SA Builder (SAB) • September 2023

South African Builder is the official journal of Master Builders South Africa, established in 1923. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of Master Builders South Africa. SA Builder is a registered trademark of Master Builders South Africa. Any use of this trademark without the express and written approval of Master Builders South Africa is prohibited. No material contained herein may be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the publisher. SA Builder © 2023. All rights reserved.

CONTENTS AND CREDITS

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CONTRIBUTIONS

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EVENTS

28 Revolutionising African industries

FEATURE

30 Unlocking the power of cloud-native architecture in SA

INNOVATION

34 Mixed-reality technology

PRODUCTS

36 abe surface-hardeners win wide support from flooring industry

38 5 Questions to optimise MCI ®/water repellent selection

FOCUS

40 Woman on top

BUSINESS

44 HVAC service agreements can reduce total cost of ownership

CAPTAINS OF CONSTRUCTION

47 ABB’s two women of power

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The outlook for the South African construction industry remains subdued in the short to medium term as the sector continues to be affected by a lack of implementation of government’s infrastructure delivery plan, as well as less demand from the private sector.

Stats SA reported that the value of building plans passed by larger municipalities (at current prices) decreased by 11,7% (-R5 553,2 million) from JanuaryMay 2023, compared with the same period in 2022. Decreases were reported for non-residential buildings (-24,2%, or -R2 342,3 million) and residential buildings (-13,7%, or -R3 448,3 million). An increase was reported for additions and alterations (1,9%, or R237,5 million).

The largest contributions to the total decrease of 11,7% (-R5 553,2 million) were made by KwaZulu-Natal (contributing -8,0 percentage points, or -R3 802,4 million) and the Western Cape (contributing -2,8 percentage points, or -R1 313,6 million).

It was also reported that the value of buildings reported as completed by large municipalities (at current prices) decreased by 23,0% (-R6 748,9 million) from January-May 2023 compared with JanuaryMay 2022. Decreases were reported for additions and alterations (-51,7%, or -R4 565,0 million), nonresidential buildings (-14,3%, or -R954,7 million) and residential buildings (-8,9%, or -R1 229,1 million).

Five provinces reported year-on-year decreases in the value of buildings completed from January-May 2023, of which the Western Cape (contributing -27,2 percentage points, or -R7 975,8 million) was the

largest negative contributor. Gauteng (contributing 5,8 percentage points, or R1 693,5 million) was the largest positive contributor.

It must be noted that the above figures do not factor in public-sector projects, but most of the privatesector projects were affected by the country’s poor economic state, the impact of Covid-19 and site invasions. In the light of these challenges faced by our industry, many huge construction companies have been forced to shut down.

Of the abovementioned challenges, site invasions have been the major cause.

While some arrests have been made, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala has highlighted the importance of arresting, prosecuting and sentencing those involved in the scourge that is mostly affecting KwaZulu-Natal. According to the minister, site disruptions have cost the economy R68 billion.

It must be noted that the industry is actively cooperating with the police in this matter, especially in KZN and the Western Cape, where contractors have obtained court interdicts in efforts to deter these criminals.

High-level discussions are taking place in the industry in collaboration with CASA and government with a view to solving this problem once and for all.

MUSA SHANGASE

President: MBSA

As the construction industry stakeholders, we have the responsibility to preserve the family one bread winner at a time by ensuring “zero” work-related accidents in the industry, so a loved one can return home, to the embrace of family and friends. It ensures a child does not walk this journey called life without the foundation of self, acceptance, unconditional sacrifices, joy, support and love – that we call family.

Diseases Act (COIDA), in the construction industry.

For more information visit www.zeroisnoaccident.co.za

By Roger Feldmann at Business Development: Keller Geotechnics SA

Along the tranquil shores of Muizenberg, Cape Town, a remarkable transformation is underway as a derelict old building yields to the promise of progress. Aptly named Wavescapes, this upmarket apartment development heralds a vibrant era, thanks to the ingenuity of specialised property developer Absolute Capital. As the tides of innovation rise, Keller’s geotechnical experience takes centre stage, navigating the geotechnical complexities of this landmark project with flexibility and expertise.

Like skilled navigators, the Keller team embraced the challenges presented by the site’s tricky geological history and the remnants of numerous previous developments, while competing with groundwater intercepted by cutting into the steep mountainous terrain. Amidst the echoes of past structures surfacing during demolition, Keller’s flexible approach came to the forefront, paving the way for a solid foundation for the apartment block.

TIDES OF INNOVATION: KELLER’S GEOTECHNICAL BRILLIANCE AT MUIZENBERG

(Above): The new soldier piles and capping beam integrating with the newlybolstered existing retaining structure.

Aerial photograph by Evan Oldknow

SAILING THE GEOTECHNICAL SEAS

The site’s history had left it underlain by a complex layer of colluvial and talus boulders, overlying the Table Mountain group sandstone located 7-10m below the original ground level. The phreatic surface was located 0-2m below the original ground level, which made the design and operations extremely challenging for our geotechnical engineers.

A SYMPHONY OF TECHNIQUES: THE TIDES OF INNOVATION

Keller employed a plethora of geotechnical techniques to overcome these obstacles. To support the basement excavation, which was 3-5m deep, a series of soldier piles was strategically installed along the site’s perimeter using a blend of traditional continuous flight auger piles in less challenging areas and robust 357mm ODEX-type piles in regions affected by stubborn boulders. This combination of perimeter piles was united by a capping beam, forming the backbone of the wellsupported basement structure.

The existing old retaining walls above the basement were bolstered with walers and grouted anchors to ensure overall slope stability during construction. The concept of incorporating the existing retaining wall systems was both practical and cost-effective. In some areas, the natural ground was battered back and supported using traditional shotcrete and soil nail techniques.

Keller’s package included the piling for the new apartment

building within the excavation. These piles were installed from road level before excavation commenced, ensuring continuity and unrestricted access for the large piling equipment. The foundation piles, ranging from

750-900 mm, were installed using temporary cased bored piles, stubbornly woven through the boulders and firmly anchored into the sandstone below. The piles were concreted underwater using the tremie method, adding another specialist technique to the mix. With the shallow bedrock levels, the sockets had to be designed to resist seismic lateral loading and bending moments, in addition to typical axial loads.

CONQUERING BOULDER CHALLENGES: A TESTAMENT TO FLEXIBILITY

The site’s underbelly rested upon a colluvial and talus boulder layer, overlaying the steadfast sandstone of the Table Mountain group. Constructing in this type of geology and working within the tight confines of this iconic

“ THE SITE’S UNDERBELLY RESTED UPON A COLLUVIAL AND TALUS BOULDER LAYER, OVERLAYING THE STEADFAST SANDSTONE OF THE TABLE MOUNTAIN GROUP.

CONSTRUCTING IN THIS TYPE OF GEOLOGY AND WORKING WITHIN THE TIGHT CONFINES OF THIS ICONIC SITE WAS A UNIQUE TEST OF KELLER’S ADAPTABILITY.”

(Above): Powerful rotary piling rigs were deployed to install the main piles to support the building, penetrating the underlying boulders.

COVER STORY

site was a unique test of Keller’s adaptability. The team deployed high-powered excavators, clearing gravel boulders wherever possible. Yet, like a seasoned captain changing course to navigate turbulent waters, Keller embraced the challenge posed by unyielding boulders with precision and expertise. The pile type often had to be tailored to penetrate these boulders and secure the piled foundations into the sandstone formation below, ultimately steering Wavescapes toward success.

JIM OLDKNOW: A BEACON OF LEADERSHIP

The success of the basement solution and construction methodology at Wavescapes owes much to the experience of Keller’s senior contract manager, Jim Oldknow. With an impressive 36-year track record in providing turnkey basement packages for challenging sites, he was the driving force behind the innovative approach taken by Keller’s inhouse design team and the engineering team from Shelly Maritz Consulting.

A “TURNKEY” ENABLING WORKS PACKAGES

The project was another example of Keller’s ability to produce a “turnkey” enabling or early works package, setting the site up for the main contractor to build the main structure. By taking charge of lateral support, piling, bulk excavation and the strategic placement of foundations, we facilitated a seamless transition for

the main contractor. Our turnkey package not only streamlined the construction process, but minimised potential delays and risks, showcasing our commitment to project efficiency and success.

PIONEERING GEOTECHNICAL BRILLIANCE

At Keller, we take immense pride

in our recent involvement in the Wavescapes project – a visionary development that aims to transform Muizenberg’s urban landscape. Over the years, we have become synonymous with delivering exceptional geotechnical solutions and Wavescapes allowed us to showcase our expertise and innovation. Navigating the complexities of the Muizenberg landscape, Keller’s flexible approach and diverse techniques have laid a solid foundation for the upmarket apartment development, while Oldknow’s expertise was instrumental in charting this course to success. As we set sail for new horizons, Keller remains committed to excellence and innovation in transformative geotechnical engineering along South Africa’s picturesque coastlines.

• This article originally appeared in SAICE magazine’s August 2023 issue.

(Right): One step at a time: careful planning and a logical construction sequence were essential.

