Since 1989
March-April 2020, Vol 31 No.2
Katherine Towers SSandton, dt SSouth th Af Africa i
Geosynthetic technology Construction health and safety Painting a commerical building
MANAGING EDITOR Robert Barnes DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Francis Makari EDITOR - in - CHIEF Dennis Ayemba COUNTRY EDITORS Uganda -- Betty Betty Nabakooza Nabakooza Uganda Nigeria -- Boladale Boladale Ademiju Ademiju Nigeria South Africa Africa -- Jimmy Jimmy Swira Swira South WRITERS, WRITERS Pascal Musungu, Musungu, Anita Anita Anyango, Anyango, Pascal Patrick Mulyungi Mulyungi Patrick
Current Issue In this issue we look at Katherine Towers a new development in Sandon South Africa designed by Paragon Architects
Katherine Towers SSandton, dt SSouth th Af Africa i
March-April 2020 Vol 31 No. 11
ADVERTISING ADVERTISING Kenya: William Mutama, Joyce Kenya: William Mutama, Lilian Khavosa, Ndamaiyu, Lilian Khavosa Joyce Ndamaiyu, Wendy Kinya
Since 1989
March-April 2020, Vol 31 No.2
Construction Review
WEB & & GRAPHIC GRAPHIC DESIGN DESIGN WEB Gerald ArnoldOswald Oduor Sales and Marketing Manager Sales andFaith Marketing Mburu Manager Faith Mburu
CON
South Africa: Rachel Molapo, Winnie South Africa: Thuli Nkosi, Winnie SentSentabire, Angeline Ntobeng abire, Angeline Ntobeng, Geosynthetic technology Construction health and safety Painting a commerical building
Uganda: Uganda: Nobert Nobert Turiyo, Turiyo, Selina Selina Salumah Salumah Namuli Namuli Botswana: Botswana: Dickson Dickson Manyudza, Manyudza, Gerald Gerald Mazikana Mazikana Ethiopia: Ethiopia: Haimanot Haimanot Tesfaye, Tesfaye, Ruth Ruth Girma Girma Tanzania: Tanzania: Tom Tom Kiage Kiage Malawi: Malawi: Anderson Anderson Fumulani Fumulani Ghana: Ghana: Samuel Samuel Hinneh, Hinneh, Caleb Caleb Donne Donne Hadjah Hadjah
REGULARS Editor's Comment 3
Zambia: Susan Kandeke Zimbabwe: Chiedza Chimombe Rwanda: Collison Lore
Corporate News 4
Nigeria: Seni Bello China:Weng Jie
The editor accepts letters and manuscripts for publication from readers all over the world. Include your name and address as a sign of good faith although you may request your name to be withheld from publication. We reserve the right to edit any material submitted .
Send your letters to: info@constructionreviewonline.com Construction Review is published eleven times a year and is circulated to members of relevant associations, governmental bodies and other personnel in the building and construction industry as well as suppliers of equipment, materials and services in Africa, the Middle and Far East. The editor welcomes articles and photographs for consideration. Material may not be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or authenticity of advertisements or contributions contained in the journal. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Š All rights reserved.
Events 5 Management 6 cover story: Katherine Towers 8 3 D printing: Advantages for the construction industry
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Geosynthetics: An African perspective
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Precast Concrete: Working with the Technical University of Kenya
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Monopole Masts: A case study in Ethiopia
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Published by Group Africa Publishing Ltd Head Office and for all enquiries: 3rd Floor, Vinodeep Tower, Baricho Road, Nairobi 00100 Kenya, Tel: +254 722525326 +254-20-8000307 Email: info@groupafricapublishing.com
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TENT
March-April 2020 Volume 31 No.2
Editor's Comment
Self supporting Monopoles
Dealing with Covid-19 fallout
A case study for the use of self supporting monopoles instead of
The Covid-19 crisis comes at a time of a pre-existing low in the business confidence index. These included acting conservatively, managing risk more actively, taking measures to conserve cash, and monitoring markets and clients closely.
lattice stype pylon structures in a large transmission and distribution project in Ethiopia
20 Geosynthetics A detailed look at uniquely suited geocells for the African environment and their advantages in offering higher bearing capacity and lower stress resulting in extended service life
14 Water well drilling: Dewatering a mine in Congo
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Painting: What to consider for commerical buildings
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Health and safety: A look at the construction industry
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Now we see projects being delayed or stopped and construction sites stopped. There has been a drop in productivity all around, and also a change in payment culture as many companies protect their businesses by cutting off service providers. This affects suppliers, contractors and subcontractors, as well as businesses. This is the time when firms need strong personal relationships in order to negotiate commercial position with clients. On the positive side, the impact has included better internal communication, improved flexibility in decisionmaking, great support from IT service providers, and the emergence of a semblance of moral leadership at senior levels of government. Key to company survival in the current market conditions are autonomous working methods and a high level of individual trust inside companies and within teams. Deploying cash judiciously is also critical. Always plan not only for a ‘Plan B’, but for a worst-case scenario.
Laser Property Services: The new Nova Academy Development in Eldoret
Cell: +251 930 099 152 Email: ethiopia@groupafricapublishing.com Ghana Agent Image Consortium 1st Floor, The Ecobank Building, Tesano. Tel: 233(0)30 223 2728 I 233(0)274807127 I +233(0)206299159 Fax: 233(0)24 882 8286 Email: ghana@groupafricapublishing.com, Calebhadjah@gmail.com Kenya Agent Northwest Ventures Ltd P.O. Box 16414 - 00100 G.P.O Nairobi, Kenya
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Robert Barnes
Tel: +254 20 2679808 Email: kenya@constructionreviewonline.com, info@northwest.or.ke Nigeria Agent Rahma Associates B23/24, Aishetu Emoewa Plaza, 196, Iju Water Works Road, Ifako Ijaye Lga,Agege, Lagos. Tel: 234-1-7347860 Email: nigeria@constructionreviewonline.com Rwanda Agent Kolline & Hemed Inc., B.P. 3328, Kigali, Rwanda E-mail: rwanda@constructionreviewonline.com
Zambia Agent Dayflex Limited, Dedan Kimathi Road, Lusaka, Zambia. Email: zambia@constructionreviewonline.com
Tanzania Agent: Group Africa Publishing Ltd tz@constructionreviewonline.com Dar-es-salaam
CORPORATE NEWS
Space and Style Ltd continues to pioneer innovative building material solutions in Kenya. They are widely known for their Decra roofing brand
Space and Style launches new range of drainage and plumbing systems
Space and Style Ltd recently unveiled new water management construction product solutions to be sold in the Kenyan market with the support of its UK partners African Supplies Ltd. African Supplies Ltd is a UK based provider of roofing, plumbing and construction products while Space and Style Ltd is a leading Kenyan firm focused on manufacture and distribution of specialized building products including stone coated steel roofing systems, roofing shingles, APP waterproofing, fiber cement drywall products, laminate flooring and structural steel rapid building solutions. The companies said that the new FlowPlumb drainage and plumbing products will target the fast-growing building and construction market. Space and Style Ltd reiterated its commitment to focus its efforts on promotion of water sustainability, particularly through its support for technologies bolstering water reuse and recovery, including rainwater collection, solar water heating and the management of gray water. This, it will achieve through the FlowPlumb range of water management solutions.
