46 minute read
Opinion
Emerging contractors key to construction sector recovery
Author: Bongani Dladla, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the cidb
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The construction sector can lead South Africa’s recovery as the country emerges into a post-Covid 19 economy, but only if emerging contractors are empowered.
This was the consensus among participants at a recent seminar on the state of the industry hosted by the Construction Industry Development Board – cidb. The seminar, attended by more than 700 participants, underscored the role played by the cidb in facilitating the exchange of ideas and opinions which will lead to the transformation of the construction industry.
In addition to its primary mandate to promote the contribution of the construction industry to South Africa’s economy and society the cidb also provides a platform where participants in the sector can share research on trends within the sector and relate best practices.
There were justifiable concerns about the sharp decrease in construction activity following the outbreak of the Covid pandemic. This was especially felt within the public sector where the cidb plays a critical role to ensure efficient and effective infrastructure delivery.
However, there is also significant room for optimism. Investment in infrastructure is a key component of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The plan calls for “aggressive infrastructure investment” with a strong emphasis on localisation, job creation and streamlining of the regulatory framework.
Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium Some of the green shoots are already visible. At the recent Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium – SIDSSA 2021 – details were announced of a pipeline of 55 project with a project value of R595bn. This can create an estimated 583 500 direct and indirect jobs.
Participants at the cidb seminar expressed strong views that emerging contractors should benefit fully from the pending upswing in building activity and opportunities should be created in which they can improve their grading and become increasingly eligible for major projects.
Concurrently, the public sector must significantly improve its capacity to manage infrastructure projects under its control and address long-standing concerns within the industry about delays in the awarding of contracts, delays in the implementation of projects and late payments to contractors.
increasingly, be drawn in to address issues pertaining to capacity. Again, the cidb, with its experience gained in almost two decades, can make valuable contributions to the dialogues and consultations within the industry.
Similarly, there are stronger voices speaking out about endemic corruption and the activities of the so-called ‘construction mafia’ which are delaying vital projects, destroying assets and threatening the lives of contractors and their workers.
One of the participants at the seminar, Mr Gregory Mofokeng, the CEO of the Black Business Council in the Built Environment, emphasised the role construction can play in the reindustrialisation of the economy.
This can be done through the implementation of localisation programmes where local building materials are used, local expertise is utilised, and local jobs created.
At the same time the local industry is not isolated from global trends. Dr Obuks Ejohwomu from the University of Manchester reminded participants about the high contribution of construction to global emissions and air pollution.
The UN Climate Conference – COP 26 – held in Glasgow this month will, no doubt, revise targets for pollution and set new standards to which the construction industry should respond.
The introduction of technology-driven solutions brought on by the 4th industrial Revolution will also bring about profound changes to the sector. Construction 4.0 – the integration of 4IR advances into the industry – will revolutionise processes across the entire spectrum of activities. Some of these innovations are already being deployed with great success in the South African industry.
Already, many emerging local contractors are embracing new technologies and strengthening their positions within the construction value chain.
It is important that the local construction sector should be empowered to benefit from the expected upswing in the post-Covid economy. A keen observer of the local sector, Prof Roger Flanagan of the University of Reading in the United Kingdom predicted that the global construction industry will be at the leading edge of the recovery and that South Africa needs to be part of it.
He emphasised the fact that it is located in the fastest growing region in Africa and is globally known for its ability to produce great construction companies and contractors who are admired for their competence.
The challenges will be to broaden the sector, support emerging contractors – especially black-owned and female-owned businesses – and attract a new generation of entrepreneurs to the sector.
The seminar, which will become an annual event, again showed that the cidb is well-placed to play a catalytic role to lead industry stakeholders in construction development. We will be a vital element in the re-emergence of a transformed construction industry which provides the physical infrastructure that makes up the backbone of our country’s economic activity.
Geotechnical Survey
Geotechnical surveys are usually carried out by geologists, geotechnical engineers or geochemists to gain information on the basic physical characteristics of soils, rock strata and sub-surface conditions for various planned constructions and for remediation of damage to earthworks and underground structures caused by natural subsurface events.
Geotechnical drilling techniques may include surface sampling, borehole surveys, and GPS technologies to determine soil quality and other factors affecting it. Geotechnical software and computer programs are also used for these surveys. This article gives some interesting details about the importance of geotechnical surveys in our lives and what they actually do.
For any construction project to succeed it requires detailed information about the site and the kind of building that will be constructed. A geotechnical survey can provide the information that is needed to plan the site, the type of structure to be built, and the boundaries of where the structure, buildings, and land will be located. It can even help design earthwork or bridge designs based on the information obtained from a survey. Without a geotechnical survey, many of these important steps would not be possible.
In order to ensure that the foundation of a building is sound, a geotechnical survey is often the first step to take. An experienced engineer or geotechnical surveyor equipped with the proper equipment can determine if a foundation has problems and can then determine whether to make adjustments or replacement material.
“Geotechnical survey involves testing, sampling and studying the material (soil and/or rock) upon which the proposed building will be constructed. The material is then tested, on site or in a laboratory to establish its strength and ability to sustain the proposed load (building). The report will also give recommendations, with strengths at various levels where foundation can be laid,” says David Adede, Director, Rock Link Geological Consultants Ltd.