Photos by Thomas Ferreira: www.thomasfphotography.co.za

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MBSA CONGRESS: POWERING SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

The Master Builders SA (MBSA) Annual Congress, a hallmark event in the construction industry calendar, is gearing up to address pertinent issues and opportunities within the local building and construction sector. This inclusive gathering embraces contributions from governmental bodies, industry titans and all stakeholders invested in the field. The congress is eagerly awaited by leaders and proprietors of established and emerging businesses, senior government officials, local government representatives, financial institutions and construction industry suppliers.

Approximately 250 delegates will converge at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town for this year's event, which will be centred around the theme of “Powering Sustainable Infrastructure”.

FOSTERING A SAFETY CULTURE: MASTER BUILDERS NATIONAL SAFETY COMPETITION

An integral aspect of the annual congress is the Master Builders National Safety Competition, which illuminates the industry’s unwavering commitment to safety within construction. This prestigious competition culminates in a gala annual dinner awards ceremony, which takes centre stage during the congress.

This year's National Safety Competition showcased victors from the Regional Safety Competitions, elevating them to the national stage within their respective categories. An impressive 37 entities –encompassing plant yards, allied trade operations and building sites – have submitted entries from diverse regions across the nation. A glance at the regional distribution and category submissions serves as a testament to the industry’s collective dedication to safety.

The regional competitions held by various associations have identified the best safety practices and initiatives, showcasing the industry’s collective

commitment to ensuring the well-being of its workers and creating a safer working environment.

The MBSA will facilitate the national judging process to determine the winners in each category, who will be announced at the MBSA Annual Banquet. The recognition and celebration of these exceptional safety efforts not only inspire others in the industry to prioritise safety, but also raise the bar for safety standards throughout the construction sector.

DRIVING CHANGE AND UNITY

As the construction sector navigates its evolving landscape and confronts fresh challenges, the MBSA 2023 Annual Congress offers a prime opportunity for stakeholders to unite, share insights and collaborate on initiatives that propel sustainable infrastructure and foster industry-wide cohesion. The event will be attended by governmental leaders, private-sector pioneers and diverse industry representatives.

In an era when sustainability is top of mind, the role of the construction industry in advancing sustainable infrastructure is pivotal. As the countdown to the MBSA Congress draws closer, excitement brews, setting the stage for a truly remarkable event that will reverberate throughout the construction landscape and beyond.

Find us on social media:

MBSA CONGRESS 2023

Time: Friday, 08 September 2023

Venue: Hall A, Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town

Theme: “Powering Sustainable Infrastructure”

MBA EC QUASQUICENTENNIAL, 1898-2023

As we reflect on the quasquicentennial of the Eastern Cape MBA, we think of the inaugural meeting of master builders which took place in (then) Port Elizabeth on Saturday, 8 January 1898. The meeting was called by Jass Williams via an advertisement to master builders and contractors “for the purpose of discussing the advisability of establishing a Master Builders’ and Contractors’ Association” in Port Elizabeth.

That first meeting was attended by some 16 contractors and L Mackay was unanimously elected as chairperson. He also became the association’s first secretary.

A number of meetings were held that year which laid the foundations of the EC association. It then drafted a set of rules which was accepted on Saturday, 22 July 1898.

Activity waned during the AngloBoer war years of 1900-1902, but on 24 June 1903, the association met under the chairmanship of a Mr Davey and unanimously elected William Whyte as its secretary. One Mr Grant was president at the time and was also appointed treasurer.

The association has always had a particular focus on skills and according to the minutes of that meeting, “Mr Duncan gave notice that there were several carpenters who were due to arrive by the next intermediate steamer and he was requested to distribute them over the various contractors”. Another motion was that the secretary “communicate with the various MBAs throughout South Africa in order to obtain their views with regard to a federation”.

On 26 August 1903, it was resolved at a general meeting that the secretary “obtain from the secretary of the provincial hospital all the necessary information regarding the cost and upkeep of a bed in hospital to be at the disposal of tradesmen employed by members of the association who might receive injuries while employed at their work”. Could this have been the start of some form of medical aid or workman’s compensation for the building industry?

During 1904, Grant and Duncan were sent to Durban to discuss the formation of a federation at a meeting attended by representatives from

Pietermaritzburg, Kimberley and East London. The federation was duly founded on 23 March 1904 and the first congress was held in Port Elizabeth in May 1905.

The association later amalgamated with the MBAs of East London, the Southern Cape, Queenstown, King William’s Town and Grahamstown to form the Master Builders’ and Allied Trades Association, Eastern Cape. It continued operating under that name until May 1987 when, while maintaining its registration as the MBA, it began operating as the Building Industries Association (BIA), Eastern Cape. On the eve of its centenary in 1998, and with the advent of the new Labour Relations Act, the association reverted back to its former name, with one slight variation – the Eastern Cape Master Builders’ and Allied Industries Association (Eastern Cape MBA).

The branch celebrates 125 years of service to the industry this year and continues to focus on the needs of contractors, sub-contractors and associated companies.

GB Steele Executive director

CREATING AND IMPLEMENTING AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN FOR YOUR CONSTRUCTION SITE

By Neil Enslin, head of occupational health and safety

The Occupational Health and Safety Act and Construction Regulations 29 require that the principal contractor prepare a plan to deal with emergencies which may arise on a project. Emergency planning demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to protecting the safety of employees and increases its safety awareness.

The emergency response plan should contain answers to the following:

“ YOUR EXAMPLE CAN INFLUENCE OTHERS AND THEREBY AID THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE.”

• What are the hazards and risks of the project?

• What should be done in the event of an emergency?

• What preparations should be made for potential and unexpected incidents at the workplace?

The size and complexity of the projects, as well as the access and location, need to be considered when planning for emergencies. It is therefore recommended that the contractor appoint an emergency co-ordinator to develop the emergency response plan.

HOW TO DEVELOP THE PLAN Planning should ideally begin before any work commences on

the project. Although there may be little time between the award of the contract and the start of the project, a good emergency response plan can be generic and, with some minor changes, can easily be adapted and implemented.

It should include the following considerations:

1) Hazard identification/ assessment.

2) Emergency resources.

3) Communication systems.

4) Administration of the plan.

5) Emergency response procedure.

6) Communication of the procedure.

7) Debriefing and post-traumatic stress procedure.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION/ ASSESSMENT

The process of hazard identification and assessment involves a comprehensive review that includes the following:

• Transportation, material handling, equipment or product installation, temporary structures and material storage.

• Environmental concerns.

• Consultation with the client regarding potential hazards when working in or adjacent to operating facilities.

• Resources such as material safety data sheets to determine potential hazards from onsite materials.

• Proximity to traffic and public ways.

Because construction sites are often fast-changing, the process of hazard assessment must be ongoing. Once hazards are identified, the next step is to assess the potential risk involved in each. For each hazard identified, ask:

• What can go wrong?

• What are the consequences?

of all the necessary ones. The most important resource for most projects will be the local emergency services, fire services, ambulance services and police. It is vital to engage with them and discuss your specific needs.

Other on-site resources such as fire extinguishers, spill containment equipment and first aid kits must be maintained and clearly identified. Construction equipment may be included among potential emergency resources. Personnel, especially on-site medical staff or employees trained in first aid, should be included in the plan.

There may be situations where outside resources are so far away that an adequate response is impossible. In this case, resources may have to be obtained and kept on site. Examples would include fire protection or first aid resources in remote areas. These resources must be identified and sourced in advance. Moreover, the people supplying these resources must be made aware of their role in the plan.

COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

For each potential hazard, it is important to identify the resources necessary for an appropriate emergency response. For the different scenarios in construction, a simple analysis using the experience of the staff involved in the project is recommended.

EMERGENCY RESOURCES

It is important to identify which resources are available and plan to procure sufficient quantities

A communication system that can relay information quickly and accurately is key to an effective emergency response. Reliable communication equipment must be used. Procedures must be developed and staff must be trained. A back-up system is recommended in case the system is rendered useless by the emergency. For example, telephone lines may be cut.

The type and location of emergency communication must

be posted at the project entrance, in offices, on notice boards and in change rooms. This will include important telephone numbers, a list of site personnel with cellphone numbers or portable radios and any other available equipment. Emergency phone numbers and the site address/ location should be posted next to all site telephones and on notice boards across the project.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

The task of administering and organising the plan is critical to its effectiveness. The person entrusted with this task will usually be in charge of the emergency response operation. It is their responsibility to ensure that:

• Everyone clearly understands their roles and responsibilities within the emergency response plan. A chart may be helpful in this regard.

• Emergency resources, whether people or equipment, are kept at levels that are adequate for the progress of the project.

It is essential to review the emergency response plan on a regular basis, especially after an emergency has occurred. Changes may be necessary as deficiencies become apparent.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURE

An emergency can be reported from various sources – a worker on site, an outside agency or the public. Remember that circumstances may change during an emergency. Therefore, ensure that the contingency plan procedure is suitable.

The following list covers basic actions to take in an emergency. These steps apply to almost any emergency and should be followed in sequence:

• Stay calm.

• Assess the situation.

• Take command.

• Provide protection.

• Aid and manage.

• Maintain contact.

• Guide emergency services.

Stay calm: Your example can influence others and thereby aid the emergency response. When people are panicking, chaos ensues and the chances of injury are greatly increased.