PERI unveils innovative large panel slab formwork system
FUCHS strengthens presence in Sub-Saharan Africa through joint ventures
The safety requirements imposed on slab-forming procedures are becoming an increasingly significant issue. At formwork and scaffolding manufacturer PERI, ensures safety during day-to-day work is their first priority. PERI has unveiled the futureproof large panel formwork system SKYMAX, a groundbreaking innovation for formwork systems. Not only does innovative principle significantly increase safety levels for users, but also improves the degree of economic efficiency. The solution, which makes it possible to carry out slab-forming procedures from a safe position on the level below, stands out not only due to its low weight, but also to its high technical and economic flexibility. As such, the SKYMAX system is marketed as a kit consisting of compatible components made of various materials. SKYMAX will provide customers with entirely new and flexible ways of tailoring the formwork solution to unique requirements. The panels, support heads and other system components can be combined in many different ways. In future, it will also be possible to assemble the SKYMAX panels at the construction site using safety equipment in order to produce large slab tables.
The FUCHS Group, which operates globally in the lubricants industry, has acquired 50% of the shares of three distributors based in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique. FUCHS has been working with these partners for more than 15 years. After the recent establishment of a FUCHS entity in Tanzania, these acquisitions further strengthen the footprint of FUCHS in Sub-Saharan Africa. The joint ventures employ 90 people and generated sales of around US $23m in the 2018 financial year. “Customers in these countries, who require lubricants and services in fields like mining, commercial vehicle fleets, general industry, agriculture, food and beverage, consumer products and other specialty applications will benefit locally from even stronger lubricants focus supported by international resources,” said Alf Untersteller, Executive Vice President Fuchs Petrolub SE. The wholly owned FUCHS entity Fuchs Southern Africa has developed these three Sub-Saharan distributors over more than a decade. “The distributors have done an excellent job in building the FUCHS brand in their countries and the timing is now right for FUCHS to take an equity stake in the businesses,” says Fuchs Southern Africa Managing Director, Paul Deppe.
Meka in Tanzania for medium-speed rail system project The government of Tanzania has awarded the second phase of its strategic medium-speed rail system to Turkish contractor Yapi Merkezi. The line will run 422km between the city of Morogoro and Makutupora, on the northern outskirts of Dodoma, Tanzania’s capital.
Yapi Merkezi is also starting the execution of the Morogoro – Makutupora Section of the SGR Railway Project in Tanzania. The US $1.9bn project is the second phase of East Africa’s fastest railway line connecting Dar as Salaam to Mwanza, known as the Central Corridor.
1 MB-100W which were used in another Project in Ethiopia met the concrete requirement of this railway Project.
Railway construction requires high quality concrete. For this purpose, MEKA Fiber Dosing System and Chiller System have been supplied After their completion, the Morogoro and with the batching plants. When it comes to high Makutupora railway is expected to make a major capacity mass production with high precision and contribution to the overall economy of Tanzania, homogeneity this is where MEKA shows its best. especially in the fields of trade and tourism. Furthermore, it will enable land-locked countries MEKA Fiber Dosing equipment includes highly such as Uganda and the Democratic Republic of accurate steel/hard plastic and soft fiber dosing the Congo to transport their rich underground systems with a range of dosing capacities to suit the individual needs of our customers. resources. Another 2 MB-60M Mobile Batching Plants was Both projects are being constructed with MEKA delivered for a new project in Tanzania which is Batching Plants. For these two important Projects; part of the railway projects. MEKA continuous to 2 MB-C60 Compact Batching Plants, 2 MB-60M expand its existence in the African continent. Both projects are being constructed with MEKA Mobile Batching Plants and also 3 MB-30M and Batching Plants 4
CR | March-April 2020
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EVENTS
CERAMICA WEST AFRICA Expo 2020 We are delighted to announce CERAMICA WEST AFRICA Expo 2020; Ceramics, Bathroom & Kitchen Exhibition is the only place to be if you are in that sector in the West Africa. With key dedicated product groups you can be part of, there is no better time to secure your stand space for 2020! Ceramica Expo will welcome the companies in the product lines of Ceramic surfaces, wallpapers, wood flooring, marble, stone, bathroom furnishings, brick, sanitary ware and tile. Venue: Landmark Centre, Lagos / NIGERIA Previous show welcomed 86 companies from 13 countries as Australia, Italy, Belarus, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Mexico, Spain, Offered products: BATHROOM PRODUCTS, BATHROOM FURNISHINGS, SANITARY INSTALLATIONS AND ACCESSORIES Sanitary Ware Products, Armature Groups, Bath-tub, Jacuzzi, Shower Cabin, Hydro massage Systems, Sauna and Accessories, Toilet, Reservoir, and Complementary Products, Bathroom Furniture and Accessories, Towel warmer and Radiator Systems
investment into this sector by identifying bankable projects, promoting public-private partnership, fast-tracking key enabling frameworks, and evaluating the latest technical expertise and technologies critical to supporting the booming economies in this rapidly developing corner of Africa. Industry experts will share their insights on investment risks, bankability, PPPs, transport modelling and real-time traffic management.
- Ethiopian Association of Civil Engineers
- Institute of Engineers of Kenya - Association of Professional Societies of East
- Association of Consulting Engineers Nigeria
Zimbabwe
Africa APSEA)
- Association of Professional Women
- Zimbabwe Institute of Quantity Surveyors
- Kenya Property developers Association
- Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers
- Institution of Surveyors of Kenya
Association Partners
Nigeria
- Construction Contractors Association of Ethiopia
- Association of Consulting Engineers of - Kenya
- The Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (Cifoz)
- SAICE
Surveying Profession
Ghana - Ghana Institute of Engineers
Offered products Window; Window Profile & Processing, Window Systems, Raw Materials, Window Mechanisms, Hardware & Accessories, Profile Processing – Production Machines & Door Machinery & Technologies, Shutter, Panel-Board-Partition.
and Quantity Surveyors (AQSRB)
- Association of Ethiopian Architects
- Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya
Venue: Landmark Centre,Lagos/ NIGERIA Date: 25.06.2020 – 27.06.2020 Opening hours: 10:00-17:00
- Tanzania’s Registration Board of Architects
Ethiopia
- Architectural Association of Kenya
South Africa - ASAQS
Nigeria ALWINDO Expo 2020 will provide the exhibitors most profitable entry to the West African Construction Market. Nigeria’s construction industry is in the perfect situation in recent years; huge projects which have billion dollars budget prefer to Nigeria, approximately 100,000 homes are built annually.
To be held on 4-5 August in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, this Summit is particularly timely and relevant as it will tackle the COVID-19 impact on economic development in Africa and investments in the transport sector given that China has been a key partner in Africa’s infrastructure development. The Summit is committed to address the region’s transport infrastructure. It will again bring together government authorities, railway and highway operators, major end-users and international investors to get the latest updates on the The expo will provide the exhibitors right time, right place and right contacts current pipeline of projects in the region. with the successful concurrent events; This annual authoritative platform works to mobilise 2nd Ceramica Expo and 5th Build Expo.
