouthpieces for every test, speeding up the process.
“ENSURING SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE REQUIRES A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH.”
A MULTI-FACETED SOLUTION Ensuring safety in the workplace requires a multi-faceted approach that includes education, appropriate substance abuse policies and the right equipment to deter alcohol- and drug-related incidents. Education is critical in creating awareness of the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse in the work environment, to help prevent problems before they occur. Substance abuse policies back this up, providing a comprehensive guideline to control substance abuse and the consequences of workers who are in contravention of it. Guidelines are available to assist companies with developing these policies, but organisations need to be aware that in order to conduct alcohol and drug testing, employee consent is required.
Working in tandem with education and substance abuse policies, technology can help organisations test employees with minimum disruption to productivity. Rapid breathalyser and drug-testing equipment can be used for quick, accurate readings of employees suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as for random testing, should this be required.
ZERO TOLERANCE
The results are easy to read, detecting any alcohol on the breath and delivering pass or fail feedback which is not subject to misinterpretation. On-site disposable saliva drug tests can also be helpful, as they can be used quickly and easily at the construction site without the need for or expense of sending urine samples to a laboratory or Suchclinic.breathalysers and rapid drug-testing equipment are readily available. By using appropriate technology such as this, in conjunction with policies and education, construction companies can mitigate the risks of alcohol and drug usage on site.
FIVE REASONS YOU CAN TRUST A MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATIONCONTRACTORS’ELECTRICAL(SA) ALL ECA MEMBERS: HELPDESK 087 944 4555 www.ecasa.co.za Have the backing of South Africa’s most influential members’ association for electrical contractors. Are duly registered with all relevant, prescribed statutory institutions, including the Department of Employment and Labour. Pay levies to the National Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industry and pay staff according to the Wage Agreement, including providing social benefits such as pension and medical aid. Work is guaranteed and backed by the ECA’s Workmanship Guarantee up to R20 000 (with terms and conditions). Undertake all work according to all rules and regulations that ensure the consumer’s safety and are provided with continuous training at accredited centres PUT YOUR POWER INTO HANDS THAT YOU CAN TRUST 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 ECA ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION (SA) HOMEOF YOUR TRUSTED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Subscribe to SA magazineContractorElectrical
“Never did I imagine that I’d grow to the point where I am right now,” she says, adding that the experience opened her eyes to the plight of the local communities in which Cummins operates and the radical difference it can make in terms of empowerment and upliftment.
Vallabh notes that female leaders tend to be collaborative, inclusive, empathetic and consultative, which is to the benefit of any company.
A COMPANY TRANSFORMER
(Left, from top): Jennifer Rumsey is the seventh CEO and first woman to lead Cummins since it was founded in 1919; Avril Campher, transformation leader for SA, Simi Vallabh, business transformation project manager: distribution business and Eunice Segage, payroll manager, all of Cummins.
With Women’s Day on 9 August having been celebrated with the theme of “Generation Equality: Realising Women’s Rights for an Equal Future”, Campher highlights former CEO J Irwin Miller’s historic statement from 1983: “Character, ability and intelligence aren’t concentrated in one sex over the other, nor in persons with certain accents, nor in certain races or in persons holding degrees from some universities over others.”
POWER
“We understand that diversity and inclusion are about recognising and valuing our differences and channelling them for the benefit of everyone, in addition to the benefit of the organisation. It’s about reflecting and understanding the communities in which we operate as a business. It’s also about sincerely valuing the perspective and experiences of everyone, regardless of their differences. From a global perspective, it allows us to attract and retain talent. For now, it’s about ensuring we increase the representation of females within the organisation,” says Campher. Having joined Cummins in 1995 as a personal assistant to a regional office of five to seven employees, she progressed to a marketing assistant and managerial role, whereafter she found her true calling in corporate responsibility.
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202224 PRODUCTS
The appointment of Jennifer Rumsey as president and CEO of Cummins, the seventh CEO and first woman to lead the company since it was founded in 1919, is a beacon of the strides the global power leader has made in terms of diversity and inclusion. “Our values speak to diversity, equity and inclusion. They really include our differences in decision-making as a competitive advantage. If I think about then and now, the principle rings true today,” says Avril Campher, transformation leader for South Africa.
VALUING DIFFERENCES MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
Another long-time employee at Cummins is Simi Vallabh, business transformation project manager: distribution business, who marked her 20-year anniversary at the company on 5 August. She started out as a credit controller at the Johannesburg branch and today works with multiple global teams as a senior project leader.
A POWERFUL LINE
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 25 PRODUCTS
“Create and own your destiny,” she adds. “My growth and development journey has been a continuous development cycle. I set goals and ensure I meet them within the timeline and then set new goals and prepare to achieve those. Only you can design your career.”
The groups also impart important cultural and business environment information.
STRUCTURED FOR POWER Women have the freedom to apply for any role and can also partake in job-shadowing. In addition, the Cummins Learning Centre and its technical training colleges allow anyone to take engine familiarisation courses, for example.
“I believe the biggest challenge we face today is the fear of change, especially where new technology is concerned,” notes Vallabh, pointing to the latest trend of robotic process automation.
Segage says diversity and inclusion are important from the point of view of a place of employment and in day-to-day life. She believes it is important to learn about one’s colleagues and what makes them who they are in order to function more cohesively as a team. “This is something we see every day at Cummins: different people from all walks of life, all over the globe, all with a different story to tell working together, learning from one another and respecting each other,” she says.
Segage adds that caring and integrity are also major values. “Cummins’s ‘Every Employee, Every Community’ programme is a prime example of how the company lives those values,” she says.
LIKE & FOLLOW ON @SouthAfricanBuilderFACEBOOK
THE IMPACTPOWERFULOFDIVERSITY
Cummins has created multiple platforms to encourage all female employees to build confidence, define goals and promote higher self-esteem which, in turn, allows them to dream big and achieve their goals.
Payroll manager Eunice L Segage highlights that Cummins sponsors over 100 employee resource groups to create the right environment for success by promoting diversity and inclusion and lending their unique perspectives to identify opportunities to enhance business success. These groups are open to all employees and are organised around various elements of diversity, such as race, ethnicity, country of birth, disabilities, veterans and new employees.