Assess the situation: Determine what happened and what the emergency is. Look at the big picture. What has happened to who and what will continue to happen if no action is taken? Try to identify the cause that must be controlled to eliminate immediate, ongoing or further danger.

Take command: The most senior person or the emergency coordinator on the scene should take charge and call, or delegate someone to call, emergency services and explain the situation. Assign tasks for controlling the emergency. These actions also help to maintain order and prevent panic.

Provide protection: Eliminate further losses, safeguard the area and manage the energy source involved in the emergency. Protect victims, equipment, materials, environment and the accident scene from continuing damage or further hazards. Divert traffic, where possible, extinguish the fire, prevent objects from falling, shut down equipment or utilities and take other necessary actions.

Aid and manage: Provide first aid or help those already doing so. Manage personnel at the scene

“ THE RECOVERY PROCESS, OR WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE HAS BEEN COMPLETED, IS A CRITICAL STEP IN THE PLAN.”

and organise the workforce for both a headcount and emergency assignments. Direct all workers to a safe location or emergency evaluation post. This makes it easier to identify who is missing, control panic and assign people to emergency duties. Dispatch personnel to guide emergency services on arrival.

Maintain contact: Keep emergency services informed of the situation, alert management and keep them informed. Exercise increasing control over the emergency until immediate hazards are eliminated and causes can be identified.

Guide emergency services: Meet services on site, lead them to the emergency scene and explain ongoing and potential hazards and causes, if known.

COMMUNICATION OF THE PLAN

To be effective, an emergency response plan must be clearly communicated to all site personnel. The following activities should be considered:

• Review the plan with new site sub-contractors and new workers to ensure that it adequately covers their activities.

• Review the plan with suppliers to ensure that it covers any hazards that the storage or delivery of their materials might create.

• Review new work areas in operating plants with the owner/ client to ensure that new hazards are identified and covered in the procedure.

• Review the plan with the Joint Health and Safety Committee or health and safety representative on a regular basis to address new hazards or significant changes in site conditions.

• Post the plan in locations that are easily accessible by all relevant stakeholders.

DEBRIEFING AND POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS PROCEDURE

The recovery process, or what happens after the emergency response has been completed, is a critical step in the plan.

Emergency tasks may have been undertaken by employees who are not accustomed to dealing with emergencies. Some may have seen fellow workers and friends badly injured and in pain.

Therefore, once the emergency is over, the attitude should not be: “Alright, let’s get back to work” or “Let’s go home”. Some of the people involved may need professional counselling to recover.

Debriefing is necessary to review how well the plan worked in the emergency and to correct any deficiencies that were identified. This is critical to the success of future emergency response planning.

It should be stressed that provision must be made for the training of both individuals and teams if they are expected to perform adequately in an emergency. The plan should be revised when shortcomings become known and should be reviewed annually.

80 YEARS OF PASSION, RESILIENCE

AND ADAPTABILITY

GIBB subsidiary and architectural firm SVA International's 80th anniversary comes at a time of unprecedented turmoil, both locally and globally. Not only is the business thriving within this challenging milieu, but its passion, agility and willingness to embrace change and the spirit of ubuntu have seen it weather many a storm over the years.

The firm was established in 1943 as Stauch & Partners by architect Hellmut Stauch, who was trained at the influential Ittenschulle (an offshoot of the Bauhaus). During that decade and the 1950s, he was a leading teacher and practitioner of the Pretoria regionalism architectural movement, which considered the context and customs of creating buildings in particular regions of architecture. Stauch’s output initially focused on residential developments, but in 1959 he was joined by Robin Vorster. They changed the company’s name to Stauch Vorster Architects and began operating as a franchise business, with offices in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) and Mauritius.

The firm was well positioned to take on projects in the retail, commercial and industrial spaces

and larger commissions followed. With projects influenced by the Brazilian movement of modernism, a strict concern for local conditions, economy of materials and efficient function, Stauch Vorster Architects grew into a leading national practice.

In 2014, the firm merged with GIBB Engineering and amalgamated all franchise operations into one business: SVA International (SVAi).

SVAI MD Bheki Vilakazi says the two entities merged with a view to leveraging off each other to explore opportunities in SA and further afield on the continent.

“Our success today isn’t only measured by the projects we’ve successfully completed, but by the lasting relationships we’ve established with many leading developers, built environment specialists, project financiers and contractors over the past 80 years,” he says.

GIBB CEO Richard Vries says that when the business first welcomed SVAi into the group, the synergies were evident. “They shared our values, our vision for the future and a passion for excellence, which we knew would benefit our clients, consultants and employees. O ver

the past 13 years, SVAi has proven to be an invaluable part of our organisation and we’re proud to have them as a member of our family of companies,” he says.

Today the business boasts several flagship developments for many key clients, such as Shoprite Checkers and Radisson Blu Hotels, among others. It is financially viable and incorporates timeless designs and functionality.

Looking forward, Vries believes SVAi is well placed to continue thriving in a rapidly changing world. “SVAi complements the GIBB Group in our ability to provide multi-disciplinary solutions across the property, mining, power, transportation and water sectors,” he says.

(Above): Bheki Vilakazi, SVAI MD.

Images courtesy SVA International Facebook page

Product: Country Classic Satin Face Brick

Architect: louiseO. architects

Photographer: Elsa Young

Contractor: Lenrock Construction

With many South Africans installing inverters as part of solar power systems to mitigate the impact of load-shedding in homes and businesses, users need to be aware of the potential fire risk. This includes overheating and shortcircuits in the battery or other electrical parts that could result in an explosion, warns ASP

Fire CEO

Michael van Niekerk

An essential part of any solar power system, solar inverters convert direct current (DC) power produced by photovoltaic solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity to power appliances and devices at home and in businesses.

“There are various factors that can cause a solar inverter to catch fire,” notes Van Niekerk. It can simply be the naturally high temperature of its operating environment, compounded by the equipment generating heat as it inverts and transforms highvoltage electricity.

Potential short-circuits can also be caused by a lack of adequate maintenance and management, improper installation, poor-quality equipment, or vegetation, plant debris and even small animals and insects finding their way into equipment.

Grid-tied solar systems are exposed to inrush current when the power is restored after loadshedding that can cause damage or fires, so it is important to have the system designed and signed off by a registered electrical engineer.

PREVENTING SOLAR INVERTER SHORT-CIRCUITS AND FIRES

“Any failed component that short-circuits can result in a fire that spreads throughout the inverter, causing a domino effect,” says Van Niekerk. Here automatic fire suppression is important to quickly detect and suppress a fire so that the inverter is offline before the fire spreads to other components. This reduces its impact and prevents damage to other equipment and the surrounding area.

The following general safety tips are recommended:

• Place the inverter on a reasonably flat horizontal or vertical surface.

• Keep the inverter dry and do not expose it to rain or moisture. Do not operate the inverter if

any surface that is wet may come into contact with any power source.

• Avoid placing the inverter on or near heating vents, radiators or other sources of heat. Do not place the inverter in direct sunlight.

• Ensure that the inverter is well ventilated in order to properly disperse the heat generated while it is in operation. Maintain a clearance of a few centimetres on the top and sides of the inverter when it is in operation.

• Do not use an inverter near flammable or combustible materials or place it in areas such as battery compartments where fumes or gases may accumulate.

(Above): Solar power systems for homes and businesses are increasingly popular to mitigate the impact of ongoing load-shedding

(Above): ASP Fire CEO Michael van Niekerk.

NEW APPOINTMENTS AT MOTHEO

The Motheo Construction Group – the largest black womenmanaged and led construction company in SA and its leading provider of social housing, which has also branched out into general building, civil construction, watersaving technologies and electrical works – has made three new appointments.

Simphiwe Zondi has been appointed general manager of its Electrical Division. He was formerly market manager: Grid Integration at Hitachi Energy and CEO of Consolidated Power Maintenance.

He holds a post-graduate Diploma in Doctoral Studies from GIBS, an MBA from Wits Business School, a Master of Technology: Electrical Engineering from UJ, a BSc Honours: Management of Technology from the University of Pretoria and a Bachelor of Technology: Electrical Engineering and a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, both from the Durban University of Technology.

David Mondlane has been appointed general manager of the building division. He has previously been group commercial director at the Inkanyeli Group and project manager and contracts manager at Group Five Building North.

He has extensive experience in commercial, retail and office building projects for blue-chip companies such as Vodacom, WWB, Zenprop and Brait Ban.

He has completed the Comprehensive Project Management

Programme for Built Environment Practitioners from the University of Pretoria and holds a BTech in construction management and a Diploma in Building from UJ. Monyadziwa Mokhawa has been appointed general manager of the Civils Division.

He holds a BTech in civil engineering: construction management and a NDip Civil Engineering, both from UJ, and is currently busy with his MBA from Mancosa. Mokhawa is also certified as an SACPCMP Professional Construction Manager and as an ECSA Pr Tech (candidate).

(Above, from left): Simphiwe Zondi, David Mondlane and Monyadziwa Mokhawa.

A sustainable economy and functioning communities cannot do without bulk water delivery. Local company Hall Longmore, which manufactures steel pipes, is committed to ongoing research and development and forging partnerships with key stakeholders in order to deliver world-class infrastructure solutions.