Improving the soil quality and soil movement rate can prevent soil cracks and other problems that can cause further deterioration to the foundation. A qualified geotechnical surveying team can also determine if there are any underground sources of groundwater that can affect the site and can design an effective groundwater control plan to protect against future excessive groundwater pressure from above ground sources.
Groundwater and its effects can also have an impact on structures. Testing for the location of underground water mains or wells can be determined by using geotechnical surveys. Many older structures were designed with boreholes in their construction but it is now known that using geotechnical surveying techniques, they can be detected and inspected before they become major issues. Geotechnical drilling or subsidence may be required in some cases when ground waters are found to be contaminated. Geotechnical survey data and studies can also help plan the use of water storage tanks in order to minimize future damages caused by unexpected flooding.
In addition to its important role as a precursor to further archaeological research, a qualified geotechnical surveyor is crucial to developers who are developing a new building. A qualified surveyor will inform builders and architects of the most suitable building design for a structure before it is constructed. It also provides the basis for any required engineering changes once the building is on site. In addition, qualified geotechnical surveyors can also ensure the site has adequate underground protection to prevent natural disasters from occurring. Geotechnical surveys can also determine if a property is suitable for construction depending on its potential for instability. Most properties that present the possibility of instability need to be evaluated according to their geotechnical data and the relationship between that data and the site's topography, characteristics and permeability. An example of a property requiring geotechnical investigation is a finite hill that slopes significantly toward the downhill side of the property. An accurate evaluation will provide a valuable service to local developers, contractors, land managers, engineers, and others.
Service and calibration
Geotechnical survey often uses high-tech electronic equipment, which requires specialised service and calibration on a regular base. Preventive maintenance (PM) is the practice of maintaining equipment on a regular schedule based on elapsed time or meter readings. The intent is to “prevent” maintenance problems or failures before they take place by following a routine and comprehensive maintenance procedures with a goal of achieving fewer, shorter, and more predictable outages.
“Maintenance of Geotechnical equipment vary and range widely, depending on the type of the equipment. There are simple mechanical equipment that do not require maintenance at all. Most of the surveys are, however, done by drilling machines or rigs. These machines are fairly easy to maintain by ensuring frequent lubrication of the moving parts and occasional mechanical check up on worn out parts. Grease is the most frequently used substance for this maintenance,” concludes David.
SPIE strengthens PPS solutions for West Africa’s oil and gas assets
SPIE Oil & Gas Services, an international subsidiary of SPIE, has deployed its process and pipelines services (PPS) solution, a complete range of topsides and pipelines control and cleaning services in Ghana and Nigeria.
The PPS solution covers all phases of the asset life cycle, from engineering and construction, to hook-up, pre-commissioning, commissioning, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning.
The launch of the PPS offer follows the purchase of equipment and the integration of PPS specialists operating in Ghana and Nigeria for the precommissioning and maintenance of oil and gas installations.
“Acquiring industrial equipment to develop a Process & Pipeline Services line was a unique opportunity for SPIE Nigeria & Ghana to diversify and expand its services portfolio and broaden our technical expertise within the oil and gas industry,” said Olivier Fruit, director of sub-Saharan Africa business unit.
The PPS product line includes solutions for engineering and construction, assessment and skills development, commissioning and start-up, operation, maintenance and integrity tests of oil and gas assets. Through PPS, SPIE Oil & Gas Services provides maintenance operations on pipelines, oil and gas production plants, refineries, LNG, floating production, storage and offloading (FPSOs) performs preventive or corrective maintenance operations but also major maintenance operations, such as shutdowns.
Development prospects
One of the first implementations of the PPS offering is currently taking place on the Amenam-Kpono field, located about 30km off the eastern part of the Niger Delta. Similar services are provided at the Erha Terminal, an FPSO located 97km off the coast of Nigeria. To guarantee the safety of the equipment, SPIE Oil & Gas Services performs torquing and sealing tests and the replacement of 300 metres of export pipeline.
“All leaks from bolted joints are avoidable. Preventing leaks in the first place is much more cost effective than repairing leaks and, of course, prevents pollution. Providing clean and leak-free facilities is a key goal for us,” added Mark Notoma, senior manager, business development and PPS and SD Service Line in Nigeria and Ghana.
TotalEnergies EP Gabon finalises divestment of interests to Perenco Oil and Gas
TotalEnergies has announced the closing of its agreement to divest to Perenco Oil and Gas Gabon the Cap Lopez Terminal and non-operated assets of its 58%-owned affiliate TotalEnergies EP Gabon
The company has announced this after receiving the approval of Gabonese authorities.
With this transaction, in an amount of US$350mn before final adjustment, TotalEnergies EP Gabon is divesting its interests in seven mature offshore fields operated by Perenco Oil and Gas Gabon, along with its interests and operatorship in the Cap Lopez oil terminal, to Perenco Oil and Gas Gabon.
The divested assets' production stood at 8,400 barrels of oil equivalent per day for the first three quarters of 2021.
Henri-Max Ndong-Nzue, president of TotalEnergies EP Gabon, said, “This transaction is aligned with TotalEnergies' strategy to enhance its portfolio by divesting mature, high break-even fields. TotalEnergies EP Gabon is refocusing on its operated offshore assets in the Anguille and Torpille sectors and remains a committed oil industry player in Gabon.”