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER8 2022 GEOTECHNICAL HOLDING THE WORLD TOGETHER: THE ROLE ENGINEERINGGEOTECHNICALOFINCONSTRUCTION 26
Transportation: Geotechnical engineers are responsible for ensuring that roads, highways and railroads are properly designed and maintained to ensure their longevity.
By Nicholas McDiarmid
Geotechnical engineering is the study of the behaviour of soils under the influence of loading forces and soil-water interactions. This knowledge is applied to the design of foundations, retaining walls, earth dams, clay liners and geosynthetics for waste Geotechnicalcontainment.engineering is the science that explains the mechanics of soil and rock and its applications in the development of humankind. It includes the analysis, design and construction of foundations, slopes, retaining structures, embankments, roadways, tunnels, levees, wharves, landfills and other systems made of or supported by soil or rock.
The application of geotechnical engineering, as it is encountered in construction processes, includes analysis, structural exploration and stabilisation, among other things.
▶ Underground structures: Geotechnical engineers are responsible for the design and construction of tunnels, subways and underground facilities that
▲ Deep foundations: All buildings, high-rise structures, bridges, towers and antennas – everything in a built environment – has a foundation which is carefully designed by a geotechnical engineer to transfer the loads to the ground. are used in subways, underground highways, railroads, waterways and waste storage.
▲ Landfills: Geotechnical engineers are involved in the design of landfills to ensure that solid waste is isolated from the environment and public health is protected. Modern landfills are sophisticated engineered infrastructure systems which have very few similarities to waste dumps.
▼ Dams: Geotechnical engineers are responsible for the design, construction, maintenance and monitoring of thousands of dams that are providing water storage and leisure areas to millions.
▼ Sub-surface characterisation: Geotechnical engineers perform a variety of tests on site or in a laboratory to characterise subsurface conditions. That way, the properties of the soils and rocks are characterised and softer soils, fractured rocks, faults, caverns and sinkholes can be identified before building on the surface.
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 27 GEOTECHNICAL “GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING IS THE SCIENCE THAT EXPLAINS THE MECHANICS OF SOIL AND ROCK AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMANKIND.”
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Landslides: Geotechnical engineers are responsible for designing excavations so that they remain stable, as well as stabilising natural slopes that could threaten public safety.
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Ground improvement and soil stabilisation: Geotechnical engineers use principles of physics and chemistry to modify the characteristics and properties of the sub-surface so that it can support civil infrastructure, which it would not otherwise be able to do. Scour and erosion: Soils tend to erode when subjected to natural processes, especially in extreme weather that may involve rainfall, snowfall, tornadoes, hurricanes and floods. Geotechnical engineers devise strategies to mitigate against scour and erosion.
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SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202228 GEOTECHNICAL ▲
Contamination and site remediation: Geotechnical engineers are commonly engaged in the clean-up or remediation of sites that have been contaminated and represent a health to the environment. Geoenvironmental engineers use numerous techniques to remove the contaminants from the ground, often without even excavating it.
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Offshore structures: Geotechnical engineers are responsible for the stability of the foundations of offshore platforms and energy facilities which are used for oil and gas extraction, as well as wind power. Deep excavations: Geotechnical engineers are responsible for ensuring the stability of deep excavations by shoring. Such shoring systems allow the execution of deep excavations in urban areas, which is vital for construction of underground metros, drainages, subways in the middle of a city adjacent to existing subways, structures or infrastructures.
THE FACESDIFFERENTOF EXCAVATION
You cannot truly see what space you have on a plot of land until you clear the ground and create a blank canvas from which to work. Clearing and shaping include:
Pairing the requirements of a construction plan with the site assigned is precisely where the mechanics of excavation becomes something of an art form. The lie of the land will have natural advantages and disadvantages –and, with any luck, the odds will be in your favour. However, even the worst odds can be handled artfully and simply keeping the basics of excavation in mind can ensure the most optimised canvas upper on which to build.
“BEFORE A SITE CAN BECOME WORKABLE, IT MAY REQUIRE SOMEFORMWORKPREPARATIONINTHEOFHARDSTANDINGS.”
• Regrading and profiling the land to create a useful space or a unique feature.
• The removal of all debris created.
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202230 GEOTECHNICAL
By Nicholas McDiarmid
• Breaking up and removing existing foundations and hard standings from the ground.
SITE CLEARANCE, LEVELLING AND SHAPING
• Levelling the site to make it safe to access.
(Top): Typical examples of construction site clearance.
(Above): Water pumps are essential for dewatering dugouts and slopes.
• Clear concrete, walls, earth, vegetation, bushes, hedges and other debris to expose the soil.
SITE PREPARATION AND CLEARANCE
Before a site can become workable, it may require some preparation work in the form of hard standings.
• Excavation of any trenches to allow any utilities/services to be connected.
• Installation of any pipework and backfilling of the trenches. Land drains can be an effective way of draining large areas of ground. They can also be used in reverse to evenly disperse water into the ground from sources.
This process really has an impact on the functionality of the complete project and includes:
• Basic clearance of any sediment and debris from the ends and sides of the drainage ditch or stream.
Soakaways are often a requirement for draining surface water from properties. They can also be useful when combined with a land drain for helping to dry out consistently soft, boggy ground.
REMOVAL OF THE EXCAVATED DEBRIS AND SEDIMENT FROM THE SITE
• Backfilling of trenches.
• Clearance of the middle of the ditch or stream and reshaping of the banks, eg creating a box-shaped ditch.
Vegetation, litter and other debris, combined with natural erosion creating sediment, can all build up to reduce the efficiency and the capacity of the drainage system.
DITCH CREATION AND MAINTENANCE
The process starts with digging out an excavation, followed by the installation of the soakaway, which could comprise a suitable granular fill material or more modern hollow crates. Finally, rerouting of the ditches and streams may be an option on some sites.