MAKING PIPE DREAMS COME TRUE

Hall Longmore’s reputation for project excellence is evident in all its work. One example is its involvement in the Mafenya pumping station and pipeline to the Thlabane Reservoir, a project undertaken by M&D construction on behalf of Magalies Water in the North West province. The design, project and construction management are being handled by Randburg-based MwB Consulting Engineers.

This infrastructure development represents the second phase of Magalies Water’s ongoing expansion and upgrade programme, as part of the Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply Scheme.

The first phase, which involved installing a 42km pipeline, was carried out by a joint venture between M&D and WK Construction and was completed in 2016. The pipe extends from Evergreen at the Vaalkop water treatment plant to the Mafenya Reservoir and the structure required a dual design for a 5Mℓ back-up reservoir within a 50Mℓ reservoir and the primary beneficiaries are the mining industry and the surrounding communities.

The second phase, which is led by Martin van Aswegen, head of the Pipe Division at M&D, will extend the pipeline by 28km from the Mafenya Reservoir – about

5km away from Sun City – to the Mafenya pumping station, from where it will be transferred to the Mafenya pumping station and then to the 30Mℓ Thlabane Reservoir in Rustenburg. The pipeline is 2,53m deep and is housed within a 1,7m-wide trench.

PHASE II PIPE SECTIONS

For the project, Hall Longmore manufactured 5 400 tons of grade X42 PSL 1 steel pipe sections.

Most of it comprises DN 900 pipe, apart from a 240m section where DN 1 200 was specified. All the pipe sections measured 18,288m.

Since the benchmark for the lifespan of steel pipes is about 40

“SINCE THE BENCHMARK FOR THE LIFESPAN OF STEEL PIPES IS ABOUT 40 YEARS, VARIOUS CORROSION PROTECTION MEASURES WERE TAKEN AS PART OF HALL LONGMORE’S ORDER, INCLUDING COATING AND LINING THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PIPE SECTIONS.”

years, various corrosion protection measures were taken as part of Hall Longmore’s order, including coating and lining the internal and external pipe sections. A cathodic protection system will also be progressively installed by M&D to maintain the overall integrity of the buried pipe.

PIPING EXCELLENCE

Hall Longmore’s various corrosion protection systems are suited to diverse design and environmental requirements and include a three-layer polyethylene system, the Xtalene 3935 proprietary fusion bonded medium-density polyethylene (FBMDPE) product for buried pipe and above-ground applications, as well as other traditional coatings.

Made from a uniquely formulated polymer composite material, Xtalene 3935 is the company’s newest coating innovation. It is a proudly South African FBMDPE coating sourced from raw South African materials and blended locally.

The product took almost five years to develop, in conjunction with the CSIR Nanomaterials Industrial Development Facility, working with Hall Longmore’s technical experts. Sasol also came on board as the raw material supplier, as did Xuba from a blending and manufacturing perspective. The result, says Hall Longmore MD Kennith van Rooyen, is a product that sets a new benchmark for performance.

The key benefits of Xtalene 3935 include lower water absorption properties, improved penetrationresistance, enhanced bond strength

yield at over 30MPa (double the required standard of 15MPA) and better cathodic disbondment results. Shore hardness and elongation are also higher.

PIPE PRODUCTION

Hall Longmore has acquired the latest fluidised bed technology to apply Xtalene 3935 along with

allied coating products at its factories in Wadeville, Germiston and Duncanville in Vereeniging. These two factories produce some 230 000 tons of steel pipe annually, predominantly for the local bulk water market, as well as for the local and international gas and oil sectors.

The company recently undertook R60 million facility upgrades at its Wadeville factory to remain current with the American Petroleum Institute standards, which is the global benchmark and requires 99,9% defect-free pipes.

Furthermore, Hall Longmore has acquired the latest automated radiographic testing (RT) technology at its Duncanville factory for non-destructive testing on its helical welded steel pipe range. At the core of this is a specialised fluoroscopic x-ray machine which identifies any weld defects – the first such system to

(Above): The Katse dam in Lesotho is an important source of water supply for the arid Gauteng area around Johannesburg, the industrial heartland of South Africa.

be installed by a South African steel pipe manufacturer, says Van Rooyen, adding that it replaced the analogue system previously used by the company since 1994. Another great advantage of the digital RT system is that it is about 10 times faster in terms of inspection speeds, which means faster just-in-time pipe fabrication and delivery.

The helical welded steel pipes supplied by Hall Longmore have a straightforward bevelled end that requires a standard internal and external welding technique to secure the individual sections.

All the special pipe fittings required – such as bends, tees and valve chambers – were manufactured at M&D’s fabrication facility in Kya Sands, Gauteng. The sections were externally wrapped in a viscoelastic material for corrosion protection, with the internal coating adhering to the same specification as the solvent-free epoxy specified for the Hall Longmore pipe sections. The pipe section field joints are also protected with the viscoelastic material.

To optimise project and programme management, M&D established pipe yards along the route. Martin van Aswegen, head of the company’s pipeline division, says the delivery rate went smoothly at 1,5-1,8km per week, keeping pace with the team’s installation rate of about 900m-1,2km per week.

GOING FORWARD

The Magalies assignment has been hugely encouraging to Hall

Longmore and government’s long-overdue input to addressing the country’s many water-deprived areas is welcome. There has been a renewed focus by the Department of Water and Sanitation on priority projects, as well as the

approximately R40,3 billion allocated for the 2023/24 financial year and some R43,9 billion and R48,4 billion for 2024/25 and 2025/26 years.

Thanks to about R10,1 billion allocated to municipalities for 2023/24 through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant, as well as a further R4.6 billion through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant, desperately-needed upgrades of essential services in various areas around the country will be able to be carried out.

Van Rooyen points out that the ongoing consolidation of South Africa’s water boards will also help to achieve economies of scale, pool expertise and focus regional project execution more effectively, spurring an increased level of tender activity for design and construct projects.

“THESE TWO FACTORIES PRODUCE SOME 230 000 TONS OF STEEL PIPE ANNUALLY, PREDOMINANTLY FOR THE LOCAL BULK WATER MARKET.”

A STANDARD FOR ASSESSING CARBON EMISSIONS

The International Chamber of Commerce and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) – which has over 50 000 members in more than 130 countries worldwide – have joined in the development of a standard to assess carbon emissions across the entire building life-cycle.

The proposed Standard 240P

– Evaluating Greenhouse Gas (GHG) and Carbon Emissions in Building Design, Construction and Operation – will establish how to measure and verify the greenhouse gases (GHG) and carbon emissions of a building, or group of buildings. The goal is to provide consistent procedures and data to be referenced by policies, codes and other standards that address new and existing building performance. “There’s a growing demand around the world for consistent building decarbonisation guidance that acknowledges the impact of carbon emissions transpired from the beginning of the construction phase

to demolition, and accounts for the changes in building operation and performance over time,” says 2022/23 ASHRAE president and life member Farooq Mehboob. “This proposed standard will offer a comprehensive structure for evaluating energy use and serve as a keystone towards harmonising guidance within the global marketplace.”

The proposed standard will cover:

• All buildings, including existing and new, residential and commercial, and groups of buildings or portions of them.

• Determination, including the calculation methodology and expression of building zero net GHG and zero net carbon status in building operations.

• Calculation of GHG and carbon emissions associated with onand off-site material, energy and carbon flows.

• Embodied GHG and carbon emissions of building materials and systems.

“Buildings and the building construction sector are responsible for about 40% of total CO2 emissions globally. As energy codes continue to deliver increased reductions in building operational energy use, a holistic approach that addresses the entire building life-cycle is essential,” says Code Council CEO Dominic Sims, CBO. “The council is dedicated to supporting communities worldwide in meeting their energy and decarbonisation goals; the proposed standard 240P will be an essential tool towards reducing the impacts of buildings and adapting to an ever-changing climate.”

A call for new committee members has been issued to develop proposed Standard 240P. Those interested in serving on the committee can find more information at: ashrae.org/ StandardsActions. Applications are due on 26 September 2023.

A SOUTH AFRICAN FIRST

THE NEW HONEY AND VANILLA FACEBRICK RANGE

Corobrik is ushering in a new era of architectural creativity with the launch of its Honey & Vanilla facebrick range. This innovative collection comprises three remarkable bricks – Vanilla Travertine, the nation’s first “white” brick, and Vanilla and Honey facebricks, boasting an artisanal finish reminiscent of handcrafted texture. Notably, these are the inaugural engobed bricks to emerge from the new state-ofthe-art Corobrik Kwastina factory, signalling a significant shift in the brick manufacturing industry.

ENGOBED BRICKS: A SOUTH AFRICAN FIRST IN “WHITE” BRICKS

Corobrik introduces the Vanilla Travertine brick as a revolutionary starting point in brick colouration. Engobed bricks have a surface of ceramic glaze which is expertly sintered onto their surface, creating a ceramic bond between the engobe and the clay brick. These engobe coatings offer architects and developers a spectrum of brick colours limited only by their imagination, adding vibrancy and diversity to architectural designs.