Kenya
- South African Council for the Quantity
Nigeria AlWinDoor Expo 2020
10th East & Central Africa Roads & Rail Infrastructure Summit 2020
Engineers Of Nigeria - Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria - The Nigerian Institute of Architects - American Association of Petroleum Geologists Africa Region
- Khuthaza ( Women for Housing)
- Architects Registration Council
- Concrete Manufacturers Association
- Ghana Institute of Surveyors
- Green Building council of SA
- Ghana Green Builders Association
- South African Property Owners Association
- Ghana Institute of Planners
- Master Builders South Africa
- Association of Building and Civil Engineering
- Building and Construction Skilled Artisans
Contractors of Ghana
Association of Nigeria (BACSAAN)
Uganda
- Nigeria Society of Engineers - Nigeria Institute of Architects
Institute of Surveyors of Uganda
Namibia
Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers (UIPE) &
Institute of Namibian Quantity Surveyors
Zambia
Uganda society of Architects
Association of Consulting Engineers of Namibia
- Zambia Institute of Architects (ZIA)
Botswana
- Tanzania Institute of Quantity Surveyors
- Institute of Botswana Quantity Surveyors
Tanzania
- Construction Regulation Board (CRB)
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- Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors (ABCEC). March-April 2020 | CR
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MANAGEMENT
New Markets Utilizing a 3D printer additionally permits construction organizations to enter into business sectors which may have in any case been blocked off to them previously. And for brand spanking new construction companies, having a 3D printer available could set them aside from companies that are around for a couple of decades and are immune to change. Similarly, traditional and established construction companies could utilize 3D printers to ensure they continue to be relevant within the market. Essentially, 3D printers are often used as a way to enter a replacement market but also to offer an it is that you simply want to create. already established company a competitive Builders and GCs do not have to order in edge. bulk because they’ll know exactly what Better Durability proportion material they have. While testing concrete during the first stages of construction will still be necessary, Quicker Construction This is the place solid 3D printers really 3D printers are found to contribute to the set themselves apart from conventional sturdiness of the structural elements. This development techniques. Where a project is often due partially to how the materials may sometimes take weeks or months to are made and therefore the manner in which complete, 3D printers can often finish a they’re assembled. More durable buildings project during a matter of hours or days. mean fewer repairs have to be made, so This enables contractors to maneuver onto construction companies can focus their other projects sooner and with more orders efforts elsewhere to drive profit. For clients, filled. This means extra money for the too, their preferences certainly rest with a building which will last longer. contractor. Cheaper Construction Overall, The utilization of 3D printers’ costs less Brand Improvement than traditional construction techniques Finally, one among the foremost important and processes. With the decrease of time, impacts that the 3D printer has on the and material cost, organizations will see development industry is increased brand a sensational increment in their benefits. awareness. Construction companies are And while some workers will probably typically thought of to be wasteful and need to be layed off, others will remain, unsustainable. Because it reduces waste, 3D since someone still must be ready to put printing is a superb method for a corporation all of the pieces together. By learning the to enhance how they are viewed by those technology, workers have an opportunity that are concerned about the environmental to take care of their job security. They toll that concrete construction takes on the will earn more, as will the corporate as an planet. Contractors that would use a touch help in their branding could had best to entirety. acquire and utilize a 3D printer.
Advantages of using a 3D printer in construction
In the construction industry the movement is gaining pace and so is the attention of both the general public and personal sectors. Transparency Market Research predicts that the market size for 3D printing in construction will grow from US $29m in 2019 to US $280m by 2027. The construction industry stands to gain in many ways by adopting 3D technology. Here are seven advantages to be gained by employing a 3D printer in construction projects. Reduced Injury One of the most important benefits that 3D printers have presented to construction workers may be a reduction in injuries within the field. Considering that building with concrete is difficult and even dangerous, this may be a welcome improvement. Not only do workers have a neater time doing their job, but employers have less worker’s compensation paperwork to go through thanks to injuries on the work. Reduced Material Costs Another improvement may be a considerable reduction of fabric waste. 3D printers use the precise amount of concrete needed for the wall, floor, or whatever 6
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ENERGY REDUCTION
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REPLACE YOUR PUMP AND SAVE UP TO 50% ENERGY
COVER STORY
Katherine Towers
Majestic metal and glass tower at 1 Park Lane, South Africa The height of 1 Park Lane is – frankly –imposing, walls of glass soaring elegantly, effortlessly above the cut-and-thrust of surrounding Sandton developments. Yet ideally for the headquarters of an anchor tenant such as Bidvest Bank, it also conveys a sense of reassuring solidity – for the 20-storey main tower is anchored against a lower one, in what’s become something of a signature for Paragon Architects: the twintower concept, which allows maximum access to natural light. And this development has a third level too, creating a cascade effect enhanced by the almost spray-like striations of the fine aluminium cladding fins that curtain the lower nine levels.
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Katherine Towers, a prime-grade development with a 23 000 m² gross lettable area, is a natural addition to a portfolio that has grown Paragon into one of the biggest design practices in Africa. It includes the likes of 140 West Street, the GE Africa Innovation Centre, Alice Lane 3 and Sasol Place in Rosebank – a portfolio recognised at the South African Property Owners’ Association Awards; the South African Professional Services Awards; Construction World’s Best Project Awards; and by the AfriSam-South African Institute for Architects Awards for Sustainable Architecture and Innovation, as Paragon is passionately green.
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COVER STORY
Design Its designs constantly push architectural and technical boundaries, and Katherine Towers does it again. As Kay Hausler, senior project architect on 140 West, puts it: ‘Paragon has developed a system to make the most efficient buildings that are highly diversified, while looking like a whole from the outside. Each floorplate can allow for open plan, but can also be split into smaller cells.’ And the design brief for 1 Park Lane, says Paragon Group senior architectural technologist Dhiraj Ramsaroop, was ‘to create a building with highly flexible office space that could accommodate tenants with varying space requirements. The floorplates for the offices are located around two central cores that enable the building to function efficiently, while allowing all tenant requirements to take advantage of the panoramic views around Sandton. The building also caters for private terraces for the tenants. The design team took advantage of the building’s height and maximised the views to the north and south. This was achieved by using floor-to-ceiling glazing with no spandrel panels and sills’. A challenge before any of this could begin was access to the site. It was addressed by the creation of a new road – Park Lane for which the development has been named – along with spacious boulevards inviting pedestrian access. This was possible because of its location. Flanked by Katherine Street and Wierda Road West, it is set slightly apart from the pressured core of Sandton, while still within comfortable walking distance of both Sandton City and the Gautrain Station, reducing the need for personal transport and supporting its green ethos. There was an existing building on the site, a low-rise office development that needed to be demolished. But it proved another advantage from a green perspective, as it made this a brownfield site, and avoided the developers having to impact a natural land area, says Mlondolozi Hempe of PJCarew Consulting, the project’s sustainability consultant. It also meant services were in place. Anchor tenant Bidvest Bank was closely consulted from the outset, and the floorplates from reception to the fourth level were designed for its particular needs, says Ramsaroop. The other prime design driver was the parking. Rather than accommodate this underground, the design incorporated nine floors of parking above ground, accessed from Wierda Road West, and catering for 1 000 bays as part of the building design, with up to 11 floors of office space rising above it. ‘The biggest challenge for the design team was how to design a seamless building and not have a break between the parking levels and office plates, with the external facades,’ says Ramsaroop. The parking areas also needed to be naturally ventilated to the level required by the fire department. This was achieved by cladding them with custom-designed 38 mm by 40 mm aluminium fins, powder coated in different shades to create a variation in the design. ‘The fins are one of my favourite features,’ he says. ‘The implementation from design to built product exceeded all expectations.’