Open Pit Mining
Open Pit Mining also called open-cut or opencast mining, is surface mining technique of extracting minerals or rock from beneath the earth, often dug in an open area. This type of mining is one of the numerous varieties of surface mining that has been used since ancient times for different types of minerals. It involves large amounts of rock and is therefore expensive to produce.
There are mainly five major types of surface mining, each having certain variations according to the minerals being mined. These are strip mining; open Pit Mine, high wall mining, dredging and surface mining. Each type of mine is used for a specific purpose, but all have the potential to harm the environment in a big way.
Open Pit Mining involves extracting minerals from beneath the surface using hydraulic machines or trucks. There is a lot of waste created during this procedure, which leads to the adverse effects on the environment. The most common metals extracted during this procedure are copper, gold, lead, silver, zinc and tin. The waste produced during the process of open-cast mining contains harmful chemicals, such as cyanide, mercury and lead that pollute the soil and the water table. The long-term effects of such mine wastes on the environment are yet to be assessed. There are two types of open pit mining; one is horizontal and the other vertical. In horizontal type, miners dig a shaft several meters underground to reach the upper area of the mine. The lower shaft is then blocked off and workers make the final stage of extraction. In vertical kind of mines, the shaft is dug at an angle and walls are erected around the shaft to prevent access by men and animals.
There are several types of material usually found in open pit mines. Most common one is Lead. Other precious metals, such as gold, silver and platinum, can be found in these mines as well. It is estimated that these mines contribute more than ten million tons of this precious metal every year.
Some other factors considered when determining the cost of mining this mineral is equipment and machinery used for mining. These include the amount of rock and the size of the holes to be excavated. The equipment and machinery used in this process are specialized and need to be purchased from reputable companies. One disadvantage of using this method is the risk of accidental spills that may contaminate the surrounding environment. It has been seen that there have been cases of children getting lead poisoning after drinking water containing traces of this metallic chemical. Another risk is when workers get sick because of the toxic gases created during the mining process.
The process of extracting gold or any other mineral out of the ground involves several factors. This includes the physical extraction of the mineral, which involves manual labor, drilling, lifting and scooping the rock, and other equipment used for the process. The cost of this process greatly depends on the volume of ore to be extracted, and the complexity of the operation. The capital investment needed for the complete operation of an open pit mining operation varies according to the mine and type of mineral involved.
Gexcel's HERON 3D Mapping
HERON is a professional portable 3D mapping system, featuring a single or dual lidar sensor (including long-range) and RGB panoramic camera. HERON supports the use of control points for accurate point cloud models and provides the unique real-time change detection feature for BIM applications.
Largely used indoors and outdoors, HERON is highly appreciated in underground and open-pit mines, stockpiles, multi-level buildings, large and complex areas, and engineering construction sites. Thanks to its smart design, HERON can be worn or held in the hand, mounted on vehicles, tilted, used upside down, mounted on a crane, and lifted to several meters if placed on extendible poles.
The supplied HERON Desktop software utilizes an advanced patented SLAM algorithm that produces reliable and accurate 3D point cloud models than can be processed in the software Gexcel Reconstructor to extract volumes, profiles, contour lines, areas, cross sections, textured models, plan views, calculation reports, as well as popular multi-sensor integration. HERON supports the full compatibility with a variety of third-party software (e.g. ReCapPro, Micromine, GemcomSurpac, Datamine) and point clouds can be shared through Gexcel partners' cloud platforms 3DUserNet, Cintoo Cloud, Scene WebShare.
HERON 3D MAPPING IN THE MINING FIELD
The case of an iron underground mine The cavity had to be surveyed quickly because of the presence of mining equipment and for safety restrictions due to a potential risk of rock mass collapse. Conditions were harsh, due to high level of dust and moisture, and bottlenecks. The surveyor walked inside the tunnels and in 1 hour collected all the necessary data.
The accurate processing of the acquisitions was possible thanks to the HERON software provided and in 20/30 minutes it was possible to obtain a 3D mesh model, maps and sections. The 3D mesh was then imported into Micromine where geological, geomechanical, and mining information were added. Mining engineers and surveyors used these data for mining operations, production scheduling, reserve estimation and more.
HERON 3D MAPPING IN THE CONSTRUCTION FIELD
The case of building asset management A large multi-level building needed be surveyed indoor and outdoor in a short period of time to quickly obtain a digital twin model (for easy data sharing among stakeholders; maintenance services management; documentation purposes), along with updated plans, maps and elevations. In 20 minutes, HERON surveyed an area of approximately 10,000 sq.m. In 1.5 hours, the data were processed and the colored 3D model with 5K resolution panoramic images was generated, as well
Multi-level building mapped with HERON. Outputs shown: blueprint map, elevations, Cintoo Cloud immersive tour of the 3D model with high-res images.
as plans and elevations, using HERON software. The client requested a 3D model with high-resolution photos easily that could be easily imported into ReCapPro (to manage deliverables in the Autodesk environment) and into cloud platforms for digital twin purposes.
The processed HERON 3D model was exported to ReCapPro. Although plans and elevations can be directly generated within the HERON software, a link to CAD is strategic for further processing, accessing Navisworks, or performing BIM analysis. To address the requirements of digital twin approach, the HERON model was uploaded to Cintoo Cloud, where the project, located in Google Maps and organized in work zones, can be managed through different levels of access for different types of users (decision-makers, maintainers, technicians, etc.). Cloud data were easily shared, explored, and investigated by performing a virtual immersive tour through the panoramic images. Available tools to measure and add notes, links, and documents helped investigate the space, make decisions, update the database, and support on-site workers.