WHY ENGOBED BRICKS

TRUMP PAINTED BRICKS

Engobed bricks outshine their

painted counterparts in terms of longevity and maintenance. Paint tends to peel and degrade over time, necessitating frequent upkeep. Engobed bricks, on the other hand, preserve their colour and structural integrity forever, providing architects and builders with a durable and cost-effective, long-term solution. Walls built with engobed brick can easily

be cleaned by high-pressure cleaners without damaging their surface or colour.

Corobrik’s Honey and Vanilla facebrick range is more than just a new product offering: it’s an invitation to architects and builders to explore the boundless possibilities of innovative brickwork. These bricks are the canvas upon which creativity can flourish, pushing the envelope of architectural design and construction. As South Africa welcomes this revolution in brick manufacturing, we anticipate the transformation of the architectural landscape, one brick at a time.

“ THESE BRICKS ARE THE CANVAS UPON WHICH CREATIVITY CAN FLOURISH, PUSHING THE ENVELOPE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.”

South African Builder is the official journal for the Master Builders SA (MBSA). Published since 1923, it offers the latest news in the building and construction industry, as well as topical discussions on industry projects, products, and personalities. The magazine is distributed to all the members of the Master Builders Associations (MBA) in SA, as well as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), which includes architects, structural engineers, quantity surveyors, small, medium and large contractors, subcontractors and builders' merchants. Your brand is invited to join the MBSA as it celebrates South African Builder’s centenary in 2023.

MODERN DESIGN. MADE THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY.

At Swartland, we only know one way to make doors and windows, and that’s to last. Our Kenzo range is built from strong, lightweight aluminium-alloy frames allowing for expansive walls of light, space and seamless integration with nature. Kenzo windows and doors require very little maintenance and never need to be painted – the perfect combination of durability and affordability. All products are SANS 613 certified and compliant.

Call us on 086 110 2425 or visit www.swartland.co.za for more info.

Free State Piling, a division of Gauteng Piling, has secured a contract for the provision of foundation piling for extensions to the Dihlabeng Regional Hospital in Bethlehem in the Free State.

Free State Piling – established in 1997 and now under the leadership of Gauteng Piling founder Nico Maas – was appointed for the project by the main contractor, Ruwacon Construction.

Keoatlaretse Tema, contract manager for Free State Piling, who is in charge of the Dihlabeng Regional Hospital piling project, says the company was contracted to provide 550 auger piles in three phases for the hospital extensions. The first two have been completed and the third phase will be tackled in June next year.

“The piles being installed for the second phase range in size from 300-900mm, depending on the loads. Steel reinforcement cages of 200-750mm are being installed in the piled foundations to support the weight load and prevent structural collapse.

“Our piling project will provide foundations for three new blocks planned for the Dihlabeng Regional Hospital extensions. The first two-storey block is 1 200m² in extent, the second block is also 1 200m² with four floors and a basement, while the final structure has two sections covering 1 097m² and 1 137m² respectively. This block will also have four floors plus a basement,” says Tema.

Gauteng Pilling is using its trusted Williams Digger LDH drilling

MAJOR BETHLEHEM HOSPITAL PILING CONTRACT

rig to excavate the auger piling foundations. Auger cast piles are foundations drilled to the final depth in a continuous process using a flight auger. “Versatile Williams rigs are the benchmarks for auger piling worldwide and can efficiently handle piles of up to 1 000mm,” explains Tema. “The main challenge for the rig on this project has been soft rock encountered at a relatively shallow depth. However, we’ve successfully dealt with the problems.”

The Gauteng Piling Group – a Level 2 BBBEE contributor – has acquired extensive experience in its 27 years of operations, including providing the foundation for the Mall of Africa in Midrand, and expanding both the Fourways Mall and the Cresta Shopping Centre.

For further information, visit: www.gautengpiling.co.za

(Above): An aerial view of piling excavations at the Bethlehem site.

(Above): The reinforcing steel cage being inserted on the Bethlehem site.

(Below): The Williams Digger LDH drilling rig on site in Bethlehem.

REVOLUTIONISING AFRICAN INDUSTRIES

The future of African industries is experiencing a transformative shift with the introduction of cutting-edge advanced manufacturing solutions. Advanced manufacturing is defined as “the practice of using innovative technologies and methods to improve and enhance competitiveness within the manufacturing sector”. Groundbreaking initiatives are being implemented in various African manufacturing entities and are aimed to propel the continent’s industrial landscape into a new era of efficiency, innovation and sustainability.

In collaboration with leading global technology partners and local stakeholders, the Manufacturing Indaba Conference & Exhibition will be hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 24-26 October 2023. It is committed to fostering economic development across the continent through discussions about the implementation of advanced manufacturing techniques. With a steadfast focus on enhancing productivity, reducing waste and driving

sustainable practices, advanced manufacturing is poised to reshape industries and uplift communities.

KEY FEATURES OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING FOR AFRICA

Technological leap: Advanced manufacturing seeks to introduce state-of-the-art technologies, such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), robotics, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to enable more efficient and precise production processes.

Capacity-building: Through knowledge-sharing, training programmes and skills development initiatives, advanced manufacturing aims to empower local talent with the expertise needed to harness these advanced technologies, creating a highly skilled workforce.

Sustainable practices: Environmental responsibility is a core pillar of the implementation of advanced manufacturing. By implementing cleaner and more resource-efficient manufacturing processes, we aim to minimise the ecological footprint, while contributing to sustainable development goals.

Economic growth: The adoption of advanced manufacturing will undoubtedly bolster African economic growth by attracting investments, driving innovation and enhancing global competitiveness.

Cross-industry impact: From aerospace and automotive to healthcare and consumer goods, the benefits of advanced manufacturing will be felt across a diverse range of industries, fuelling their evolution and expansion.

Collaborative ecosystem: The Manufacturing Indaba recognises the importance of collaboration. The event coordinating team is working closely with governments, development agencies, educational institutions and industry associations to create a collaborative ecosystem that will foster innovation and drive shared success.

To register and find further details about the event, visit: https:// manufacturingindaba.co.za/ register-conference-jhb/.

POWERED PERFECTION

Long a trusted and respected leader in the production and supply of custom-made precast offerings, Twinstar also has a wide range of other precast concrete products, including items for stormwater, water reticulation, polymer manhole covers and grids, telecommunications, manhole covers, square manholes and more.

With the current electricity crisis in SA and the need for generators and solar installations, Twinstar is also focusing on manufacturing custom plinths for generator installations, as well as bases and anchor blocks for solar installations.

In addition, we offer a wide range of standard precast products for electrical reticulation and installations to Eskom, City Power and council specifications.

Designed with expert precision, and delivered timeously and

TWINSTAR

Unit 21, Hunky Dory, Business Park, 9 Goedehoop Avenue, Olifantsfontein, Gauteng Tel: (012) 670 9083

E-mail: info@twinstar.co.za

Website: www.twinstar.co.za

reliably, our electrical products include standard mini-sub and kiosk plinths, trench covers for cable protection, cable markers, electrical joint boxes, distribution boxes and kiosk boxes used by municipalities to protect prepaid meter boxes from vandalism and theft – a prime consideration at present.

We also specialise in customdesign and manufacture of products to suit specific project requirements known throughout the construction and electrical industry for their durability, versatility, cost-effectiveness and aesthetic appeal. Designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, they are manufactured using advanced techniques and undergo stringent quality checks before being made available to clients. The products are supplied with meticulous manufacturer’s guidelines for installation which ensure correct positioning, proper alignment and stability.

The overall value of all Twinstar products makes them an excellent choice for a wide range of civil construction and electrical applications. They are also environmentally friendly, designed for a long lifespan and low maintenance.

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF CLOUDNATIVE ARCHITECTURE IN SA

(Above): Sarthak Rohal.

By Sarthak Rohal, vice-president: IT Services, In2IT Technologies

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, South African businesses must embrace innovative approaches to stay competitive. Cloud-native architecture, an approach to designing, constructing and operating workloads that are built in the cloud and take full advantage of the cloud computing model, has emerged as a gamechanger, offering scalability, agility and elasticity by leveraging the power of the cloud. Its popularity is growing rapidly across businesses of all sizes – with good reason.

SCALING AGILITY

Unlike traditional on-premises applications, cloud-native applications excel at handling fluctuations in traffic and

workloads. Businesses can effortlessly scale their resources up or down as needed, enabling prompt adaptation to changing demands. This flexibility empowers South African businesses to respond swiftly to market fluctuations, meeting customer needs without compromising performance or over-spending on unnecessary resources.

Furthermore, cloud-native architecture eliminates the need for significant upfront investments in hardware and software. Instead, businesses only pay for the resources they use through a payas-you-go model. This approach allows for precise cost optimisation, as resources can be scaled based on actual demand. By avoiding over-provisioning and optimising resource utilisation, businesses in SA can allocate their budgets more efficiently, focusing on areas that drive revenue and growth.

RELIABILITY AND RESILIENCE

The consequences of downtime and service disruptions are significant, including lost revenue, damage to brand reputation and dissatisfied customers. Features such as automatic scaling, loadbalancing and distributed data storage within a cloud-native architecture minimise downtime, providing peace of mind through service excellence. Even if one server goes down, cloud-native applications continue to function seamlessly, ensuring uninterrupted service for customers.

