CEMENT & CONCRETE
Armorflex selected for Mamelodi stormwater upgrades Technicrete’s internationally licensed Armor flex Erosion Control System was selected for upgrades to major stormwater systems currently under way in Mamelodi Extensions 4 and 5 nor th-east of Pretoria. The project, under taken by Tefla, was awarded by the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
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The Armorflex 140 Erosion Control System is an engineered alternative for a wide variety of erosion control and drainage projects. The matrix of open cells and projections retains soils, relieves hydrostatic pressure, and provides the perfect environment for establishing natural vegetation
ased on an analysis of water volumes and velocity, Armorflex 140 was chosen as the best system to install for the gradual trapezoidal channel constructed. “The Armorflex 140 system’s flexibility is in its ability to conform with ground contours. It settles without cracking and requires limited ground preparation. When installed and anchored correctly, the system offers a superior lifespan with minimum maintenance required,” explains Thatho Moruke, site manager, Tefla. Part of the contractual requirement was to outsource 30% of the work to the local community. “Armorflex’s easy installation enabled us to meet this requirement, with training and some supervision,” Moruke continues.
Preparation works and installation Before laying Armorflex blocks, the channel first needs to be roughly profiled to form the trapezoidal shape with dimensions approximate to that of the final design. This in situ area also needs to be suitably compacted before placing a thin layer of river sand type
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IMIESA January 2022
For the Mamelodi project, Armorflex 140 was selected as the product of choice by the engineers due to being fit for purpose and flexible (during installation and long term), while driving labour creation through ease of installation