Underground mine mapped with HERON. Outputs shown: 3D model, blueprint map, volumes and cross-sections.
Gexcel is an Italian company starting in 2007. Besides the development and design of software and systems for 3D surveying market, Gexcel provides sales, support, training and service directly by its Italian and Vietnamese offices or by its wide international distributors' network. Gexcel's software and systems are fully compatible with sensors from the main laser scanner manufacturers and with many software and cloud platforms. Find more on www.gexcel.it
Mobile Mapper Devices
Mobile Mappers, also known as GPS trackers are small electronic devices which provide accurate positioning of any person, vehicle, or item within a certain range of their location. There are two types of GPS trackers available in the market today; analog and digital. Both the series gps and mobile mapper devices have their own advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages of using this type of surveying or mapping equipment is that they are small and light weight, and can easily be carried from place to place.
Digital GPS mappers are more dependable than the analog ones as they usually come with a small LCD screen to show the position of the device. However, the digital mappers usually do not have the same level of accuracy as the series gps models. The main disadvantage of using this surveying or mapping equipment is that there are no external power sources required and they cannot function well in cold weather conditions. They can only function up to about -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mobile GPS devices are powered by rechargeable nickel cadmium batteries. The battery is normally installed in the handheld unit via an electric connection or an USB cable. The units have an onboard charger which can be plugged into a cigarette lighter outlet. To monitor the position of a person, the user has to take out the battery and insert it in the GPS receiver. As the receiver is in constant contact with the earth, the information is displayed as soon as it registers a signal.
Kenya unveils largest shipyard in sub-Saharan Africa
President Uhuru Kenyatta tours the modern shipyard at the Mtongwe Navy base in Mombasa after commissioning it on December 17, 2021
Kenya has unveiled a modern shipyard at the Mtongwe Navy base in Mombasa, making her the first country in sub-Saharan Africa with such a facility.
Kenya Shipyards Ltd (KSL) has the capacity to handle vessels of more than 4,000 tonnes and s150 metres and will boost the East African country’s status as a maritime hub.
The new facility has the longest slipway, a platform on which ships are secured and winched out of water into a working area for construction, repair, refitting and maintenance.
The modern shipyard has two ship-building hangers, one 150 metres long and 30 metres high and a smaller one 120 metres long, 20 metres high and 13 metres wide.
President Uhuru Kenyatta officially opened the facility on Friday as Kenya eyes the lucrative shipbuilding and repair business.The Navy project in Mtongwe gives Kenya a competitive advantage in shipbuilding and maritime engineering in eastern and central Africa, with the inauguration of a marine academy in Kisumu helping to boost human resource training for sustainable growth of the industry.
“In the project, Kenya, which owns about 17 military ships, seeks to save $6,800 million per vessel in maintenance fees every 10 years considering that since independence, all Kenyan ships have been serviced and maintained overseas, either in Spain or Netherlands.Every ship has a lifespan of 10-15 years before a full makeover,” says a notice from the Kenya Defence Forces Certified ship welders KSL will for the first time in Kenya’s history employ its own certified ship welders, which is part of the Kenyan government’s agenda to create over 10,000 jobs per year in the maritime sector, considering all ship welders in Kenya are foreign.
The modern shipyard has two ship-building hangers, one 150 metres long and 30 metres high and a smaller one 120 metres long, 20 metres high and 13 metres wide.
President Uhuru Kenyatta officially opened the facility on Friday as Kenya eyes the lucrative shipbuilding and repair business.
The Navy project in Mtongwe gives Kenya a competitive advantage in shipbuilding and maritime engineering in eastern and central Africa, with the inauguration of a marine academy in Kisumu helping to boost human resource training for sustainable growth of the industry.
Certified ship welders
KSL will for the first time in Kenya’s history employ its own certified ship welders, which is part of the Kenyan government’s agenda to create over 10,000 jobs per year in the maritime sector, considering all ship welders in Kenya are foreign. and will provide civil and modular infrastructure workshops, slipways, jetties, bridges and others required to support the maritime industry.
Kenya has already formed a full department on the national blue economy, which will require specialised vessels such as deep sea fishing in the exclusive economic zone, where vast untapped marine fisheries resources are found.
Securing Kenya’s marine assets requires wellequipped vessels and KSL will play a key role in offering technical support.Ship construction in Kenya is not a new concept.
The country built its first vessel - the MV Uhuru II - at the Kisumu port more than 70 years ago.This is an example of how improving shipping and maritime infrastructure is a key component in Kenya’s economic roadmap, by harnessing maritime resources to propel its industrialisation agenda under Vision 2030.
The global market for ship construction, estimated at $126 billion in 2020, is dominated by South Korea 40%, China 25% and Japan 15%. The global maritime trade value is worth $14 trillion, of which 40 percent, worth $5.6 trillion, passes through the east coast of Africa.
This means that Kenya will for the first time have the chance to access $ 5.6 trillion of the trade that takes place in this region of Africa by ensuring ships pass through Kenya to undergo repair and maintenance.