“THE CONSEQUENCES OF DOWNTIME AND SERVICE DISRUPTIONS ARE SIGNIFICANT, INCLUDING LOST REVENUE, DAMAGE TO BRAND REPUTATION AND DISSATISFIED CUSTOMERS.”

FEATURE

While uptime is crucial, businesses also need to innovate in order to stay relevant and they are pressed to bring new products and services to market rapidly. Tools and capabilities within the modular nature of cloud-native architecture facilitate agile development, testing and deployment. Components can easily be updated or replaced, enabling businesses to experiment, iterate and respond swiftly to market demands. Embracing cloud-native architecture allows businesses to outpace competitors, foster a culture of innovation and capitalise on emerging opportunities.

It also gives businesses access to cutting-edge cloud-based tools such as big data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence. These technologies enable businesses to gain valuable insights, make data-driven decisions and automate processes. Leveraging these capabilities optimises operations, enhances customer experiences and drives competitive advantages within their respective industries.

STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS

Personalising customer experiences is vital for businesses to remain relevant and foster customer loyalty. Cloud-native applications empower businesses to collect and analyse customer data, allowing them to tailor their products, services and marketing strategies to individual customer needs. This personalised approach enhances customer satisfaction and strengthens the bond between businesses and their customers.

By automating tasks and processes, cloud-native applications help businesses streamline their operations, freeing up time and resources for more strategic activities. This improved operational efficiency allows businesses to focus on innovation, drive growth and deliver exceptional value to their customers.

Cloud-native architecture significantly reduces IT costs by eliminating the need for onpremises hardware and software.

By leveraging the infrastructure and services provided by cloud providers, businesses only pay for what they use. This cost optimisation allows them to strategically allocate their financial resources, investing in areas that drive growth and innovation.

EMBRACING CLOUDNATIVE ARCHITECTURE FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS

Embracing cloud-native architecture unlocks a world of possibilities for South African businesses. Its advantages, including seamless scalability, precise cost optimisation, uninterrupted operations, accelerated innovation, access to advanced technologies, personalised customer experiences, streamlined operations and cost reduction, position it as a catalyst for success. Businesses across various industries in the country should consider adopting cloudnative architecture to gain a competitive edge, drive digital innovation and thrive in the dynamic digital landscape.

“CLOUD-NATIVE ARCHITECTURE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES IT COSTS BY ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR ON-PREMISES HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE.”

MIXED-REALITY TECHNOLOGY

The future of project planning and progress tracking with Trimble’s XR10

In recent years, the construction industry has seen a significant increase in the adoption of mixedreality technology. Mixed reality (MR), a combination of virtual and augmented reality, offers a new way of visualising and interacting with construction and mining projects, allowing for more accurate and efficient planning, design and construction processes. With the development of lightweight, wearable devices such as the Trimble XR10 with HoloLens 2 headset, MR is becoming more accessible and integrated into the workflows of construction and mining professionals.

One such professional is Pierre Henderson, technical director of Xodus Enterprises, who has taken this to heart and has been using MR in his business in the planning and progress-tracking of projects using 3D design models, known as 4D simulation.

HOW THE XR10 WORKS

The company focuses mainly on complex plant environments on mines and brownfield projects, such as furnace rebuilds, during

their highly time-constrained maintenance shutdowns. The Trimble XR10 MR technology has allowed the company to overcome many of the discrepancies that arise in the construction industry.

“Rebuilding the furnace every year is a major undertaking and we’ve picked up many discrepancies which I believe exist on all construction sites. After a 3D laser scan, engineers design the furnace and it travels through a few channels, where it’s signed off by several individuals who make adjustments along the way. It then goes to production and installation on-site. The number of hands involved in early design often introduces several variations,” says Henderson.

The MR technology has allowed Xodus Enterprises to identify interferences and clashes which are not immediately apparent in the design phase. By loading the 3D design models onto the headset and taking the model holographically to site, the company can check for issues that may arise during the construction phase.

“The first area for which we use the XR10 is literally after the design’s been done. We load the 3D model onto the headset, take it holographically to site and check for problems, interferences and clashes that may arise during the construction phase,” explains Henderson.

Walking through the furnace (or any other site) with the

“WHEN MEASUREMENT DIFFERENCES ARE DETECTED, THE DEVICE ENABLES YOU TO TAKE MEASUREMENTS BETWEEN THE VIRTUAL MODEL AND THE REAL WORLD.”

headset on, the visuals show 3D images overlaid on the actual surroundings. Looking in all directions, it is immediately evident where pipes are overlapping doorways, for example, or where they end abruptly, as well as where the model syncs exactly.

The use of the XR10 is integral to Xodus Enterprises’ operations, particularly when it comes to evaluating the correctness and speed of erection. By analysing and identifying problems on site, the MR technology has enabled the company to assess the magnitude of issues and determine whether they can be resolved on-site or whether they should be escalated to manufacturing. This has resulted in significant cost-savings and minimised delays that could have impacted the project timeline.

BENEFITS OF USING MR TECHNOLOGY

Furthermore, the Trimble XR10

enables Xodus Enterprises to make changes and corrections to the model quickly and efficiently. The company uploads a new model to the Trimble Connect cloud-based common data environment every two to three weeks, allowing engineers to identify and correct any issues that may have arisen in the previous model. This iterative approach enables the company to ensure that the project stays on schedule, is current and on budget.

“When measurement differences are detected, the device enables you to take measurements between the virtual model and the real world. There’s a built-in lidar scanner inside the headset. The entire time the headset’s busy scanning your environment, you can take physical measurements where you see the discrepancies between what’s physically there and the model. You can snap to the model, snap to the real world, measure the incongruities that

you see and quantify them live,” says Brent Godfrey, construction technology manager of BuildingPoint SA.

“WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET”

Further down the line, Henderson envisages the XR10 being integrated not just into sitechecking, but into maintenance – for example, accessing different kinds of equipment on site, where through the headset, crews can check which machine is close to its maintenance cycle, which one has to be replaced, etc, with data drawn from the central control system.

“This technology has opened quite a few new business opportunities for my company from a quality control point of view in three areas: evaluation before a site installation, during site installation and postconstruction quality control. For the first time, it’s bridged the gap between signed-off drawings and what’s manufactured and delivered to the site. It’s the first time that you can literally opt for the model that’s been created and then have the drawings populated from it. We check the model on site, so there’s no discrepancy made by going from one person to another – there’s no paperwork in between: you literally see it on site as it will appear. What you see is what you get. There are no sudden surprises or budget shocks,” says Henderson.

Among the extensive range of flooring systems from abe Construction Chemicals are two popular and effective surfacehardeners for industrial floors: abeplate and abecron C LA.

abe Construction Chemicals – for decades a trusted supplier for both contractors and home improvers in SA – is now in its 91st year of operations and recently became part of Saint-Gobain Africa.

abeplate is the SA flooring industry’s premier, iron-armoured, dry-shake surface-hardener for industrial floors. The product is ideal for surfaces with heavy traffic, impact and abrasion, floors needing additional abrasion and impact-resistance at reasonable cost and areas where surface dusting is unacceptable.

ABE SURFACE-HARDENERS WIN WIDE SUPPORT FROM FLOORING INDUSTRY

Its advantages include:

• The pre-mixed, ready-toapply surface-hardener is more easily applied at normal or hot temperatures for floors requiring moderate to maximum thicknesses of iron-armouring by the dry-shake method.

• The high-strength metallic floor surfaces offer greater wearresistance than hard, but brittle mineral aggregates such as emery or granite.

• abeplate’s high-density, less permeable surfaces reduce the potential penetration of oil, grease and other industrial chemicals.

• The wear-resistant polished or non-slip floors offer a long service life with low repair and maintenance, as well as reduced wear by the wheels of material handling equipment.

abecron C LA is a non-metallic, modified level-assisting natural

aggregate dry shake surface hardener in a ready-to-use form for hardening interior and exterior concrete floors with light or moderate traffic.

When applied over freshly levelled and floated concrete, abecron C LA provides a low-cost solution for hardening new industrial, commercial or residential concrete floors. It is ideal for areas where attractive, more uniform colour is required, such as warehousing and storage areas, automotive maintenance areas and other maintenance facilities.

Available in selected colours, its benefits include:

• Increased strength and improved wear-resistance with twice the lifespan of ordinary concrete floors.

• It greatly facilitates the floors’ power floating process with substantially faster application.

• High-density, easy-to-clean surfaces with exceptional resistance to liquid penetration.

• Dustless technology to reduce health risks and area contamination.

The conventional way of applying the hardeners still applies today for smaller contractors, or for applications where more modern systems are not considered. However, it is important that all precautions are taken to manage the elements of direct sun and wind, which could cause rapid moisture loss from the surface and possible surface delamination if not controlled effectively.

The latest methods of placing concrete and finishing have evolved over time. These now incorporate laser-levelling equipment, the use of special dry shake spreader equipment to apply the powder immediately following the placing of the concrete and then finishing with ride-on equipment for both floating and trowelling

operations. This allows for bigger areas to be completed and dramatically improved speed of placing, finishing and quality of levels.