SOAKAWAYS, LAND DRAINS AND RAINWATER HARVESTING
Excavation of any trial holes to allow soil and percolation tests to be completed is another important consideration. A site cannot be considered ready without the
• Creation of temporary access tracks/roads to minimise mess while vehicles access the site.
(Above): Trenching early during site preparation is useful for preparing natural drains.
(Above): Site excavation extends to landscaping work.
•following:Installation of hard-core hard standings, eg crushed stone or MOT type 1 for parking and storage areas, etc.
• Excavation of any necessary trenches for pipes to the soakaway.
• Demolition of existing constructions.
Spreading/Levelling of the excavated debris over surrounding ground or other selected area, as well as the creation of ditches or streams for both drainage and the possible establishment of natural habitats, are all considerations at this stage.
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 31 GEOTECHNICAL
THE DEEP END A few months later, she was appointed MD of the largest division in the group, Broll Property Management. “It was a deep sea for me to navigate and I had to get my head around the different players and clients in the landscape quickly,” she recalls.
Early in her career, Nkuli Bogopa recognised that the property sector had enormous potential as a catalyst for change. Fast-forward to today and she is the COO of Broll Property Management and a leading light among the growing number of women leading change in the real estate sector. When Bogopa joined the Broll Property Group in 2018, she was initially responsible for the business’s brand positioning and tender division. “I was grateful to be given a role that cut across all divisions in the business promoting collaboration, allowing me to get to know everyone in the organisation,” she says.
Most recently, with new shareholders on the group’s board and the business’s transition to (Right): Nkuli Bogopa, COO of Broll Property Management an intentional move, because I recognised that Broll enjoyed significant exposure in the real estate industry as a whole. If you work for an occupier, you’re only in one client environment. With Broll, however, I have oversight of half the client real estate landscape in the country,” she explains.
BUILDING WOMEN
In addition, she went on to caretake one of the group’s listed fund portfolios, which entrenched her further in the business. In this role, her responsibilities included taking a closer look at the portfolio and client environment, as well as the various aspects of her team’s interface with clients.
A common thread throughout Bogopa’s career has been never finding any task or role to which she is assigned beneath her. “If I’m intentional about the direction I want to take, even if it means a Level 1 BEEE company, Broll’s structure was reassessed. Each division is now headed up by a COO, which Bogopa – as the first incumbent in the role – fulfils for the Broll Property Management cluster of services: Property Management, Retail Leasing & Sectional Title services, designed to drive real estate performance and asset value.
LEARNING TO SWIM Before joining Broll, Bogopa had acquired more than 20 years’ experience in the real estate industry, much of it on the technical side. An architect by profession, she transitioned from the hard-core built environment into the real estate corporate services space via facilities “Imanagement.preferredbeing on the more technical side of the sector, as I felt it kept me closer to the built environment about which I was so passionate. Over time, however, I realised that I could make a more meaningful impact on the industry in an administrative role,” she says.
32 FEATURE
Bogopa’s move to Broll represented her first role in the services side of the property business, as opposed to the occupier side. “For me, it was
PATIENCE, FOCUS AND FEARLESSNESS
“I never look for the easy way out. I always feel that if there’s a problem, someone’s got to solve it – so why not me? After all, if I don’t, then the next person might also think it’s not up to them. When I come across a challenge, I’m generally the first one to put my hand up to solve it. That way, I can be the change I want to see,” she says.
DIVERSE PEOPLE, DIVERSE IDEAS Bogopa’s advice to young women in the industry is to stay the course. “Female architects only make up about 12% of the profession. I find that perplexing. I suppose many of the women find the challenges insurmountable and decide to walk away, which is sad. I urge them not to give up, especially if they’re passionate about the industry. Only then can women begin to make a dent in the parity gap,” she says.
“We want to help them take their businesses forward in a way that’s responsible and sustainable. We want our clients to know that our of ideas and less of a one-minded approach, while still allowing ourselves to move towards a common goal,” she says. scaling back a bit, I’ll do it to gain inroads into the area. Patience and focus in pursuing what you’re after are vital,” she says. While operating in a highly maledominated industry proved challenging at times, her sheer passion for the sector meant that no amount of pushback was going to hold her back. In addition, her tenacious nature helped her overcome all difficulties in her path.
The overall group has a strong female complement, making up 60% of the total workforce.
(Above): From building maintenance to occupancy management, the world of property management demands a diversity of skills across a broad spectrum.
“Our team’s accountable and excellent at client relationship management. You see this in the kind of ownership they take in their spheres of influence in the workplace. I’m not discounting the output of our male counterparts, but I find it refreshing to see how our largely female-powered team is delivering on its mandate,” says LookingBogopa.ahead, she would like to ensure that Broll’s clients view the business as a progressive, valueadding partner at every level.
“I find that the admin-intensive nature of what we do, such as financial reporting, is well suited to women, as they’re particularly good at paying attention to detail.
DIVERSE SKILLS
33 FEATURE
She is currently part of a 100% female executive committee within her team. “Our executive committee’s diverse and vibrant. I’ve found that our diversity has resulted in a greater number “AN ARCHITECT BY PROFESSION, SHE TRANSITIONED FROM THE HARD-CORE BUILT ENVIRONMENT INTO THE REAL ESTATE CORPORATE SERVICES SPACE VIA FACILITIES MANAGEMENT.”
(Above): Bogopa emphasises the importance of rolling up one’s sleeves and dealing with the challenges facing one.
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202234
MUCKING IN… FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE MUNDANE She advises young people entering the property industry to remain willing to undertake any task assigned to them. “Work isn’t exclusively fireworks or bells and whistles. It’s the seemingly mundane functions we do every day that are the core of the business.
IN THE BEGINNING “My advice this Women’s Month is: we all have to start somewhere, so wherever you start, make sure you put your whole heart into it and become so good at it that you’re regarded as an expert in that field. Don’t take any role entrusted to you for granted. Look for a mentor who can guide you and change the trajectory of your career.
FEATURE leadership team has their best interests at heart and understands what keeps them up at night.”