CAD Software
Create the Best Designs Possible
Computer Aided Design (CAD) is simply the application of computer-assisted design principles to the production of designs. The software has been around for decades and is still a staple in many businesses. CAD software allows a designer to generate complex designs that are then used by a CAD operator to help create the physical product. The software was initially designed to help architects and engineers produce detailed designs for new structures. Today, the software is commonly used to improve the quality of architectural drawings, to increase the productivity of designers, and to build a large database for future manufacturing from automobiles and airplanes, ships and boats to buildings and even furniture. Additionally, with the advent of computer based technology, CAD has become increasingly accessible to the average consumer.
Although it may sound like an oxymoron, there are some differences between traditional engineering drawings and CAD software. The first obvious difference is that in order to create a mechanical or electrical piece of equipment, an engineer must physically inspect each component. A CAD operator simply has to draw it on a computer, and then determine where the cut points should be and how deep they need to be. This process is typically done using a cylindrical view. A cylinder is drawn and the distance from the center of the circle is plotted against the rotation of the axis of rotation. As the axis of rotation changes, so does the distance from the center of the circle. This results in a change in the size of the object relative to the center of the drawing. A CAD software program will allow you to visualize your product as it would actually look.
Because it is impossible to examine each and every component of equipment during the production phase of manufacturing, engineers often use CAD software systems to prototype parts before they are designed for production. For example, many manufacturers will produce rubber parts and other industrial products using CAD systems rather than manually designing the pieces. While manual prototypes can be produced for testing purposes, it is very difficult to make any changes after the manufacturing process is complete.
Factors to consider when choosing a CAD Software
“The first and main factor is quality. However, we are lucky to live in the time when high quality is not always equal to high price. So, the second important criterion is a good price. Today most software has a free trial version and I’d recommend to test different programs. Make your own decision and don’t overpay for brands. There are even good free online CAD viewers,” says Mr. Dmitry Sidorkin, CEO at CADSoftTools.
“The next factor concerns the capabilities of the software. If you need to create highly specialized drawings and you work in one definite industry, it is a good idea to buy specialized software that has unique features. If you work with several industries, general purpose CAD software is a great solution. Choose the software offering as many supported formats and features as possible. But make sure that the formats you mostly work with are supported well. And one more factor is the localization of software. It is nice to use the software in your language,” add Mr. Sidorkin.
software, there are specific factors that you need to put into consideration before deciding which software to choose for your next project or task, this is according to Sammy Ekaran, Content Writer and SEO Specialist at SelfCAD. He further elaborates on the curated list of the 4 main factors that you need to consider when choosing a 3D modeling Software.
1. The Purpose or Industry you are working
on
Each 3D modeling has its own target group and it’s meant for specific tasks although all of them have some commonalities. So before choosing any 3D modeling software you need to know the industry you are in and the type of programs used in that area. Before choosing a 3D modeling software, you need to have your budget in mind. This is because there are cheaper as well as expensive programs that can even cost as much as $9, 000.
Advantages of CAD Software
CAD Software is being used in many industries because of its many advantages. According to Ekaran, the following are the key advantages of CAD Software.
1. Ensure there is
Accuracy
With CAD Software, there is accurate measurement and drawings as compared to manual drawing. Though the 3D designer needs to be attentive when designing the models, CAD software has minimal errors as compared to manual drafting. With a 3D modeling software, it’s easier to prepare complex designs and as long as you have mastered the software, you are only limited by your imagination.
“CAD software also helps reduce errors (we all are people and sometimes make mistakes) and increase productivity,” highlighted Mr. Sidorkin.
Once you know the industry you are working in, you will be able to know the 3D modeling software and which 3D modeling technique that you will be using. The 3D modeling techniques available include solid modeling, surface modeling, organic modeling, and box modeling. Not all 3D modeling software can utilize these techniques. So you need to know your specific area of specialization and choose the most appropriate CAD program. It’s very important to choose a 3D modeling software that meets your specific needs or the needs of your company to make your design process easy and efficient.
2. CAD Software or 3D Modeling Software Though these two categories of 3D Software sound like they are the same, they are a bit different. CAD Software are programs used to create drawings and 3D models where precision, simulation, and tolerance are important. They are mostly being used by engineers and product designers. 3D modeling on the other hand is where 3D designs artists and hobbyists create 3D models where geometry is of more importance. The designs created in 3D modeling include toys, games designs etc. Each of these programs are best for their specific needs and you need to know which category is best for you.
3. Ease of Use Before choosing any 3D modeling software, you need to consider ease of use. As a beginner, you have to choose a 3D modeling software that won’t take you a long time to get started. You need a program that will take you only a few weeks or months to be able to create something professional and not years. This ensures that you achieve a lot in a short period of time without having to struggle much.
As you choose the easy to use 3D modeling software, you need also to ensure that the program is able to create something complex. There are a lot of easy to use 3D modeling software available in the market but the only challenge is that they are too basic and can’t be used to create complex designs. But there are a good number that are easy to use and can be used to create professional and complex models. 2. Useful in Preparing Prototypes 3d modeling an architectural design in Preparing prototypes with CAD software is easier. As long as you have an idea in mind, you can easily turn the idea into a reality. Prototypes are important as they serve as a blueprint for the design that is being created. With CAD software, errors can easily be identified and even rectified. This saves on time and money that would have been spent in demolishing the structures when errors are identified. Some CAD software allows one to even prepare the designs for 3D printing without having to switch to other programs.