For finishing coloured floors, special finishing power floats utilising plastic blades now allow bigger areas to be completed while still providing exceptional fine finishes, as seen in flooring for Gauteng such as Makro and Leroy Merlin.

Final curing, densification and fine-polishing of the surfaces have further enhanced the quality and durability of the final finish.

Among abe’s approved floor hardener applicators with the latest equipment and updated skills is CHC-SA Concrete Floors, headed by Chris Howes, which has used abe products for highprofile flooring projects such as commercial shop floors and industrial warehouse floors.

• For further information, visit: www.abe.co.za.

(Left and below): Various work-in-progress stages, as well as a completed industrial floor project, using abe surface hardener products.

PRODUCTS

When it comes to selecting water repellents and corrosion inhibitors for construction and repair projects, Cortec® MCI® suggests asking the following questions to guide the decision-making process and optimise results:

IS THE PROJECT FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION OR CONCRETE REPAIR?

Corrosion-inhibiting admixtures followed by a waterproofing membrane on the concrete surface are more common for new structures, while water repellents, waterproofing membranes and MCI® surface-applied corrosion inhibitors (SACIs) are more commonly applied to existing structures.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATE OF THE STRUCTURE?

For concrete structures in need of repair, examining current conditions will help engineers understand why the repair is needed and help guide their repair philosophy. For instance, if the concrete has cracking and leakage, the engineer will need

QUESTIONS TO OPTIMISE MCI®/WATER REPELLENT SELECTION

to determine how to correct the underlying problem. Engineers may also evaluate the depth of carbonation, the concentration of chlorides present and the degree of metal loss on the rebar. The presence of carbonation or chlorides could indicate a need to cut out as much of the

old concrete as possible and use an SACI such as MCI®-2020 before applying a waterproofing membrane. Otherwise, the “disease” will be trapped underneath the membrane, allowing the corrosion process to continue and causing the structure to deteriorate from the inside out. If reinforcement bars have been substantially corroded, engineers may recommend replacing them. If enough metal remains, they may either mechanically clean and remove the corrosion products or chemically treat them with CorrVerter® MCI® to passivate the rebars.

WHAT KIND OF WATER EXPOSURE IS EXPECTED?

A concrete floor in the middle of a residential building is likely to have little or no exposure to

damaging water or corrosives and may therefore require no corrosion inhibitors, water repellents or waterproofing. In contrast, concrete structures that will be in direct contact with water, such as a concrete substructure exposed to a high water table, could require an MCI® admixture or SACI in addition to a waterproofing membrane. Other structures may only need a dual water repellent/ SACI such as MCI®-2018 or MCI®-2019 to provide adequate protection where there is exposure to moisture, but not constant hydrostatic pressure.

WHAT ARE THE DESIRED SERVICE LIFE AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE?

Other important factors to consider are the desired service life and maintenance intervals. MCI® admixtures like MCI®-2005 can greatly extend service life predictions in new structures at a lower cost than other strategies, such as the use of epoxy-coated rebar. The use of corrosion inhibitors in conjunction with water protection systems can further enhance the service life. When it comes to existing structures,

project-owners who want repairs to last 20 years without maintenance can use an SACI such as MCI®-2020, followed by a waterproofing membrane, since membrane systems typically carry warranties of 20 years or longer. However, some DOTs reapply water repellents every five years as part of their routine maintenance and will be very satisfied with the seven- to 10-year re-application recommendation for MCI®-2018 or MCI®-2019 two-in-one SACI water repellents.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT SPECIFICATION?

What products have been previously used or are currently

specified? For instance, if a water repellent has already been applied, a water-based SACI such as MCI®2020 will not be able to penetrate the concrete pores and should be replaced by MCI®-2019, which can be applied on top of other partially remaining silane water repellents. Asking engineers what products are typically used can also make it easier to identify areas of potential waste. Sometimes MCI®-2018 is all that is needed instead of both MCI®-2020 and a waterproofing membrane.

Contact Cortec® MCI® for further help choosing a tailored combination of MCI® and waterrepelling materials.

“FOR CONCRETE STRUCTURES IN NEED OF REPAIR, EXAMINING CURRENT CONDITIONS WILL HELP ENGINEERS UNDERSTAND WHY THE REPAIR IS NEEDED AND HELP GUIDE THEIR REPAIR PHILOSOPHY.”

WOMAN ON TOP

During August, operations and maintenance service provider to the steam and boiler sector, Associated Energy Services (AES), celebrated the pioneering, energetic women who are challenging stereotypes within the engineering and industrial space, says MD Chris Paterson.

“Historically, the boilerhouse operations and maintenance sector has been dominated by men. There weren’t many women, particularly on site. However, more recently, this has started to change,” he observes.

As engineering and industrial skills are in short supply, AES had developed women internally by employing female boiler assistants and then training and promoting them into operational and maintenance positions.

AES currently has 58 women out of a total of 307 staff in its workforce,

most of whom are site-based in hands-on energy operations and maintenance roles.

An added bonus is that more women have embarked on technical training in recent years and AES has identified a number of very strong female candidates.

Paterson says AES has always employed the best person for the job and that all the women within AES are there strictly on merit. However, he admits that a number of challenges remain, especially when placing female employees on clients’ manufacturing sites, such as a lack of women’s changing rooms and other facilities. Where women

need to use public transport and are potentially at risk, AES provides self-defence training.

Notwithstanding these challenges, the company places much value on diversity and is employing more women in line with this ethos. Paterson says he is also looking forward to seeing more female staff obtain Government Certificates of Competency (GCCs) in the mechanical, technical or electrical sectors in the near future.

REPAINTING THE PICTURE OF WOMEN IN ENGINEERING

Portia Monama joined AES in February 2021, starting as a procurement administrator before being promoted to her current position as procurement manager.

(Above, from left): Sonica Kock, Caitlin La Reservee and Portia Monama from AES.

She believes it is particularly important for women to be included in engineering:

“I think any industrial or engineering company which excludes women is limiting itself when it comes to the amount of knowledge, experience and talent women can bring to any organisation. For me, it’s crucial to be deliberate about gender diversity and about developing women in these historically maledominated spaces,” she says.

This will be achieved at grassroots level. “We must literally ‘repaint’ the pictures of different industries through things as small as circulating more images of women wearing personal protective equipment on site. Once these become more mainstream, it will inspire more women to enter the engineering field, challenging the stereotypical perception that this is a difficult field for them to work in.”

In terms of AES, however, Monama values the extent to which the company has supported, empowered and upskilled its female employees.

“Ultimately, AES holds women to the same performance standards as men. Women are in meaningful positions performing worthwhile jobs and their employment isn’t just about legislative compliance or ‘box-ticking’. For me, that speaks to the integrity of AES and its understanding that as women, we don’t want special treatment,” she says. Her advice to other young women hoping to follow in her footsteps is simple: “Go to school! We can only

rely on talent, policies and women development initiatives to a certain extent. Get the experience. If you’re going into an industry like this, don’t be afraid to go into the trenches and get your hands dirty.”

the integrated management system representative in the region,” she says.

Kock’s next career goal is enrolling for a NEBOSH international qualification in environmental health and safety.

Another important role for her is building and facilitating inter-staff relationships. “This is where my passion lies, heart and soul. We have an open-door policy where everyone feels comfortable discussing their issues and concerns. We offer a safe environment where everybody gets treated equally and with respect, understanding and support. Good employer relationships in the workplace result in satisfied employees and a positive environment increases operational efficiencies,” she maintains.

This nurturing environment is just one of the factors that makes AES an employer of choice for its employees, she adds.

BUILDING A SAFE, NURTURING ENVIRONMENT

Sonika Kock joined AES in November 2013 as regional administrator in the Eastern Cape, a role that she says involves being everything from mother to psychologist to team player.

A career highlight was being part of AES’s ISO for 9001, 14001 and 45001 implementation and certification in 2015. “With no prior ISO exposure and experience, it was extremely challenging, but a highly rewarding process. After the certification, I was appointed

“The AES ethos rests on three focal points: people, plant and performance, of which the first is people. Everyone’s given the same resources and opportunities, regardless of gender and circumstances. ”

WOMEN AS ROLE MODELS IN ENGINEERING

Caitlin La Reservee graduated with a diploma in mechanical engineering in April 2020 and joined AES in November that year as a production technician. Two years later, she was promoted to her current role as production supervisor in the Eastern Cape.

“I THINK ANY INDUSTRIAL OR ENGINEERING COMPANY WHICH EXCLUDES WOMEN IS LIMITING ITSELF WHEN IT COMES TO THE AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND TALENT WOMEN CAN BRING TO ANY ORGANISATION.”

FOCUS

She believes women have a vital and dynamic role to play in engineering. “Engineering allows one to be creative, inventive and to solve real-life

allows them to infuse the industrial space with fresh experience, ideas and perspectives,” she says.

La Reservee believes it is also important to change the way women in the engineering and industrial sectors are perceived.

“We must address misconceptions about how broad the sector is. If women had a better understanding of what engineering entails – particularly from secondary school level – I think they’d join the profession.

We need more women as role models in engineering,” she says.

Through offering bursaries and apprenticeships for women in engineering, La Reservee says companies like AES can help to bridge the gender gap.

“During my time with the company, I’ve completed numerous short courses specifically relevant to my duties and responsibilities, equipping me to grow within my career.”