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COVER STORY
A further facade caveat was that a percentage of the east and west facades needed to be solid, to provide for temperature regulation in the building. The Paragon solution was again innovative. ‘These facades have been treated with A2-rated aluminium composite panels [ACPs] within a unitised facade system to reduce the quantum of glazed exposure in the building,’ says Ramsaroop. This ultimately has an effect on heating, ventilation and air-conditioning efficiency. The design around the ACPs was done using the latest technology to identify the facade hot spots, and ‘by programming scripts to generate random patterns within the facade based on an percentage amount of “solid” [ACPs] required’, as he explains it. ‘These initial designs were then further rationalised to accommodate the unitised facade structure. A unitised facade maximises the structural requirements of the design while also containing costs.’ Considerable effort went into sourcing a type of glass that appeared identical in both single-glazed and double-glazed versions, to achieve a seamless look throughout. This entailed extensive research into all the available options, he says, until the right product was found. It was worth it. The main entrance to this beautiful building is on Park Lane, into a soaring common lobby and reception area with a coffee shop – a serene space in shades of grey and blue, lit by an occasional splash of colour in a sunshine-yellow ottoman. The clean, contemporary lines of the furniture and planters are offset by a profusion of plants and trees, giving a sense of rootedness and calm. The green aspect The power behind the greening is Karen Marais of the Ochre Office, who also teamed with Paragon for 140 West. ‘The Katherine Towers brief was adjusted a number of times through the lifespan of the project,’ she says. ‘At the outset, both client and architect had designed for a multitude of outdoor and indoor green spaces, envisioning that the user of the building would encounter plentiful garden edges throughout the levels. As the project developed, adjustments were made to suit tenant requirements, feasibility, practicality and budget. But we kept as much natural greenery for the terraces, facades and street edge as could be accommodated.’ There were two complications, says Marais. ‘First was the introduction of triangulated green walls in the ground-floor lobby at a late stage of the project – the angles and the lighting requirements made for an interesting dilemma. The only way to solve this was to get the right minds together and ensure well-managed co-ordination. Life Indoors was able to give us the basic layout and requirements for the installation, and then it was up to the contracting and professional teams to make it all work and ensure the successful installation of waterproofing, structure, services, lighting, reticulation system, planting and finishing framework.’ The second issue was the sheer logistics of getting material to the upper levels: ‘We had landscaping on the reception, first, fourth and fifth floors above the basement levels. This fell to manual labour. Much of the fill and the planting had to be lugged by hand to the various levels – an outstanding job done by Life Landscapes and Life Indoors, a committed team.’ Marais’ favourite feature, like that of most visitors, is the interaction of the plantings with the street. ‘The architect wanted to bring a fresh look to the pavement edge while still remaining within the urban design guidelines of the precinct. Together, we managed to wrap planting around the north and east of the building, the eastern passage becoming particularly unusual as the building cantilevers over the shaded and greened sidewalk. This street interface is an innovative gesture that certainly brings a fresh and green outlook to urban edges.’ The green consultant agrees. ‘Katherine Towers has been designed to provide a comfortable, healthy and productive working environment,’ says Hempe, and it goes the extra mile. ‘Its environmental strategy encompasses transport, through its site location; health, through high fresh-air circulation rates per person, natural daylighting and reduction of harmful VOCs; energy, through everything from the energy efficiency built into the building envelope to the provision of bays for electric vehicles and storage for bicycles; and water, through reducing consumption by using monitoring systems, efficient fittings and indigenous landscaping,’ he says. ‘Waste strategies were implemented right from the construction process and extended to having dedicated storage areas for separation and collection of recyclable materials.’ Originally published by Earthworks magazine 10
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COVER STORY
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March-April 2020 | CR
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ADVERTORIAL
How COVID-19 has affected the steel market An Accurate Steel Mills Perspective It seems like not so long ago that we had looked forward in optimism to the year 2020. We talked of major investments, new product offerings and huge eagerness of the year ahead. Now, all of that seems a long way away as we stare into our new reality which has been greatly affected by the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19). In these uncertain times, we are sure that you will see plenty of hardships faced by the global economy, and you may have been wondering what that means for the steel industry and its dependent industries, such as real estate, fabrication etc. We look to providing a basic understanding of the market at this point. As a slight side note, it is our responsibility to ensure that we play our part in guiding the country through this difficult time. That is why we are proud to announce that Accurate Steel Mills is availing its manufactured oxygen (medical grade) to hospitals at no cost! We remain committed to doing our part to help Kenyans fight this as it starts to become worse. With relation to the steel industry, we expect to see a period of steel shortages in the coming months, caused primarily by the fact that most manufacturers will suffer from: Lack of Raw Materials: most of our trading and export partner countries in Asia and Europe are either in the epicenter of the crisis or facing their second or third wave of Covid-19 related cases. At the time of this writing, most countries remain operationally grounded as lockdowns are expected to extend well into May 2020. This means that most capital expenditures, such as machine investments as well as operating expenditures, such as raw materials, consumable items and other components will be delayed. As most businesses in the sector do not hold large quantities of stock, the pressure will start to
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come harder on manufacturing companies. Manufacturing shortages: given the current curfew as well as containment of counties within the country, there are a number of manufacturers who have temporarily shut their doors in order to preserve what little cash flow they have built up to stem their business through this period. We expect this shortage to continue given that the cases domestically in Kenya are still on the rise and we do not see the lockdown being lifted in the immediate future. As the situation stands as one of the leading manufacturers in the country, our doors remain open. The government ordained curfew has reduced our operational production by 30%, but we continue to serve all customers in the market and remain proud to stand by you. We have noticed through our operations within the last few weeks that although there was a slight decline in market demand for steel, this will not continue to be the case. Steel demand is rising as projects fall further behind and there is pressure (especially from international backers) to continue this progress. We, therefore, look to encourage all the market that there will be no collapse. At present, in the darkest of times, it seems possible to look at their being no way that life will resume or return to normality. And perhaps it won’t. But what you can be absolutely sure of is that, as Kenyans, we will persevere and stand by our brothers and sisters and emerge through this a stronger nation. All of our investments have seen a slight Covid-19 impacted delay, but we are confident that we will finish and reveal them to you as soon as possible. We thank you for all your support and most importantly, stay safe during this time! For more information, please visit http:// www.accurate.co.ke/
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GEOCELLS
Geosynthetic technology uniquely suited to the African environment
Geocells are an example of geosynthetic technology uniquely suited to the African environment. Geocells are a 3D mechanical soil stabilization and road reinforcement method. The honeycombed cells create a new composite entity when filled with soil materials due to the unique interaction of geometry, soil and the cell-wall material. The stiff 3D mattress restrains the lateral movement of soil particles and maximizes the distribution of lateral and vertical stresses. The main advantage of geocells is the creation of a layer with significantly increased compressive, shear and bending stiffness (slab effect). This results in higher bearing capacity, lower stress/strain fields, resulting in lower deformations and extended service life. However, as Zeev Strahl of PRS – the veteran Israeli manufacturer of geocells – states, this is where Neoloy, a nano-polymeric alloy comes into play. “In the end, it is the stiffness and durability properties of material (beside the cell geometry) that the geocell is manufactured from that determines the level of engineering performance. Neoloy is an innovative alloy developed
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CR | March-April 2020
by PRS specifically for geocells. Studies and field trials by leading civil engineering faculties and engineering companies around the world have validated that geocells made from Neoloy show significantly better ultimate bearing capacity, stiffness, and reinforcement relative to geocells made from conventional HDPE geocells, particularly for the entire life span of the roads pavements,” he adds. The Neoloy Geocells’ stiffness, resistance to deformation (creep)and long-term design strength make geocells more suitable for the demanding requirements of infrastructure projects. Projects undertaken in Africa for the Neoloy Geocell include: weak subgrade stabilization and reinforcement for paved and gravel roads, railroad embankments, terminal storage, container yards, airfields and landfills from Northern to Southern Africa and from the Gold Coast to the Horn of Africa. Clients include UNOPS, mine owners , energy companies, railway authorities , port authorities, and government agencies and municipalities. Dimiter