3. Saves Cost and Time Before a product is delivered to the market, the engineers usually have to put a lot of effort and time in order to bring it live. With CAD software, the time it takes engineers to come up with their design is greatly reduced regardless of its complexity.
“Good CAD software helps you save a lot of time. It doesn’t take long to learn how to use modern software as there are a lot of video lessons that are helpful and the software itself is very user friendly. You start spending less time on the usual drawings almost at the very beginning of CAD software usage and as you become more experienced, you save more time,” adds Mr. Sidorkin.
4. It Enhances Creativity With CAD software, you don’t have to worry about making design mistakes. You can always undo them and redo again with much ease as the software gives you these capabilities unlike when manually drafting and drawing. This gives one the ability to explore different designs and hence enhancing creativity in the process.
5. Ease of Understanding and Presentation 3D modeling makes it easier for one to understand the design regardless of its complexity. With 3D models, one can be able to see the entire design; how it looks and how it works even before it’s created. 3D modeling makes it easier to understand how the design looks and even how it will be created.
Presenting the product design to the clients is easier too because they can be able to see all the details of the design in 3D dimensions. With 3D rendering, materials and colors can be applied too and different categories can be tried to see which one fits the most. Animations can also be created in a CAD software to show how the structure looks like.
“For business owners, CAD software usage also means better communication between teams, shorter productions cycles and reduced production costs,” comments Mr. Sidorkin.
6. Easy Installation
“Your choice of CAD software should be able to add, as example, MapWorks functionality as third party software and custom menus without problems,” says Joe Smith of CAD-Manufacturing Solutions Inc.
There are many different brands of CAD software available. The best CAD software available will depend upon the size of your business, the type of product you are producing, and the type of designs you want to create. The best CAD software allows you to create detailed, accurate designs in various shapes and sizes. It also allows you to change these designs once you’ve finalized them so that you can always have the latest designs available. You should only buy the best cad software that is capable of all the features you want to use. You may find that you can’t use the advanced features of some programs, but this does not mean that they are not right for your business.4. Cost
Engineering Survey
Engineering Survey is a comprehensive review of an engineering project, carried out after the survey of the site has been completed and before any worksites are permitted to commence. These surveys are used for many reasons, such as the approval of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), planning permission, or for the purpose of laying strategic or operational plans for any construction activity. An engineer can use the engineering survey data in order to find out what kind of foundations are required for that particular structure or project. The survey data will as well aid an engineer in designing the structure in the right manner as well as identifying the location of key infrastructure that are crucial in the operations of a building. These surveys are generally carried out on behalf of architects, engineers, contractors, and other professionals.
The most common engineering survey services that are carried out by the engineering team are Portable Ground Probes (PGP), GPS and Dumpy Geometry. An engineer gets the initial plans for the project and after a careful analysis, is able to draw them in a CAD programme on a computerised map. This helps in preparing a detailed plan of the site, its surroundings and the features of the soil and subsurface, which helps in easy visualization of the site, its topography, and the relationships between structures. The engineer may also suggest the most suitable form of accommodation, which would be economically viable. In most of the cases, engineering survey companies do not undertake structural surveying activities.
This is mainly because a structural survey requires expensive specialized machinery that may not be available on every construction site. A qualified structural engineer should be consulted in case of any doubt. A qualified civil engineer is responsible for carrying out the engineering survey and prepares the final report. A qualified groundwater technologist is also involved in the field of engineering survey, as he/she prepares the reports in connection with any groundwater recharge or pollution of water. Many engineering surveys are carried out on the basis of soil tests, water test and Terrain Studies. There are different routes to carry out these surveys. The first route is by use of field guides. These are general maps, which provide information about the topography of the area, various soils and the type of rocks found in the region.
By use of this information, the engineer can plot the topography on the computer-generated map. Based on the information derived from the computergenerated map, the survey team can lay down the different routes, taking into account the gradients, level of the terrain and other factors. After identifying the appropriate routes, the senior engineer and his/her team members proceed in removing the preliminary data from the ground.
The second way to carry out engineering surveys is by using the Terrain Study. In this method, the surveyors use a special type of map called the topographical map study. This method has some advantages over the field guides, such as in terms of accuracy. For the same reason, the cost of conducting the surveys is comparatively low; hence, they can be conducted more quickly and easily.
Turkish builder seals $1.9bn deal to extend Tanzania railway
Turkish construction giant Yapi Merkezi signed a $1.9 billion contract with Tanzania to build the 368 km third phase of a planned railway that will eventually link Dar es Salaam, the commercial hub on the Indian Ocean, to the port city of Mwanza on the shores of Lake Victoria -- which shares a border with Kenya and Uganda.
The gauge width is the same spec as the standardgauge railway that China built in neighboring Kenya, offering the potential to extend the railway across the eastern shores of the African continent.
Yapi Merkezi said in a press release that the railway will be the fastest in East Africa, with seven stations between Makutupora and Tabora. All construction, including signalization, telecommunication and electrification work, is slated for completion in 46 months.
The company is already nearly done building the first- and second-phase parts of the railway. These span 705 km and cost $3.1 billion. Five phases in total are planned.
Phase three will link Makutupora with Tabora, both in central Tanzania. Yapi Merkezi is also in talks with the authorities for phase four, which will run 167 km. But it lost out to a Chinese consortium for phase five.