“Many young people fail to connect the dots in terms of how they fit into the bigger picture. For example, they may not recognise the crucial role a leasing manager plays in terms of the value of an asset and, ultimately, the profitability of the organisation and value-add to shareholders,” she says.
“That said, the property industry is a dynamic space to work in and offers wonderful growth opportunities and career paths for young women looking to make their mark on the sector and, more broadly, the country,” says Bogopa. (Above): Widening the perspective to accommodate the demands of environmental social governance is an essential part of managing property effectively.
LEVERAGING SUSTAINABILITY
To young women aspiring to enter the property sector, Bogopa says it is an excellent place to build a career. “The beauty of this industry is that it requires diverse skills sets. From legal and financial to marketing, sales, technical and administrative skills, the opportunities are many and varied,” she says.
“THE OVERALL GROUP HAS A STRONG FEMALE COMPLEMENT, MAKING UP 60% OF THE WORKFORCE.”TOTAL
“It’s only by corporatethatvaluesustainabilitypursuingandaddingtotheeconomywebecomeagoodcitizen.Ibelieve we need to implement initiatives that will build our country and assist in the challenges our economy’s facing right now, such as creating relevant training for skills that are required by the industry and building a pipeline of employment for our youth,” she says. She also wants to create an empowered workforce comprising people who view Broll as their employer of choice. “I’d like to create a vibrant work environment that’s made up of people who approach their jobs and their clients with a great deal of passion. To our clients, I want us to remain a strong partner – an organisation they can rely on and one that keeps up with trends, always remains relevant and offers value-add on an ongoing basis.”
Her ambition is to leverage Broll’s position in the market for the greater good, addressing various environmental, social and governance issues as they arise.
(Top): Demolition requires a unique range of tools which often need to be developed in-house to meet specific industry demands.
QUICK CHANGE – SAFELY The demolition specialist has developed an in-house adaptor and quick-coupler system for rapid tool change with minimal manmachine interface. “This system gives us the flexibility to change attachments rapidly and safely, important that what you do and how you work is consistent, failsafe and predictable.”
“We have a keen interest in plant and attachment development globally, but also proceed with caution when implementing and adopting new technology,” notes Bester.
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 35 FEATURE
REACHING OUT The company has a fully staffed workshop with skilled plant mechanics, fitters and turners to maintain its fleet. “Although we have this in-house support, we also rely on plant operators to assist with regular maintenance and inspections, ensuring that small issues are addressed without delay to minimise the need for extensive repair. It’s critical that our fleet’s in tip-top condition and suited to the task at hand. We have a range of tools at our disposal that influences the methods selected. That, in turn, drives safety and efficiency,” says Bester. as well as to have attachments that are interchangeable across machines, resulting in a wider variety of tools and greater flexibility on site,” says Bester.
CREATING TOOLS FOR THE TRADE Jet Demolition owns a range of tools developed and manufactured in-house to meet specific industry demands. These include mechani cal pulverisers to downsize rubble quickly and efficiently, adaptors and extensions to afford addition al reach, or piercing and pulling attachments for the flexibility to approach compromised structures from a position of safety. “Funda mentally, our in-house tools and attachments have evolved from identifying a need for which a viable commercial solution doesn’t exist,” explains Bester.
“We adapt to our own markets and requirements, and not necessarily to every trend that comes along,” she adds. There are different schools of thought relating to specific tools, attachments and methods. “It would be easy to hop onto the latest innovation, but in the demolition industry, it’s
IN THE DEMOLITION ARMOURY
Jet Demolition therefore relies on proven and tested innovations, often holding back in order to assess how these innovations fare in the industry.
NEW TOOLS
Large-scale, heavy industrial demolition often requires a vast range and variety of demolition tools to be used. These tools are carried by dedicated tool carriers or specialised demolition machines that are effectively conventional construction plant-modified and adapted to accept them.
“In our line of work, the bulk of our attachments are unique to heavy industrial and large-scale demolition. This is a specific niche that doesn’t necessarily extend to general contracting or even large-scale earthworks. As such, we’re much more reliant on the skills, expertise and experience of our operators,” explains Jet Demolition contracts and project manager Kate Bester.
SOCIALENVIRONMENTALGOVERNANCE
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202236 FEATURE
Generation Equality is a global campaign linking South Africa to global efforts to achieve gender equality by 2030. A leading infrastructure construction company has chosen “Realising Women’s Rights for an Equal Future” as its theme for 2022. According to UN Women, this involves adopting and strengthening sound policies and enforceable legislation to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls at all Thislevels.tiesin with AECOM’s own Sus tainable Legacies strategy, the second phase of which was launched in May 2022. The strategy integrates four key pillars that embed sustainable develop ment and resilience across the compa ny’s work, improve social outcomes for communities, achieve net-zero carbon emissions and enhance its governance.
Globally, AECOM continues to make progress towards gender diversity targets, with 33% of its total workforce being females and a target of +35%.
LESOTHO HORTICULTUREIRRIGATEDPROJECT Nortje points to the work AECOM is carrying out in terms of an environmen tal and social management framework
FOR A DIVERSE COMMUNITY
DIVERSE STRUCTURES INTENDED
In SA, specifically, the total company workforce is just over 40% female at “Ourpresent.commitment to environmental, social and governance isn’t only core to what we do, but also plays a large role in leading our industry towards a more sustainable and equitable future,” says Elisabeth Nortje, associate director: environment, Africa at AECOM.
The Katse Dam on the Malibamatso River in Lesotho. (Left, from top): Elisabeth Nortje, associate director: environment, Africa, Leoni Malherbe, chief structural draughtsperson and Mathapelo Nchabeleng, professional QS, all of AECOM.
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 37 FEATURE as part of a larger feasibility study for a market-driven irrigated hor ticulture project in Lesotho. The project is being facilitated by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), in partnership with the Lesotho Millennium Development Agency (LMDA), as part of the Lesotho II Compact between the USA, acting through the MCC, and the Kingdom of Lesotho. The com pact was signed on 12 May 2022.
extremely strong focus on sustainability. For example, it produces 100% of its own electricity consumption, thus giving back to the grid. It uses less water than the site naturally receives per year in terms of rainfall, hence topping up the groundwater aquifers. It is a zero waste-to-landfill site, even taking in waste from neighbours and the community so as to have a net positive impact on waste to landfill.