Alexiew
an
international
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Geosynthetic Consultant from Germany, explains that in the African context, it is important to note that the 3D Neoloy Geocell confinement enables the use of sands or other locally available inferior fills, in place of gravel aggregate. And as it works for sands, finer-grained, partially cohesive soils, such as Laterite, can also be used for structural infill. This is of great benefit in many regions in Africa, where even sand is rare. Besides the lack of gravel and sand, expansive soils are a common geotechnical problem in Africa that can be resolved economically by Neoloy Geocells, as a proven solution to equalize heave deformations. In addition, cement stabilization can be replaced in many projects with geocell mechanical reinforcement, as it is more cost-effective, does not crack over time and does not have negative environmental impacts. “The high improved modulus factor from Neoloy Geocell reinforcement typically reduces pavement thickness by 50%, even with marginal infill, with no decrease in performance or service life. Neoloy optimized pavements do not crack, thereby significantly decreasing repairs and maintenance, even under heavy loading/trafficking and harsh environmental conditions. So, both construction and maintenance costs can be lowered at the same time. The end result is a sustainable construction solution with significant economic advantages, enabling countries to maximize their infrastructure investments in the most costeffective and environmentally-friendly manner,� says Zeev Strahl of PRS.
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March-April 2020 | CR
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ADVERTORIAL
Space step delivers multiple benefits to cabinet plinths Blum’s plinth solution creates storage below and provides easy access up high Cabinet plinths offer undreamt-of possibilities. Space Step by Blum brings multi-functionality to areas that are frequently left unused. The plinth solution consists of a step which extends with a single touch and a pull-out underneath for seldom used items. Space Step delivers multiple benefits to an area that is frequently left unused: the cabinet plinth. The plinth solution by Blum extends with a single touch and can be used as a step. Good for everyone. Children, for example, can reach kitchen worktops more easily and lend a helping hand with cooking and baking. Space Step also makes little ones more independent in bathrooms: they can reach the washbasin and wash their hands and brush their teeth by themselves. As for “big” users, the step gives them easy access to higher levels, be it wall cabinets in kitchens or hat racks in hallways. But that’s not all. The clever plinth solution by Austrian manufacturer of fittings, Blum fulfils another function: the top of the step can be simply pushed back into the cabinet to reveal a pull-out underneath. This is where Space Step creates extra storage space for seldom used storage items. Broad field of application The plinth solution lowers when a weight of 8 kg or more is applied, thus securely locking the step in position, making it safe even for the smallest of users. It can withstand loads of up to 150 kg, provided the recommended construction is used. Space Step can be used for step heights of 150 to 250 mm and is suitable for cabinet widths of 400 to 1200 mm. Be it recessed plinths, recessed low plinths or flush plinths, the plinth solution by Blum can be implemented for all standard plinth types. For supreme user convenience, combine the solution with the Servo-Drive electrical opening support system by Blum. But it can also be easily implemented with mechanical motion technologies such as Tip-On Blumotion and Tip-On. Space Step closes softly and effortlessly with Blumotion.
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PRECAST CONCRETE
Co-operation with the Technical University of Kenya African students learn about modern building systems with precast concrete elements
Modern architecture and new building systems create affordable housing for many people in Africa. At the same time, it will become an important job machine for many countries. To this end, the German concrete plant specialist Vollert is now starting a cooperation with the Technical University of Kenya in Nairobi.
being met. Meanwhile, about 75% of the population continues to live in simple huts and the disproportionately fast growing urban slums. "Affordable living space - high quality, sustainable and environmentally friendly construction This is our common goal for Africa", says Christoph Müller-Bernhardt, experienced Africa expert and Executive Sales Director Africa at the German plant manufacturer Vollert.
Africa's construction industry is booming. The driving force on the demand side is the rapidly growing population with its even faster growing middle class, whose demand for housing is still far from
Solution for housing shortage and quality problems in construction New building systems are needed to close the large gap between supply and demand. "Today, precast concrete elements are used to build attractive single-family homes, modern residential and office complexes, shopping malls, hospitals and schools all over the world", Müller-Bernhardt reports. Thanks to industrialized prefabrication processes, this construction method makes it possible to minimize frequent construction defects and to work with significantly lower investments. But more importantly, it shortens construction times considerably. "In addition, the CO2 footprint will be reduced by 25% and raw materials, water consumption and concrete use will be cut by up to 50%. The new residential buildings have excellent thermal performance, are weather and fire resistant and even earthquake-proof," says Malei Nthiwa of Bola Associates, one of Kenya's leading building developers. Africa is currently taking major steps to introduce this global standard in construction technology. Housing for all': Kenya, for example, wants to build 500,000 residential buildings by 2022.
Björn Brandt (4th from left) with representatives of the Technical University of Kenya in November
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As internationally acknowledged expert we are providing customized machinery and plant engineering solutions for state-of-the-art precast concrete production. Everything you need for a profitable investment. Made in Germany. Since 1925. www.vollert.de | precast@vollert.de | www.youtube.com/vollertprecast
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11.02.2020 13:03:02
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PRECAST CONCRETE
New start-up solutions today make it possible to produce precast concrete elements with low investment budgets. Even technology 'made in Germany' is no longer a vision of the future for Africa. "Awareness of all these points and facts has grown," MüllerBernhardt describes. "However, there is still a lack of know-how about the construction system and of construction companies that are willing to invest in modern plant technology for precast concrete element production". Start-up solutions today make it possible to produce prefabricated walls and ceilings even with low investment budgets. Even technology 'made in Germany' is no longer a vision of the future. 'Proudly made in Africa for Africa': Training and know-how transfer are crucial "First of all, we would like to pass on our competence and experience to the construction industry in as many parts of Africa as possible," reports Müller-Bernhardt. Well-trained civil engineers and special training programmes are crucial. "Together with the Technical University of Kenya in Nairobi, we are currently working on a concept to introduce students and future young civil engineers to the new construction method at an early stage," says Björn Brandt, member of the management board at Vollert. At the beginning of November there was a first exchange with representatives of the individual faculties. In this context, the university was not only provided with extensive book material and information about the construction method, but also with a first round of questions and direct discussions with the students. "It is really impressive how eagerly young people approach the subject. Within the first few minutes, the students were able to see the many advantages of the new construction method with practical examples", describes Prof. Francis O. Aduol, Rector of the Technical University of Kenya. "We are very much looking forward to further cooperation with Vollert. I am convinced that this new generation of graduates from our university will change the construction industry in Kenya". www.constructionreviewonline.com
March-April 2020 | CR
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MONOPOLE MASTS
Power transmission and distribution project in Ethiopia A case study for self-supported monopole masts
The ongoing project forms part of a large-scale electricity infrastructure upgrade for Ethiopia and focuses on the transmission and distribution of electricity from various substations to surrounding areas of Addis Ababa. These distribution networks convey electricity with high voltages from 132 kV up to 230 kV and span through tough terrains, city centres and densely populated informal settlements. Structa Group, through its subsidiary, Structa Konsult, was contracted to carry outdata collection, survey, design conceptualisation, detail designs, complete and sign manufacturing drawings, manufacture, and deliver of the masts. The project was a milestone as it was the first time the client considered using these sizable self-supported monopole masts in a high voltage transmission application. According to Erasmus Cilliers, a senior mechanical engineer of Structa Group, initially, the client thought that it would be a big gamble to switch from the ‘tried and tested’ lattice-type pylon structures to large monopoles. However, the client thrust a spot of bother of sorts – with the lattice-type pylon structures, The masts manufactured for these lines were some of the biggest masts ever manufactured by Structa.