She also credits associate director and Eastern Cape regional manager Raymond Lund with not only recognising her potential, but ensuring that she is constantly challenged.

Asked what advice she would give those wishing to follow a similar career path, she quotes the character Dory from Finding Nemo: “‘Just keep swimming’ and you’ll be noticed, rewarded and come out on top,” she says.

AES has been in existence for over 25 years and is widely regarded as the leader in steam and boiler operations and maintenance service in SA. Target industry sectors include power generation, chemical, plastics and rubber, timber, pulp and paper, textiles, food and beverages, dairy, poultry and mining.

The company aims to assist industrial plants to optimise their energy production processes and achieve energy usage best practices through the following offerings: the mitigation of risk and the reduction of plant downtime; the procurement of efficient fuel combustion; assistance with the care of assets over the plant’s lifetime; diversification of the plant’s energy resources; improvement in site operations, and a reduction in carbon footprint.

AES subscribes to the highest ethics and operates according to high safety standards, process excellence and product and service innovation, exhibiting a commitment to quality, technology advancement and the development of human capital. It invests heavily in training and the promotion of talented people on an equalopportunity basis into the industrial operations environment. The company believes that making a positive difference to communities and the environment is the best way to ensure that everyone benefits from good work.

AES is ISO 9001-, 14001- and 45001-certified, ensuring that the company maintains a focus on achieving, benchmarking and optimising its processes and activities.

HVAC SERVICE AGREEMENTS CAN REDUCE TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP

When the productive uptime of capital equipment is compromised by heating, ventilation and airconditioning (HVAC) failure, a primary casualty is the machine’s total cost of ownership (TCO) –making regular servicing a vital investment.

With strict health and safety regulations, even faulty air-conditioners can bring work to a standstill, points out Booyco Engineering MD Brenton Spies. The answer, he says, is regular and quality maintenance planned in advance and conducted by skilled technicians.

“On mining or earthmoving sites – where temperatures can be extreme and dust is an everpresent factor – it’s a regulation that an operator’s cab must be comfortable,” he explains. “This means that when an HVAC system goes down, there’s a real possibility that conditions will make

the operator stop work, which can seriously affect productivity.”

To avoid such situations, Booyco Engineering not only supplies custom-engineered HVAC solutions for these trucks, but can also maintain and service them regularly. The company offers a maintenance agreement – also known as a “man on site” – which dedicates the necessary skills and experience to the customer’s equipment.

“We can also offer customers an extended warranty on our equipment,” he says. “Our HVAC units can last 20 years or more if they’re well looked after.”

When the company designs its products, it develops the optimal schedules for replacement of certain components, according to Grant Miller, executive director at Booyco Engineering. These schedules also set out the intervals for service interventions.

“This is specifically designed for the customer to achieve the lowest TCO from these units, but the designated work needs to be conducted timeously – and by a specialised technician,” says Miller.

Booyco Engineering has also introduced a learnership scheme in which young technicians who have completed their college courses are given 12 months of intensive theoretical and on-site training in the company’s HVAC range.

“This gives us the skills foundation on which to grow our technicians; we can therefore offer customers maintenance contracts on a range of HVAC installations,” says Miller.

The interventions within a maintenance agreement are planned to fit in with the customer’s work programme so that there is as little disruption as possible. Booyco Engineering has recently rationalised its product offering so that HVAC units can be deployed over multiple vehicle types.

(Left): For mining and earthmoving trucks to deliver the lowest TCO, they need to stay operational – which means no stoppages due to air-conditioning system failure.

(Above): Booyco Engineering offers a maintenance agreement which dedicates the necessary skills and experience to the customer’s equipment.

The Na onal Home B ilders Registra on Co ncil (NHBRC) is a stat tor bod ith the main responsibilit of pro iding protec on in terms of Ho sing Cons mer Meas res Acts, (Act No of ).

Its mandate is to provide protection for housing consumers against defined defects and to regulate the homebuilding industry.

NHBRC products and services

In order to fulfil its mission, the NHBRC is structured to provide a variety of valuable final products (VFPs) and services.

•Enrolment of new homes.

•Home-builder registration.

•Home-building inspections.

•Home-builder training and development.

•Home-building dispute resolution.

•Litigation and legal advisory services.

•Geo-technical and materials engineering.

The mandate of the NHBRC

•To establish and to promote ethical and technical standards in the homebuilding industry.

•To improve structural quality in the interest of housing consumers and the home-building industry.

•To promote housing consumer rights and to provide housing consumer information.

•To communicate with and to assist homebuilders to register in terms of this Act.

•To assist home builders, through training and inspection, to achieve and to maintain satisfactory technical standards of home building.

•To achieve the stated objectives of this section in the subsidy housing sector.

•To regulate insurers contemplated in section 23(9)(a).

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MBA REGIONAL LISTING AND AFFILIATE MEMBERS

Master Builders Association

Boland

Contact: Daniel Uys

E-mail: info@mbaboland.org.za

Tel: 021 863 3330

Master Builders Association

East Cape

Contact: Greg Steele

E-mail: ecmba@global.co.za

Tel: 041 365 1835

Master Builders Association

Free State

Contact: Stephan Claassen

E-mail: admin@mbafs.co.za

Tel: 057 352 6269

Master Builders Association

North

Contact: Mohau Mphomela

E-mail: info@mbanorth.co.za

Tel: 011 805 6611

Master Builders Association

KwaZulu-Natal

Contact: Vikashnee Harbhajan

E-mail: info@masterbuilders.co.za

Tel: 031 266 7070

Master Builders Association

Greater Boland

Contact: Duane Phillips

E-mail: info@mbagreaterboland.org.za

Tel: 023 342 6964

Master Builders Association

Northern Cape

Contact: Graham Andrews

E-mail: info@mbanc.org.za

Tel: 053 832 1762

Master Builders Association

Western Cape

Contact: Roekeya Bardien

E-mail: info@mbawc.org.za

Tel: 021 685 2625

Association of Architectural Aluminium Manufacturers of SA

Contact: Johan Heyneke

E-mail: reception@aaamsa.co.za

Tel: 011 805 5002

WOMEN OF POWER

Leading technology and solutions provider ABB boasts not one, but two women in key positions who embody the concept of generation equality, connecting SA to the global initiative of achieving gender parity by 2030. This objective underpinned the company’s celebration of Women’s Day on 9 August under the theme: “Women’s Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment: Building Back Better for Women’s Improved Resilience”.

Jacky Mbanga, HR business partner for ABB Electrification SA, holds an Honours degree in industrial psychology and has worked at the company for eight years. Her duties involve partnering with key business stakeholders to identify talent management requirements for technical and functional professionals.

“Working in a male-dominated environment often means navigating barriers and proving myself in the boardroom. However, I know my purpose and raise my voice when it matters. Seeing people grow in their careers fuels my passion to make a difference every day,” she says.

Ziyanda Gova, HSE manager in ABB Electrification’s Service Division, holds a degree in environmental monitoring and modelling, a qualification in environmental management, a certificate in business management practice and a certificate in safety management.

Leading a team of four, she plays a vital role in ensuring overall compliance with health, safety and environmental standards within the division. She also supports tender reviews, manages reporting and fosters a culture of safety awareness.

“When you put extra effort into your job performance, it doesn’t go unnoticed at ABB, which makes working here rewarding,” she says.

ABB’s Global Diversity & Inclusion Strategy 2030 plans to double the proportion of female managers worldwide over the next decade.

Cons

when building your haven

mer Meas res Acts, (Act No of ).

BRAND SUPPORTERS

MAKE SURE IT’S A COROBRIK ©

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The mandate of the NHBRC

AFRISAM

its mission, the structured to provide valuable final products services.

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•To establish and to promote ethical and technical standards in the homebuilding industry

•To improve structural quality in the interest of housing consumers and the home-building industry.

ALVA PROJECTS

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•To promote housing consumer rights and to provide housing consumer information.

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•To communicate with and to assist homebuilders to register in terms of this Act.

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COROBRIK®

•To assist home builders, through training and inspection, to achieve and to maintain satisfactory technical standards of home building.

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011 871 8600 (Gauteng)

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•To achieve the stated objectives of this section in the subsidy housing sector o regulate insurers contemplated in

Geo-technical and materials

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As the construction industry stakeholders, we have the responsibility to preserve the family one bread winner at a time by ensuring “zero” work-related accidents in the industry, so a loved one can return home, to the embrace of family and friends. It ensures a child does not walk this journey called life without the foundation of self, acceptance, unconditional sacrifices, joy, support and love – that we call family.

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For 131 years we’ve cemented our legacy as a reliable and supportive Pan-African industry partner, with a range of hard working, 100% LOCAL, 100% PREMIUM QUALITY PRODUCTS.

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A 2nd floor, Building 2, Oxford & Glenhove, 114 Oxford Rd, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2196

The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF)

mandate is to provide protection for housing consumers against defined defects and to regulate the homebuilding industry.

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Our specialists are standing by to assist you with design, specifications, detailed drawings, and certifications

We’ll also do a rational design to help your plans comply with Sans 10400 XA. Our after-sales service extends to on-site, trade and technical assistance, from placing the order – to installation.