GREEN SCHOOL SA
Green School SA is boosting education opportunities for children in the area. It has an (Right): The Katse Dam hydropower plant.
The objectives of the project are to increase rural incomes related to commercial horticulture, including for women, youth and the rural poor, and to establish a sustainable and inclusive model of irrigation, water resource and land management.
SANRAL provided project information to various stakeholders and community members by hosting ongoing community information sessions. This forms part of its mandate to drive economic development through the provision and maintenance of critical sayscommunitiestoresilienceenvironmentalofandabouttimemuchinvestments.termimportantconsiderationsmanagement“Environmentalinfrastructure.andsocialframeworkareparticularlyduetothelong-natureofinfrastructureSuccesstodayismorethandeliveringonandonbudget,asit’salsorespondingtoclients’needsembeddingconsiderationssocialequity,economicjustice,sustainabilityandintoanyworkundertakenachievethebestoutcomesforandtheplanet,”Nortje.
“OUR COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
Another project showcasing Generation Equity is Green School SA in the Drakenstein Valley near Paarl in the Western Cape. “This net-zero project not only has a minimal impact on the environment, but also preserves precious natural resources for the benefit of the local community,” says professional QS Mathapelo Nchabeleng. The procurement phase of the project utilises local resources wherever possible.
There was also a range of community development projects associated with the main works with similar minimum requirements.
The school’s construction process ensured that no materials on site had any Red List ingredients, including the manufacturing process. Endemic flora was reestablished in the gardens to boost the biodiversity of not just the site, but the entire area. Finally, the project incorporated vegetable gardens, a fruit forest, medicinal gardens and herbal corridors in the campus landscape.
BUILDING ROADS TO EQUALITY WITH SANRAL Leoni Malherbe, chief structural draughtsperson: bridges, outlines the extensive community impact
ISN’T ONLY CORE TO WHAT WE DO, BUT ALSO PLAYS A LARGE ROLE IN LEADING OUR INDUSTRY TOWARDS A MORE SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE FUTURE.” of AECOM’s upgrade of the R537 for its client, the SA National Roads Agency Soc Ltd (SANRAL). The project stipulated a 30% contract participation goal, allocated to minimum percentages for targeted labour and women and youth, in addition to enterprises with a greater-than-51% ownership by these groups.
A BRIDGE TO COMMUNITIES
Always look at the way formwork contractors use links, clips and wedge assemblies to keep it all together. Equally important, what is the (Right): This scaffolding is suspended by two sets of cables or ropes from an overhead structure.
IT IS ALWAYS ABOUT QUALITY
SAFETY IS THE POINT
(Below): The clips, braces and ties being used – everything holding the assembly together – must be of top quality.
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202238 FEATURE MAKING THE RIGHT FORMWORK AND SCAFFOLDING CHOICES
Formwork contractors are intrinsic to building contracts. This is a trusted selection process which is effective, yet simple. However, it is often overlooked. Keeping a watch list of non-negotiables for each and every contract can mean the difference between a satisfying, profitable job or disaster for you and your client. Always start a selection process with the quality of the materials used to construct the form panels, the clip and wedge assemblies, filler panels and external corners: all compo nents specified for a project. Only compa nies uncompromising about quality should be considered.
By Nicholas McDiarmid Like so much in life, scaffolding and formwork is a complex process and matching the needs of your contact with just the right formwork partner really matters. The entire contract could depend on it. Ask ing the right questions means you are halfway there.
Qualified formwork contractors will ensure that the surface of the finished product is flaw-free.
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 39 FEATURE quality of the company’s studs, braces, cleats, ties and battens?
THE RIGHT FINISH Aesthetics in post-production can torpedo a budget if the end-prod uct looks shoddy or unprofession al. Passing building inspections can also be affected if the work appears to be sub-standard.
WHY TAKE A RISK? TICK OFF THIS LIST
This will affect the strength of the moulding and its ability to withhold the weight of a concrete pour.
SUPPORTED SCAFFOLDING Supported scaffolding systems are built from the ground up, with the ground/floor as the main support. Typically used in large construction projects where the building is relatively high, the system is formed from one or more platforms which are supported by rigid struts (poles, legs or frames). Ladders, which may form part of the middle connection of the scaf folding structure, are used to move between levels. These frames are normally station ary, but they can be free-standing and mobile, depending on the type of build. Supported scaffold ing is also used in the restoration and repairs of old buildings requir ing stone masonry.
MOBILE SCAFFOLDING
The three scaffolding systems most commonly used are suspended, supported and mobile. It is essen tial to match the right system with the specific needs of each project, both new builds and repairs.
The number of workers per plat form is limited, so this system is commonly used for smaller con struction projects such as painting or repairing sides of buildings and for extremely high buildings where a supported scaffold is not feasible.
Mobile scaffolding is free-standing and built on castors for mobility. It is built up in a similar way to sup ported scaffolding and is perfect for large sites, especially those with multiple projects where constant dismantling is impractical. Mobility also makes it useful for painting and plastering. This scaffolding system’s biggest risk factor for accidents and injuries lies in the stability of the castors. They must be securely locked in place.
Overlooking a simple, but robust selection process when making formwork and scaffolding deci sions puts people and businesses in unnecessary jeopardy. Tear out these pages, or copy and paste them, but keep this information close – and use it.
(Above): Choosing the appropriate formwork partner is crucial at all stages of projects, big and small. (Left): Securing the castors is the most important safety procedure when using mobile scaffolding.