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MONOPOLE MASTS
there was concern about the high risk of incidences of vandalism in areas where the poles were to be located to consider. After conveying the experience with these masts in the field, and the rigorous tests that were conducted on the monopoles,
administered by Eskom in South Africa, the final decision to settle for the selfsupported monopole mast was a no-brainer. “The masts manufactured for these lines were some of the biggest masts ever manufactured by Structa. They were
The inherent reliability of these masts ensures that little to no maintenance is required.
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required to be freestanding and supported two power line circuits with their respective optical ground wires simultaneously by means of eight cross arms,” said Cilliers. What gives tubular monopoles the edge? The following are typical advantages of tubular monopoles: low maintenance costs and modifiable, good protection against vandalism and theft, smaller footprints, lower probability of catastrophic failures, and excellent life expectancy. Low maintenance costs and modifiable The inherent reliability of these masts ensures that little to no maintenance is required. “The predominant maintenance is when structures of an existing line are analysed to determine if the same structures can support new conductors with improved electricity characteristics,” said Cilliers. “Additionally, the capabilities of the structure can be increased by adding noninvasive clamp-on modifications. These modifications are designed, manufactured and supplied on a problem-specific basis. Furthermore, we are in the business of design, manufacture and supply of the
March-April 2020 | CR
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MONOPOLE MASTS
masts, if our clients require more of the masts or new designs we will deliver,” he added. Vandalism and theft-proof Self-supported masts are becoming prevalent in structure designs of transmission and communication projects, and this is mainly to counteract high vandalism or theft in areas with the identified risks. “Theft of steel is one of the leading problems in many countries. That is why towers are being stripped of their steel members and are sold as scrap. Some members of welded towers are also being removed using portable power tools,” noted Cilliers. However, vandalism does not affect steel masts, as a steel mast cannot be disassembled using regular tools or transported with domestic vehicles. This is because when a mast is surface-mounted in an area identified as high theft or vandalism risk, the foundation gets an additional concrete cap that conceals the bolts. Smaller footprint Self-supported masts are designed to support conductors without any external support such as a strut or stay wires. Compared with towers, they have a smaller footprint and only requires a little land space. A piled foundation for specific structures can be used to create a smaller foundation footprint. High durability and longer life expectancy The galvanisation of the masts, paired with the low number of holes and surfaces provides exceptional corrosion protection and Self-supported masts are designed to support conductors without any significantly extends the life of the structure. external support such as a strut or stay wires
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Less installation time The skills required for the construction process and installation of lattice-type towers and monopole masts are a bit different. Moreover, masts usually require less installation time compared to the assembly procedures of towers. “The installation of towers versus masts is entirely different. A tower is installed by bolting together parts or complete sections on the ground before lifting to the correct heights using cranes and are then bolted together,” Cilliers illuminates. The ‘gamble’ pays off Structa manufactures standard masts and towers for voltages of 11kV up to 220kV. The structures designed and manufactured for this project was for voltages between 132kV and 230kV. With the project being in Ethiopia, the design codes selected were international standards and incorporated the strict requirements of the client. Typically, the sections of these type of masts are manufactured from S355JR material being 3mm to 10mm in thickness, with base plates rarely thicker than 60mm. This project required wall thicknesses of the masts to be between 8mm up to 20mm and base plates from 35mm up to 70mm in thickness. The height of the structures varied between 15.34m to a maximum of 33.5m, and coupled with the large spans, these heights generates heavy moments that the foundations must support effortlessly. The supported tip load of the suspension structures varied between 50kN and 80kN, while the strain monopoles were designed to accommodate tip loads between 170kN to 270kN. That said,Mr. Cilliers is content that the project was delivered to client’s expectations,on time, and to the exact specifications in terms of size and quality.
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DRILLING
Water Well Drilling
Since its establishment in 1999, BAUER Technologies South Africa (BTSA) has executed several deep, large diameter drilling for well, mineral exploration, hydrogeological exploration and dewatering borehole projects in over 20 countries in Africa. With a dedicated team of well-trained experts and state-
of-the-art equipment, the company has achieved noticeable successes In challenging ground conditions.
In 2019, BTSA was contracted by a a large-scale copper and cobalt mine in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo, to drill and construct large diameter
The well design included installing 28-inch and 24-inch steel casings at appropriate sections of the borehole, a 16-inch steel pump chamber, and 10-inch liner section with wire wrapped stainless casings and screens. Drilling started with a 30-inch Tricone bit from 0 to 15m using the direct (flush) mud circulation drilling method. With this method, the drilling mud is pumped by a mud pump into the drill string. It passes through the drilling bit nozzles and rises, together with the cuttings, within the annular space between drill string and borehole wall to the surface. On the surface, the cuttings are separated from the drilling mud by deposition in a settling pit. The settling tanks are often divided into two parts, the first and largest serving as the deposition of the cuttings, the second acts as a sump for the mud pump. The drilling mud is pumped back into the drilling string for another circulation. It continued with the 27-inch Tricone bit from 15 to 150m, 20inch Tricon bit from 150 to 250m and finally with the 14-3/4-inch
water wells with the aim of dewatering the pit floor and also contributing to the water management plan of the mine. These boreholes were located inside the producing open pit – noted for its exceptionally challenging ground conditions for water well drilling.
Fig:1 Core samples from an exploratory hole (157 to 162m)
Tricon bit from 250 to 350m using the air-lift drilling method. This method uses compressed air as the transport medium. The compressed air is injected in a small sized pipe that is fixed at the outer side of the drill string. The air is released directly above the drilling bit into the drill string. The injection of air reduces the weight of the mud column relative to the weight of the mud column in the annular space and carries the mud with the cuttings upwards within the drill string with a velocity of more than 2 m/s. The drilling mud is fed by gravity from a settling tank.
Schematics for Airlift Drilling The dewatering boreholes were drilled using the PRAKLA RB 40 universal drilling rig (Fig.2). This rig is highly suited for several drilling methods including rotary-drilling with reverse/direct circulation, auger drilling, percussion core drilling, wire-line core drilling, down the hole hammer drilling and RC-drilling.