Speaking by phone to Nikkei Asia on Tuesday, Yapi Merkezi Chairman Basar Arioglu said: "The Tanzanian railway authorities were satisfied with our quality, speed and meticulous work on phase one and two. We also hope to sign phase four soon as a result of ongoing negotiations."
But Arioglu noted that "competing with China is very tough." He recalled the bidding process for phase five, when a consortium of China Civil Engineering Construction and China Railway Construction beat Yapi Merkezi with $1.3 billion bid that significantly undercut the Turkish proposal.
"Their political network is vast, and their financial capabilities are robust," he said of the Chinese. "They are active in almost all African countries. Yapi Merkezi can only engage in business development activities in four to five African countries at the same time, whereas the Chinese can do business development everywhere at the same time."
However, Arioglu said, there have been cases where Yapi Merkezi has underbid Chinese rivals, such as phase one of the Tanzanian railway, as well as a previous railway project in Ethiopia. Arioglu said that to complement the Turk Eximbank's financial capacity, Yapi Merkezi seeks funds from development financial institutions like the African Development Bank or from such export credit agencies as Japan's Nippon Export and Investment Insurance, which was one of the financers of phase two.
"Sometimes the Chinese can give unexpectedly low prices that cannot be explained by economic feasibility," Arioglu said.
But under normal tenders, "even if our financing is more expensive, we can compete with cheaper engineering, procurement and construction pricing," he said. Better procurement can compensate for the costlier financing, and such factors as better cost calculation, better quality and quicker completion can win bids, the chairman explained.
Arioglu acknowledged that a recent trend of African countries expecting contractors to bring financing with them is creating a challenge for Turkey. "But Turkish engineers are very knowledgeable in European standards and use materials in line with European standards, so it gives us a chance to find African countries now have a tendency to realize projects under the public-private partnership schemes that Turkish companies are accustomed to, Arioglu said. That the format is not preferred by China is also creating advantages for Turkish companies. "We are not afraid to be an investor in those schemes," he said.
He noted that when Yapi Merkezi took on an undersea tunnel for vehicles in the Bosporus strait of Istanbul, its South Korean partner obtained 45% of the financing from South Korean financial institutions.
By March, Yapi Merkezi also plans to open the world's longest suspension bridge -- in Canakkale, to span the Dardannelles -- with Turkish and South Korean partners. This and the Bosporus tunnel are buildoperate-transfer public-private partnership schemes. Yapi Merkezi has expertise in railway projects, having completed 62 railway projects on three continents to span 3,800 km and carry 3.5 million people a day. In Africa, it has completed or has projects ongoing in Tanzania, Ethiopia, Senegal, Algeria, Morocco and Sudan.
Lauren Johnston, a visiting senior lecturer at the University of Adelaide, said that the signing underscores the urgent need for infrastructure on the continent, where populations are growing but not all families own cars.
Johnston said that while China and Turkey are competing for bids, the Turkish-built portions will complement China's early rail investments in countries like Kenya and Ethiopia. "China's infrastructure investments have helped deepen and increasingly internationalize a growing infrastructure construction market in East Africa," she said.
But Johnston added that the fact that much of the infrastructure will be financed by debt -- whether attached to China or otherwise -- will become a heavy burden on African countries.
"The region's economies need to ensure they grow fast-enough as a result of these investments in order to sustain the new debts," she said.
The Nkrumah Bridge in the first-phase section of the Tanzanian railway. (Photo courtesy of Yapi Merkezi)
De Beers eyes Angola’s reformed diamond mining sector
The world’s largest diamond producer, De Beers Group, has applied to conduct exploration activities in north-eastern Angola.
The move comes after the country passed “substantive and consistent reforms” in its diamond mining sector that will drive “transformative socioeconomic growth for local communities,” the mining giant said in a statement on Tuesday.
Following the submission of the exploration application the South African group hopes to kick-off negotiations with the Angolan government for a diamond mining investment deal, the company said.
If De Beers exploration licence is granted, Angola will be the only diamond producer in which three of the world’s largest diamond miners operate, including top Russian diamond miner Alrosa and fourth largest Rio Tinto, says New York-based diamond analyst Paul Zimnisky.
Enernet Global acquires KPS Power Africa to accelerate its hybrid mining power solutions presence in African mining
Enernet Global Inc, a distributed energy service company whose stated mission is to decarbonise the world’s supply chains, acquired KPS Power Africa (KPSPA) from Australia’s
Pacific Energy Group to accelerate its presence in African mining. “Enernet’s global footprint enables it to provide tailored energy solutions for mining, commercial, industrial, remote community and utility customers across its operations in Australia, the Philippines, the Caribbean and Sub-Saharan
Africa. KPSPA finances, builds, owns and operates hybrid power plants for the mining sector in Africa. The transaction provides Enernet with a portfolio of projects and expert team to rapidly scale the business.” “The combination of KPS Power Africa’s deep roots in mining and power in Africa combined with Enernet’s world-leading expertise on renewable hybrid plants and competitive capital enables us to bring a unique solution to mines across Africa,” said Paul Matthews, Enernet and KPSPA’s CEO. “Mines are under increasing pressure to reduce scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and their CEOs must report to investors and the market on their ambitions to reduce CO2. Together, we finance, build and operate cheaper, cleaner and more reliable power solutions for customers across SubSaharan Africa.”