SUSPENDED SCAFFOLDING Suspended scaffolding deploys working platforms that hang from the roof through wiring, chains or ropes. Pulleys, levers and switch es control ascent or descent of a building, giving access to oth erwise inaccessible areas. Both two-point and swing-stages are suspended by two sets of cables or ropes from an overhead structure attached to stirrups on either side of the platform.
consulting firm
INNOVATION IN FORM AND FUNCTION “The successful completion of this project clearly shows that innovative design and construction techniques are able to blend structural concrete and FACTS Bridge weight: 8 000 tons Bridge length: 110m Arch height: 22m
AECOM, which entered the project on behalf of its client, the Western steel, using modern structural methodology, into one unified end product with a distinct purpose and aesthetic appeal. It’s been a great privilege being part of this project team and working closely with all involved,” says AECOM Cape Town Bridges team leader Abé Newmark. “It’s definitely been the most memorable project experience of my 40-year career as a bridge engineer.” TIED-ARCH BRIDGE SCORES FIRSTS ACROSS THE BOARD
UNIQUE
QUICK
Cape Government’s Department of Transport and Public Works, Roads Branch, was responsible for all engineering aspects, from road and bridge design to project and construction management. The main contractor was Haw & Inglis Civil Engineering.
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202240 PROJECTS
The New Ashton Arch not only won the 2022 Fulton Award for Best Infrastructure Project (over R100 million), but – as South Africa’s first transversely launched concrete tied-arch bridge – was also commended for Innovation & Invention in Concrete for its unique bridge engineering Infrastructuretechnique.
Another key consideration was the time-dependent properties of the concrete mix to predict how the structure would behave over its entire life-cycle. Here the first 30 years are the most critical ones because, as the structure deforms continuously over time due to creep and shrinkage, this impacts the structural behaviour. The cable tensioning was calibrated to ensure that behaviour was modelled with sophisticated bridge modelling software.
CONCRETE TIMING FOR CALIBRATED CABLING –OVER A LIFETIME
In terms of sustainability, the cementitious system adopted comprised 30% fly-ash, which has a much lower embodied carbon content. The specific stone used in the concrete mix was selected carefully. This relates to the structure’s response to the evolution of heat, which the concrete experiences as it hardens. This can cause cracking during cooling to an ambient temperature. To counter this, the stone aggregate, with a favourable co-efficient of thermal expansion property, was selected to minimise such movement. Together with careful binder selection, Ronné came up with a 50MPa high-strength concrete problem once cast, it has to be demolished, so it’s crucial to get it right the first time due to time and other considerations,” notes Newmark. During the casting process itself, AECOM used its expertise to assist the main contractor, especially regarding the convergence of a high number of post-tensioning anchors, steel reinforcements and hanger anchors at the arch spring points.
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 41 PROJECTS
“IN TERMS OF SUSTAINABILITY, THE CEMENTITIOUS SYSTEM ADOPTED COMPRISED 30% FLY-ASH, WHICH HAS A MUCH LOWER EMBODIED CARBON CONTENT. THE SPECIFIC STONE USED IN THE CONCRETE MIX WAS SELECTED CAREFULLY. ”
(Left): South view of the New Ashton Arch. (Right): Stay cable installation at the New Ashton Arch. (Above): The winning AECOM team at the 2022 Fulton Awards. (Back): Keegan de Waal, production engineer: contracts and contract co-ordinator, Darrin Green, MD, Africa, Johan Ehlers, contracts manager: structures, Michael Hendrickse, chief engineer: geometrics and design co-ordinator and Suri Shields, senior structural engineer, launch. (Front): Jacqui Gooch, head of department, Western Cape Transport and Public Works, Roads Branch, Heinrich van Wijk, Abé Newmark, Philip Ronné and David Middleton, temporary works designer, lead. mix with the required structural performance, long-term durability and lowest heat signature.
AECOM concrete specialist Philip Ronné, associate engineer: bridge engineering, cites the success of the bridge due to the management of the interface between bridge engineering and construction materials. Careful attention was paid to the material selection and structural performance to ensure constructability of the larger concrete elements, while favouring important environment, sustainability and governance goals such as recycling. In this regard, the old bridge became part of the foundation of the new one.
METICULOUS OVERSIGHT Ronné even spent time at the batching plant during the critical large concrete pours to ensure quality control. “If there’s any
THE
“That detailed planning process literally took more than a year to consider, as well as reviewing all the elements involved in close consultation with our UK specialists, the contractor and temporary works designers. The original push-launch system was changed by the new contractor to a pull-launch system and the design team had to do a lot of retrofit engineering to the completed temporary sub-structure. The change of contractor also meant that the client had to accept a lot of temporary works risk managed by AECOM on its behalf, in addition to free-issue items like anchor plates and support work. It became our responsibility to drive the delivery of these not to delay the project further. We played many roles during the seven years of the project,” reflects Newmark.
The New Ashton Arch bridge component is, in fact, part of a larger infrastructure project that saw the rehabilitation of 13,4km of trunk road from Ashton to Montagu via Cogmanskloof that was completed recently. This overall project aims to increase traffic and pedestrian safety and to improve the flood capacity of bridges.
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202242 PROJECTS
TRANSVERSE LAUNCHING: BRIDGE
The Fulton Award and Commendation and subsequent recognition by the CCSA is an important acknowledgement of the engineering excellence inherent in the project. “The fact that we ultimately managed to deliver the project, despite all these obstacles, was a landmark achievement,” says Newmark.
FUTURE
“The other aspect that feeds into the innovation is obviously the transverse launching, a first for Africa,” says Newmark. To minimise traffic disruption, the new bridge was constructed adjacent to the existing one, while maintaining traffic over it. Upon completion, the new bridge was then used as a temporary bypass and river crossing, while the existing bridge was demolished and new abutments built. The new tied-arch bridge was launched transversely into its final position in less than 12 hours on 14 August 2021.
“A project like this reveals that our South African engineers can compete with the best in the world.” Following their involvement with New Ashton Arch, several team members have subsequently become involved with other iconic bridge projects locally and internationally.
A PART OF THE WHOLE
The prestigious Fulton Awards recognise excellence in design, use and innovation in concrete. Originally scheduled for 2021, the awards were postponed to this year due to Covid-19. Winners were announced at a gala function in Johannesburg on 10 June.