Drilling through a highly fractured-massive to weathered complex alternating layers of the Roan Series consisting of Dolomite, Shale, Schist, and Sandstone required a strong mud management system. The mud parameters were regularly monitored to ensure the subsurface pressure was controlled, the borehole wall was stabilized, cuttings were removed, water losses were minimized and the aquifer protected by forming a seal. Various mud recipes were prepared to take care of varying situations such as unconfined aquifers, confined aquifers, mud losses and drilling through cement plugs.
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March-April 2020 | CR
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Bauer is a leading provider of equipment and turnkey services for exploration and mining. BAUER Mining Solutions are deployed for bulk sampling, dewatering, remediation of tailings dams and mine infrastructure projects around the world. BAUER Technologies South Africa (PTY) Ltd • Unit 215 • Palms Office Park 519 Midrand 1695 • South Africa • info@bauersa.co.za 26 Nupen CR | Crescent March-April• 2020 www.constructionreviewonline.com
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All the installed steel casings including the 16” pump chamber were fully grouted in the annular space to secure the well properly and seal against water seepage and washouts in case the casing thread is not watertight. Cementation was done through the cementation string fitted into the check valve of the casing shoe. The float shoe reduced hook weight and ensured that the casing is well centered while the check valve in the float shoe prevented reverse flow of cement grout or mud from annulus into the casing.
Fig 3: RB 40 casing installation at night shift
Spherical silica gravels (1mm diameter) were installed to cover the whole length of the wire-wrapped slotted pipes. To enhance the removal of filter cake formed by the deposition of Bentonite at the screen sections of the well, Tetrasodiumdiphosphate with water was injected at the appropriate sections of the well before swabbing. The borehole was left undisturbed for 12 hours to ensure adequate reaction time before borehole development began. The boreholes were developed to remove the finest particles from the surrounding filter gravel pack, ensure the gravel pack is well stabilized, remove clogging and ultimately improve upon the porosity and hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer. All the boreholes met the minimum residual sand content requirement of < 0.1 g/m3 and yielded over 250cbm/ hr. Prior to hand over, permanent locking borehole protectors were installed on each well. “These large diameter dewatering wells drilled to a maximum depth of 350 m in the exceptionally challenging ground conditions at the pit by BTSA are the deepest successful well installations in the history of the mine operations,” Nana Anderson of BAUER Technologies South Africa, said. “Our team achieved such feat while maintaining very high HSE standards and performance, with no LTI’s or environmental incidents.”
SYSTEMS AND MATERIALS FOR REPAIRING, SKIMMING & PROTECTING CONCRETE.
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Learn more at mapei.co.za Tel: + 27 11 552 8476 Email: info@mapei.co.za www.constructionreviewonline.com
MAPEISA/0408/MSA/04/20CR/GPG March-April 2020 | CR
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PAINT
Choosing the right colour for a commercial building
The choice of colours, once a commercial building is complete, has always presented a challenge to many developers. Understandably, paint work is not one of the key considerations that developers grapple with at the conception of a project. Most would rather worry over completion of the physical structure, which is often the phase that takes up most of the financial resources. But what happens when the project has finally taken shape and all that is left is â&#x20AC;&#x153;finishingâ&#x20AC;?? Many project owners will concede that this too poses a major challenge. The physical appeal of the building and subsequent uptake of rental or purchased space is quite often influenced by the colours that have been employed in the finish. This is why it is critical that even as the development is under way, the developer must constantly put his mind around what colour scheme to use once the 28
project is complete. There are thousands of possible colours to choose from (up to 5,000 offered by some paint manufacturers) and herein lies the question: how then does one settle on the right colour? It is a question to consider both for ew buildings and renovation works. According to Higgins Coatings, there are some standard guidelines that should help the developer come up with colours suitable for the particular development. Architectural style of the building For instance, a building could be a historical or a futuristic structure. A modern palette will look very out of place on a historical building, and vice versa. Older buildings favour neutrals and rich browns, while modern buildings experiment more with bolder colours, including orange, yellow and red.
CR | March-April 2020
Impression intended and who is to use the building Depending on the type of clientele one wishes to attract, choice of colour scheme may vary. A building that hosts advertising firms or interior design businesses may opt for bold colours while law firms may inspire more subdued colours. A hospital normally goes for white or mild blue. A kindergarten will call for several different bright colours. Colour combination that works best As a general rule, no more than three colours should be used on the exterior of a building: one for the walls, one for the trimmings and one for accents. It is a choice between complementary and analogous colours. Complementary colours are colours that are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as red and green, blue and orange or purple and yellow. These www.constructionreviewonline.com
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PAINT
create a visually striking effect, making a space more impactful. Analogous colours, on the other hand, are colours that sit side by side on the colour wheel, such as orange and yellow, or green and blue. These create a subtler, more harmonious effect, making a space feel more casual. Other factors that may influence choice of colour are brand identity and surroundings. If the building belongs to and houses an organization with already distinct brand colours, naturally it is these colours that will guide the paintwork. For instance, it is unlikely for a building housing Coca Cola to use blue, yellow or other such colours that do not identify with the company.
rhyme with these existing structures. Local regulations may also dictate the colour to use. For instance, Mombasa County Government in Kenya decided that all commercial premises should adopt white and blue as their colour scheme. Before commencing paintwork, it is advisable to try out the selected colours on a smaller area. This will give the developer an idea of how the entire building will look like and provide a path to change before painting the entire structure and regretting later.
If other buildings in the surroundings conform to a particular colour scheme, a developer may have to adopt colours that
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Issues in Construction Health and Safety Safety of construction workers has been a constant challenge everywhere. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Authority of Malta, it is estimated that construction workers are three times more likely to be killed and twice as likely to be injured as workers in other occupations. Besides injuries from falls, cuts, fire outbreaks and other hazards, the health of these workers is also an issue of major concern. Such conditions as noise-induced hearing loss, respiratory infections and skin diseases arising from exposure to chemicals as well as musculoskeletal disorders are not uncommon in the industry. To mitigate this situation, it is important that health and safety issues are incorporated at the design stage of a project. In most construction projects, tight budgets and deadlines often relegate health and safety considerations to the background. In a bit to cut costs and deliver a project on time, many contractors have little regard to safety measures beyond the very basic. Therefore, the choice of a contractor based solely on the lowest bid and fastest undertaking of delivery should not always be criteria to award. Instead, conscientious and responsible clients should insist on a discernible plan to keep the site safe during the entire construction period.
creates health and safety management systems for players in the construction industry and supervises their implementation. Booth is renowned for its broad range of firefighting and detection products including fire extinguishers, hose reels, landing valves, breeching inlets, fire alarms systems, fire hydrants and fire suppression systems.
Companies that have recognized the importance of health and safety have invested in training for their workers and observe all OHS practices as required by local regulatory authorities. And with the emergence of the new challenge of COVID-19, it is increasingly important that workers’ health be safeguarded through clear communication of safety procedures as construction work continues. Workers must also be made to fully understand the ramifications of inadequate safety measures and supervisors must be there to ensure that all guidelines are fully complied with.
