Precast solutions enhance housing project

Gary Theodosiou, structural engineer, Cement & Concrete SA

claddings perform an enclosing as well as a structural function. The panels can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes but are mainly applied as storey-height or spandrel panels. The storey-height units span from floor to floor, and the spandrel version forms a sill wall beneath fenestration strips.

Storey-height panels can incorporate apertures for windows and doors that will be installed on-site later. Window frames can also be attached in the cladding manufacturer’s plant and paint finishes applied before the panels are delivered to site. “As precast concrete panels are produced to predetermined dimensions, no further cutting, trimming or drilling is usually required, which leads to a substantial reduction of on-site waste. Lifters are cast into the panels to further limit waste. Usually, the panels simply have to be washed clean with water – without hazardous chemicals – before installation,” says Theodosiou.

Finally, he advises that input should be obtained from experienced precast specialists in the early decision-making stages of a cladding project to maximise the speed of construction, structural performance, and a decision on the most economical frame package for specific projects.

“Designers might well decide on a composite/hybrid solution, which could combine cast-in-place and factory-produced precast panels. Either way, there is no doubt that precast cladding’s durability, superior strength and structural integrity are leading to ever-increasing applications worldwide,” Theodosiou concludes.

Carnival Gardens, located at Salfin, Boksburg, is a threephase, 888-unit affordable housing development consisting of one- and two-bedroom units. Technicrete, part of the Infrastructure Specialist Group, was commissioned to supply the project with a range of precast products. “There is a high demand for socially affordable housing in South Africa; developments such as Carnival Gardens help those who qualify to get a foot in the property market,” says Arno Smuts, a sales consultant based at Technicrete’s Olifantsfontein manufacturing plant. “The ground layout, design and landscaping have been carefully thought through and utilise top-quality products – such as our Technicrete JZZ pavers, garden kerbs and Earthform retaining blocks – which have created an attractive and aesthetically pleasing finish,” Smuts adds.

Technicrete’s JZZ units are solid-block interlocking pavers that – once applied – form a continuous, hard-wearing surface. They are particularly suitable for domestic driveways, pedestrian pavements and pathways. Technicrete supplied 9 321 m2 of its 60 mm grey pavers and 370 m2 of the 80 mm grey JZZ pavers to Carnival Gardens.

In addition to JZZ pavers, Technicrete supplied 285 m of grey garden kerbs 500 mm x 150 mm x 75 mm, and 195 m of Fig.3 barrier kerbs sized at 1 000 mm. One thousand Earthform retaining blocks were also supplied to the development, offering an attractive feature for plant and flower placements, while retaining steep areas safely.

Technicrete offers a range of paving and kerb solutions suited to any commercial, industrial or residential project, with colours such as slate, terracotta, plum, tan and autumn also available.

Technicrete’s JZZ pavers are renowned for their longevity and hard-wearing surface, which makes them ideal for residential complexes