There were four tensioning phases, with the initial tensioning of the bridge structure taking six to 12 months. Following this process, it was remodelled and tensioned again to ensure the concrete re mained in an uncracked condition for at least the next 30 years. Apart from key members Ronné and Heinrich van Wijk, senior engineer: structures, the team also collab orated with AECOM’s complex bridge team in the UK. FROM PAST TO THE
“Ingenuity, innovation and the high-quality workmanship of the SA concrete industry were distinctive features of all 24 entries in the 2022 Fulton Awards,” says CCSA CEO Bryan Perrie.
(Above): A night view of the New Ashton Arch. (Photograph: Nelis Engelbrecht, AECOM)
52 14th Road, Noordwyk, Midrand, 1687 Tel: 011 265 5948 / Email: info@ceta.co.za CETA VALUES Agile | Results-orientated | Integrity | Respect | Professionalism
The CETA initiates skills projects and learnerships aimed at improving and developing South Africa’s human resources, including a construction workforce whose skills are recognised and valued in terms of the National Qualifications Frameworks(NQF).
CETA VISION “To be a pillar for skills development and nation-building” CETA MISSION “To position skills as a foundation for economic development and empowerment” CETA VALUE PROPOSITION STATEMENT “To provide skills development services by implementing the objectives of the national Skills Development Plan (NSDP 2030); to increase number of people that obtain critical or scarce skills needed, and to build the capacity of the construction sector to be economically sustainable and globally competitive.” ABOUT THE CETA
“Developing skills.Serving society”
www.ceta.org.za
The CETA is accredited as an Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) body by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) on behalf of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). The ETQA status authorises the CETA to accredit and monitor both training and training providers.
The Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) was established in April 2000 after the promulgation of the Skills Development Act, 97 of 1998. Its primary objective is to influence the course of training and skills development in construction by ensuring that all training reflects the needs and requirement of the sector.
Construction Education & Training Authority
To facilitate the provision of training the CETA uses discretionary money at its disposal to fund projects whose aim is to achieve its qualitative and quantitative obligations in terms of the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS).
The benefit of rope access for routine industrial inspection work was again demonstrated when a leading South African rope access specialist successfully completed a project for Easigas in Gqeberha in the Eastern SpecialisingCape. in mega-projects such as petrochemical tank farms, towering smokestacks for mines and gigantic boilers for power stations, Skyriders is also increasingly finding application for its services in the burgeoning industrial maintenance and inspection market, says marketing manager Mike Zinn.
The project took just two days to complete for both gas spheres, with a Skyriders rope access team travelling (Right): The ability to mobilise quickly and get the work done as fast and effectively as possible is essential for emergency inspections and repairs.
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
MARKET DEMAND
SPEED AND RESPONSE
INSPECTIONSMAINTENANCEAND
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202244 PROJECTS
THE HEIGHT STRUCTURALOF
“While our bread-and-butter work remains large-scale projects in the power generation and petrochemical industries, we find that smaller companies like Easigas are turning to us to provide unique, cost-effective solutions for their inspection and maintenance needs,” he says. Statutory requirements mean that the two gas spheres operated by Easigas in Gqeberha have to be inspected routinely by an independent authorised inspection authority. Here, Skyriders’ scope of work was simply to fit the inspector into a harness and rig a rope access system so that he could be manoeuvred into position inside each of the spheres to carry out his duties safely and efficiently.
RIDING THE MINES
The company also recently completed another major contract at the gold mine. Originally earmarked for October 2021, it was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He describes Syama as a flagship mining project for Skyriders in West Africa which showcases not only the innovation, experience and technology offered by South African companies, but also the fact that it is more cost-effective to utilise local expertise due to exchange rate fluctuations.
(Below): The team was finally able to mobilise in February this year and completed the scope of work within a month.
(Above): Rope access is suitable for routine industrial inspection work. directly from Johannesburg.
“Our team was finally able to mobilise in February this year and completed the scope of work within a month, returning in mid-March,” says Zinn. The team comprised traditional rope access, as well as a welder to carry out inspection, maintenance and minor repairs on various structures at the gold mine. Skyriders’ association with the project commenced with regular inspection and maintenance work on the roaster smokestack in 2008. When this smokestack was eventually decommissioned, the company was again called upon to help build a new Greenfield smokestack. The current project involved inspection of the new smokestack, including the internal and external electrostatic “Ropeprecipitators.access is an ideal solution for a remote mine like this. We can mobilise quickly and get the work done as fast and effectively as possible, giving the client peace of mind that production won’t be disrupted or their bottom line impacted,” says Zinn.
“Mining houses can rest assured that Skyriders not only adheres to all international health and safety regulations and standards, but understands the African market and operating conditions and is comfortable working anywhere on the continent,” he adds.
SERVING INDUSTRIAL HUBS While Skyriders does not have an operational base in the Eastern Cape, Zinn says it is definitely a market into which the company aims to make inroads, due to the presence of the Port of Ngqura and a major automotive industry.
“It’s a competitive sector in terms of access service providers, but the high standard set with regard to quality and safety by our teams sets us apart. The fact that Easigas approached us in Johannesburg is testament to our extensive reach throughout South Africa at present,” he says.
“WE UNDERSTAND THE AFRICAN MARKET AND OPERATING CONDITIONS AND WE’RE COMFORTABLE WORKING ANYWHERE ON THE CONTINENT.”
“The major benefit for the client is a significant saving in time and money, especially considering that it takes five to eight days simply to erect the scaffolding necessary to provide access to the gas spheres,” notes Zinn. Rope access, on the other hand, is a faster and responsive access method with less risk attached.
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 45 PROJECTS
However, as many construction companies went into survival mode during the pandemic-induced economic lockdown, they were forced to save costs by shedding jobs, which usually entailed getting rid of the most expensive specialist skills. As such, many construction companies are now facing the challenge of limited resources such as in-house engineers for their temporary works. So, while senior management and specialised trades will likely continue to experience significant Establishing what is at the core of a project and what to slot in effectively can optimise numerous outcomes.