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Availability of proper protective equipment recommended for particular tasks is also a key safety enabler. Different tasks call for specific protective gear. It is incumbent on the organization to properly train, equip and supervise workers to ensure such gear is not only used but also used in the right way. In Kenya, OHS compliance in Kenya is a challenge that cuts across both private and public sectors according to Morisson Engineering Limited, a leading supplier of Fire Engineering, Power Engineering and Air Conditioning products in this region. “There is low awareness on OHS and fire safety among workers in the country.” Quoting a study conducted by ICOH 2013, Kenya had about 4% of the working population accessing OHS services compared to developed countries which had over 90%. “The implementation of fire safety and OHS guidelines largely depend on improvement of work, environment, training and creating awareness in different forums.” There is however no shortage of organizations dealing with OHS products and services in the country. Besides Morison, whose division Atlas Fire Security provides fire safety products, other companies providing high quality products or services include Safepro Limited and Booth Fire Protection Limited. Safepro
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SAFETY
Construction is booming now, but without safety its future is uncertain. The Kenyan construction industry, like in any other part of the world, is growing fast, a steady growth that will continue over the next few years. This growth presents an increased concern on safety because hazardous conditions are part of the everyday working environment in the construction industry. These risks have made companies prioritize health and safety, more than it was back in the 80s and 90s. Despite increased revenue, creation of employment, improved infrastructure, just to mention a few, the construction industry has been on the frontline on injuries and fatalities. These accidents also have other indirect costs like time lost due to stoppages and investigations, training, and additional costs associated with replacing injured workers and loss or damage to material, machinery, and property. Over the years, the number of laborers in
this industry has gone up; most of them have not undergone the necessary training on their safety on site. Think of it in this term; some of the construction workers who went to work do not return home, which should not be the case need not be the case in this. The most common hazards in construction include; falls from height, falling objects, on-site electrocutions, traps in or between, dust inhalation, motor vehicle accidents, among others. We can avoid this by emphasizing health and safety more than ever before. Contractors have the responsibility of the safety of their workers and can achieve this by getting competent advice from health and safety experts. At SAFEPRO Limited, we establish the health and safety management system for them and supervise its implementation at a fraction of the cost of non-compliance.
Our journey begins with setting up the framework that guides all stakeholders from the top management to the least worker on site. This not only reduces losses but also build the profile of the contractor when bidding for future projects. There is not job too urgent or too important that it cannot be done safely! By Safepro Ltd-Environmental & Safety Consultants
Environmental Health & Safety Consultants
Our Services OSHA - 2007 COMPLIANCE SERVICES | NEMA COMPLIANCE SERVICES. FIRST AID TRAINING | HYGIENE SURVEYS | FIRE TRAININGS. FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT | PPE & SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
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CONTACT US:
Muthaiga Cool Breeze Gardens, Office B | P.O BOX 106121-0 www.safepro.co.ke | info@safepro.co.ke
0725 254 536 | 0720 530 985
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PROJECT
Laser Property Services oversee Nova Pioneer’s expansion into Eldoret
Nova Pioneer is a group of elite schools that seek to produce the next generation of innovators and leaders through provision of a highly conducive learning environment that enables learners to realize their full potential. The group currently operates in South Africa and Kenya. The group is expanding rapidly and has established several institutions in both countries with the latest being Nova Pioneer Boys Secondary School in Eldoret, about 320 kilometres from the Kenyan capital Nairobi.
In 2018, Nova Pioneer Schools were seeking to expand their presence in Kenya and were looking for suitable land to host their next institution. The Local Authorities Pension Trust (LAPTRUST) owned land in Eldoret as part of their vast property investments. Nova Pioneer submitted an Expression of Interest to partner with LAPTRUST in the development of the boys secondary school on a design build model for a long tenancy arrangement on LAPTRUST’s 20-acre piece of land. It was at this juncture that Laser Property Services came on the scene
Ambalian Company Limited Suite 1, Mezzanine Floor, South Gate Centre Mkoma Road, South-B, PO Box 22932 – 00100 Nairobi. Tel +254 - 20 – 266 2166 Cell +254 – 722 – 806 752 Email info@ambalian.co.ke URL: www.ambalian.co.ke
as project managers. Laser Property Services is a Subsidiary of CPF Group which was incorporated as a limited company in 2013. The company had been in operation for over 20 years as a department within the group before then. Its aim is to be the premier provider of comprehensive and innovative real estate solutions by offering professional solutions through partnerships that safeguard the interests and goals of all stakeholders.
OUR AREAS OF BUSINESS Solar Water Heating Solar & Home Power Systems Solar Water Pumping Solar & LED Lighting Applied Solar Power Wind Power Development
00101
We are proud to be associated with NOVA PIONEER ELDORET www.constructionreviewonline.com
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PROJECT
Nova Pioneer Boys Secondary School
Nova Pioneer Boys Secondary School is Laser’s first educational project to manage. The project is located at a corner bordering the old Nairobi-Nakuru Road and Plateau Road. The development comprises a 16,000 Sq.M campus consisting of classrooms, dormitories, auditoriums, staff residences, operation facilities such as maintenance workshop and kitchen as well as sports facilities for two schools to be constructed over a period of four years. Phase 1 is already complete and handed over to the tenants, Nova Pioneer Schools, and is operational. Phase 2 is ongoing and scheduled to be completed in 2020. Phases 3 and 4 will be done in 2022. The entire project is expected to cost approximately KES 1.66b (approximately US$17m) over the four year period. As project manager, Laser Property Services were also tasked with the provision of the following services: •Architectural Services •Quantity Surveying Services •Civil Engineering Services •Structural Engineering Services •Mechanical Engineering Services •Electrical Engineering Services •Project and Development Management Services Blink Studios, a respected architectural firm based in Nairobi, are both architect and lead partner in the project. 34
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PROJECT
Project Team
Client/Developer: Local Authority Pension Trust (LAPTRUST) Project Manager: Laser Property Services Architect and lead consultant: Blink Studio Limited Contractors and subcontractors Main Contractor: China Wu Yi Mechanical Services: Trident Plumbers Ltd Standby Generator: Ryce East Africa Ltd Solar Water Heating: Ambalian Company Ltd Borehole Services: Sobon Hydro Solutions
Laser Property Services
broadly offers the following services: •Property and Asset Valuation •Feasibility Study and Investment appraisal •Project Development and Management •Property and Facility Management •Real Estate Agency Services So far, Laser Property Services has amassed an impressive portfolio that includes the following properties: •Pension Towers - Commercial •Freedom Heights Mall and Residence – Mixed Use •CPF House - Commercial •Metro Park - Commercial •Police Sacco Plaza - Commercial •Highlands Mall - Commercial •64 Resort Eldoret – Commercial •Man Apartments - Residential •Lavington Property - Residential •Changamwe Flats – Residential •Nakuru Residential Units
CC Comcap CONSULTANTS
Elgeyo Road, Kim Plaza, Near Hotel Sirikwa P.O. Box 7239-30100 Eldoret, Kenya Tel: +254 700 136405, +254 729 368635 Email: gcheserek@yahoo.com
CORE SERVICES • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) • Environmental Audit • Baseline Surveys • Project Evaluation Reports • Promoting Green Technologies in development.
• Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) • Occupation Health and Safety (OHS) • Waste Management • Environmental Mapping of Natural Resources using GIS
We are proud to be associated with
NOVA PIONEER ELDORET BRANCH
as their Environmental Impact Assessment Consultants www.constructionreviewonline.com
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CR | March-April 2020
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