“The acquisition of KPSPA by Enernet Global is a great strategic move which allows both companies to advance hybrid power generation within mining in Africa. KPSPA has increased its exposure to the renewable energy market and Enernet Global its presence in the African mining industry, which is ideally positioned for renewable hybrid system,” said Ben Zikmundovsky, KPSPA’s General Manager.
Enernet and KPSPA deploy distributed on- and offgrid generation projects that integrate renewable energy, battery storage, cogeneration and existing thermal or grid supply. System design and operational optimisation are underpinned by Enernet’s patented technology platform. “Selling energy and services through power purchase agreements, systems are delivered at no capital cost to customers and tailored to their specific energy needs. This lowers costs, adds energy resilience and independence, and dramatically reduces emissions mines in Africa.”
Nigeria eyes 600TCF gas reserves, seeks foreign investment in oil and gas sector
Timipre Sylva, the minister of state for petroleum The federal government of Nigeria is currently working to grow the country’s gas reserve from 206 trillion cubic feet to 600 TCF. This is according to Timipre Sylva, the Minister of State for Petroleum. Speaking at the 23rd World Petroleum Congress in Houston, Texas, U.S., at a session themed ‘Regional Development and Opportunities in Africa’, Sylva proposed the growth to 600 tcf reserve will ensure that the country is better positioned to utilise its ample gas resources.
“We have a lot of gas in Nigeria. We currently have 206 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves,” he said. “This number is already discovered in gas reserves, and the 206 trillion cubic feet reserves were discovered while looking for oil; so it was accidentally discovered.
“We were actually going to look for crude oil, and we found gas, and in that process of the accidental discovery of gas, we have found about 206 tcf. “So, the belief is that if we really aim to look for gas dedicatedly, we will find up to 600 trillion cubic feet of gas.” The minister said despite energy transition, the energy mix would still consist of oil as fossil fuel cannot be abandoned overnight.
“The future of oil and gas industry in Nigeria is still very bright when we talk about energy transition, we are not expecting that oil will be discarded the next day,” he said. “We are saying that over the years, oil will account for less and less percentage in the global energy mix. “It means that oil is still going to be relevant, but it will not be as relevant as it is today, but it is not going to happen just now.
“It’s going to happen years to come, so there are still a lot of opportunities in growing the oil industry. “That’s why we are here to collaborate with the rest of the global community to develop oil industry. “We’ve never discountenanced that the world is serious about the energy transition.”
He added that the net-zero target by Nigeria during the COP-26 conference required continued financial support. “We have declared gas as our transition fuel, our pathway to net-zero carbon emissions,” Sylva added. “This presents investment opportunities given the oil and gas reserves which can be commercialized.”
Sylva said that discussion had begun with Afrexim Bank to create an energy bank that will finance fossil fuel projects in Nigeria and Africa at large. He also said the PIA provided sufficient incentives to gas producers to commit to energy transition.
According to the minister, in the meantime, Nigeria was faced with issues relating to energy poverty, hence the need to provide energy security for its citizens. “We are hoping that by 2060, we would have gotten to the point where we would have moved to the level where the global community is moving to,” he said. “Nigeria never denied energy transition, but there are challenges for us.
“We want the global community to understand our position that we are not exactly where they are today. “Forty-three percent of Nigerians are unconnected to off-grid electricity. “So, we have a challenge, and we have to commit to energy security as well, and also the cost on us from the global community to ensure energy security for our people. So, for us, it is a balancing act. “We need to commit to energy security for citizens. It is a balancing act, we need to achieve energy security for Nigerians and also be on course on net zero.”
South African activists organised several protests against Shell's seismic testing plans\ image courtesy
Shell wins court case to start seismic surveys offshore South Africa
ASouth African high court has struck down an urgent application brought by environmentalists to stop oil major Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L) starting seismic surveys to explore for petroleum systems off the eastern seaboard's popular Wild Coast.
The applicants, which included Greenpeace Africa and fishermen, had been seeking to stop the survey on the basis it could cause "irreparable harm" to the marine environment, especially to migrating hump-back whales in the area.
"The court refused to interdict the seismic survey on the basis that irreparable harm to marine species was not proven by the applicants," said Katherine Johnson, a spokesperson for Natural Justice, one of the organizations in court.
"The court ruled that given financial and other prejudice to Shell if the seismic surveys were delayed, the balance of convenience was in Shell's favour," says Johnson. with the outcome of the case.
"Shell is pleased with the court’s decision, which will help move this seismic survey forward in accordance with its regulatory approval and permitting," the company says.
"Should viable resources be found offshore, this could significantly contribute to the country’s energy security."
Johnson said further litigation from the group cannot be ruled out, as it had concerns the company had not obtained the necessary environmental impact assessments.
Shell said this week that it had met all the legal obligations to undertake the survey in line with regulations, and received the necessary approvals. An online petition and several protests have already been organised against Shell over the survey, which uses a vessel regularly firing an air gun that produces a very powerful shock wave underwater to help map subsea geology.
Shell in 2020 acquired a 50% stake in the offshore exploration right held by Impact Africa, a subsidiary of privately owned Impact Oil & Gas.
Another group, Sustaining the Wild Coast, which represents communities along the coastline, lodged a separate court application on Thursday also seeking to halt the seismic survey. "We are calling for an immediate halt to the survey and that no seismic surveying be allowed without a proper Environmental Authorisation," said Sinegugu Zukulu, a spokesperson for the group, in a statement.