The construction industry has been in a steady decline since 2012, but the sector took a real battering in 2020 with the Covid-19 pandemic bringing construction activity to a virtual standstill. According to the 2022 Construction Industry Outlook survey, the total value of plans passed for building construction fell by 37% year-on-year in the first 11 months of 2020, as many projects were put on hold or even entirely terminated. While the re-opening of the economy in the post-Covid-19 era offers a glimmer of hope for the industry, the sector’s recovery is bound to remain slow for the time being, as
By Otto Botha, MD: Waco Engineering Services
WEIGHING UP THE VALUE OF OUTSOURCING
SHEDDING SPECIALISED SKILLS
SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 202246 BUILDER'S VIEW
(Right): Otto Botha, MD: Waco Engineering Services. the country’s economic outlook includes much uncertainty. At the same time, the sector’s recovery has also suffered some setbacks, such as the cancellation of adjudicated tenders to the value of R17,47 billion by the SA National Roads Agency in May. Nonetheless, projects are starting to resume and many industry players remain encouraged by the government’s increased infrastructure spending. In 2021, the government announced a plan to invest R791,2 billion in publicsector infrastructure spending over the period 2021-2024.
Outsourcing also has the benefit of allowing project-owners not to get involved in a civil project directly, but rather focus on their core business. The right temporary works partner can often provide a full-risk, ring-fenced solution that includes doing inspections to see what is required, completing the
“Temporary works” refers to a specialised field within civil structural engineering and covers any temporary structure, such as scaffolding, structural supports and shoring, that is erected during the course of a project and then removed upon completion. This is where outsourcing tempo rary works could prove to be the ideal solution to the challenge of limited skills, expertise and resources. Experienced and highly skilled consulting engineering companies offer a professional temporary works design and as surance service to project-owners, engineers and contractors and can limit their risk exposure related to the equipment, design and erec tion of temporary works structures.
“EXPERIENCED AND HIGHLY SKILLED CONSULTING ENGINEERING COMPANIES OFFER A PROFESSIONAL TEMPORARY WORKS DESIGN AND ASSURANCE SERVICE TO PROJECT-OWNERS, ENGINEERS AND CONTRACTORS AND CAN LIMIT THEIR RISK EXPOSURE RELATED TO THE EQUIPMENT, DESIGN AND ERECTION OF TEMPORARY WORKS STRUCTURES.” skills shortages in the sector, an added factor is that contractors cannot necessarily afford to train or upskill their staff in the current tough economic climate.
Partnering with a qualified temporary works partner reassures construction companies that they are receiving the services of appropriately qualified, professionally registered and well-experienced engineers to design, inspect and approve the temporary works for an entire project, or any part thereof.
SEPTEMBER 2022 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER 47 BUILDER'S VIEW
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
In terms of legislation, temporary works must be designed, inspected and approved by a “competent person” – someone with the required qualifications, the right training, sufficient knowledge of the subject matter and Outsourcingexperience.temporary works services gives construction companies access to these specialised skills when and where they are needed, without the cost of having to employ temporary works engineers on a full-time basis. design, supplying equipment and even erecting the temporary works structures.
COMPLYING WITH REGULATIONS
At the same time, it is worth noting that having access to temporary works skills and resources is a must from a regulatory point of view, as construction companies must be in compliance with Construction Regulation 12. In terms of this regulation, which forms part of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, a contractor must appoint a temporary works designer in writing to design, inspect and approve the erected temporary works on site before use. It would therefore be fair to say that construction companies which do not have these skills in-house are compelled to rely on outsourcing partners, but at least then the temporary works becomes the responsibility of the outsourced temporary works company, taking pressure off the construction business.
(Above): Scaffolding and concrete pumping are typical of expertise and resources that are outsourced.
It did not take long before she knew she wanted to make construction more diverse and inclusive and fight the patriarchal challenges faced by female construction professionals. “I knew I had to do this from the inside out, meaning I had to start my own business,” she says. This led to the launch of Mbokodo Building in 2008, a 100% female-led and owned general and civil engineering company which has realised R200 million worth of projects. These include an RDP housing project in Gugulethu, Cape Town, water and sanitation infrastructure in Johannesburg, a primary school commissioned by AngloGold Ashanti and various other developments, from libraries to railway bridges.
Starting her own business has always featured on her agenda, thanks to the influence of her entrepreneurial parents, particularly her late father, property developer Ligwa Nombanjinji.
ENGINEERING CHANGE FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Thandeka Nombanjinji-Nzama (38) from Soweto is one of them. Besides realising residential, civil and commercial developments worth hundreds of millions of rands, she is steadily building a new gender narrative for the construction industry.
Despite progress, South Africa’s key economic sectors largely remain a man’s world. Take construction, for instance, where only one in 10 professionals is female. There are glimmers of hope, however. Across the country, women are digging deep to change the landscape.
48 SOUTH AFRICAN BUILDER SEPTEMBER 2022
CAPTAINS OF CONSTRUCTION
While gender roles were not an issue at home, NombanjinjiNzama soon realised that this did not apply to the rest of society. “When I worked as a construction intern, I realised how few women, especially women of colour, worked in the sector, let alone heading up these building companies,” she recalls. “I’ve experienced the harshness of the industry firsthand. People judged me based on my gender, assuming I would fail because I was a woman.”
Thandeka Nombanjinji-Nzama – building with women
Master Builders Association Boland Tel:info@mbaboland.org.za0218633330 Master Builders Association East Cape Tel:ecmba@global.co.za0413651835 Master Builders Association Free State Tel:admin@mbafs.co.za0573526269 Master Builders Association North Tel:info@mbanorth.co.za0118056611 Master Builders Association KwaZulu-Natal Tel:info@masterbuilders.co.za0312667070 Master Builders Association Greater Boland Tel:info@mbagreaterboland.org.za0233426964 Master Builders Association Northern Cape Tel:info@mbanc.org.za0538321762 Master Builders Association Western Cape Tel:info@mbawc.org.za0216852625 Association ManufacturersArchitecturalofAluminiumofSA Tel:reception@aaamsa.co.za0118055002 SA Contractors’andRefrigerationAir-ConditioningAssociation Tel:saracca@icon.co.za0116223890 MBA REGIONAL LISTING AND AFFILIATE MEMBERS CAPTAINS OF CONSTRUCTION
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