SA Roofing July 2015 | Issue: 71 by Trademax Publications

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JULY 2015 ISSUE: 71

SA R36 EACH INCL. / R360 PER ANNUM INCL.

JULY 2015

ISSUE: 71

Trademax Publications

EDITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COMMENTS...................................................................................................... 2 CONTRIBUTORS................................................................................................................. 6 WATERPROOFING......................................................................................................... 8-9 LSFB.................................................................................................................................. 10-12 COVER STORY............................................................................................................. 14-18 COMPENSATION........................................................................................................ 20-21 RE-ROOF PROJECT..................................................................................................... 22-26 GREEN ROOFING.......................................................................................................28-30 TRUSSES.......................................................................................................................... 32-34 TIMBER TRUSSES.........................................................................................................36-37 GBCSA............................................................................................................................ 38-40 TRUMOD ADVERTORIAL.............................................................................................. 41 INSULATION.................................................................................................................42-45 VITREOUS ENAMEL CLADDING..........................................................................46-47 MACHINERY................................................................................................................. 48-49 POLYCARBONATE...................................................................................................... 52-53 SAINT-GOBAIN ANNIVERSARY............................................................................54-55 HEALTH & SAFETY............................................................................................................ 56

SA Roofing Tel: 0861 SA ROOF Tel: 0861 727 663 Fax: 0866 991 346 Email: info@trademax.co.za www.trademax.co.za Postnet Suite 241 Private Bag X103 N1 City 7463

PUBLISHER: Billy Perrin 082 266 6976 billy@trademax.co.za EDITOR: Tracy Swain editor@trademax.co.za ADVERTISING:

Jacqui Marsh jacqui@trademax.co.za LAYOUT & DESIGN: Craig Patterson craig@trademax.co.za SUBSCRIPTIONS: Belinda Thwesha belinda@trademax.co.za

DISCLAIMER The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of Trademax Publications. Although we have done our best to ensure the accuracy of our content, neither Trademax Publications nor SA Roofing magazine will be held liable for any views expressed or information disseminated, in editorial content or advertisements, in this issue.

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EDITOR’S COMMENTS

Switching gears Change is the only constant in life. I read this again only a couple of days ago, and thought how true it is. Certainly now, here at Trademax, where there has been a change in the editor’s seat.

ith heavy hearts we bid farewell to Jennifer Rees, who first took on ‘Vol.3 No.4’ of SA Roofing back in early 2011. It’s hard to believe so much time has passed since she first made an imprint on the publication, but it is even harder to believe how quickly the time passed. It has been an utter privilege to work with Jen, who deserves our heartfelt thanks for all the work she put into SA Roofing, helping to shape it into the stellar publication it is today, and for laying such a solid platform for our incoming editor, Tracy Swain, to continue building on. Jen, you will be missed, but you know we wish you every success on your path forward. This changeover presents a dual opportunity for me: First, I can formally introduce and welcome Tracy. Secondly, it happened with our July edition, which means we’ve officially switched to the second half of the year – meaning there is still no slowing down for us (smile).

In truth, I must thank both Jen and Tracy for working together as professionals to bring you the July edition of SA Roofing. And, as always, the invitation remains open to all our advertisers and readers to give us your comments, feedback, questions and suggestions. It is our ongoing goal to deliver a great read to you, no matter what changes come our way. And, if you have the opportunity to visit the Cape Construction Conference and Trade Expo taking place from 12-13 August at the CTICC, Cape Town, even better – we would love to meet you. Welcome to the July issue of SA Roofing. Celéste

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MULTIPURPOSE STRUCTURAL TIMBER SCREW FOR TIMBER CONNECTIONS “SDW Screws have nice heads, low proﬁle, nice bite on the screw that makes countersinking to ﬂush dead easy and there is no problem with screws snapping. They are cheaper and faster and easily pull themselves in. I know my screws, guys, and I really like these ones!” – Chris Lloyd Warren, Lloyd-Warren Construction

“SWD Screws assure strong ﬁxing and make for great time saving!” – Jurg Olivier, Truss Mecca

ADVANTAGES: • Easy connection for wood components • Tested engineering design values • Exceptional aesthetic appearance

The structural timber wood screw was designed to provide an easy-to-install, high-strength connection alternative to connections via bolting and traditional coach (lag) screws.

• Save on costs • Save on labour • Identiﬁcation marking for inspector

The screws are specially designed for structural timber-to-timber applications and are also ideal for a wide variety of projects where a high-strength attachment is needed. The 127mm structural timber wood screw was approved by ITC-SA as an alternative to purlin-to-rafter connection.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Contributors WOLFGANG ANSEL Wolfgang Ansel is a biologist and the Director of the International Green Roof Association (IGRA). IGRA's targets include the worldwide promotion of the ecological Green Roof idea, an international knowledge transfer in the field of Green Roofs and the stimulation of international standards for good practices and reliable Green Roof technology. Wolfgang is coauthor of different Green Roof books and was a speaker at several Green Roof conferences. One of his main areas of work is implementing Green Roof policies on an international level. Together with the City of Portland (Environmental Services) and the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) IGRA has created a platform to facilitate the application of Green Roofs Policies, the ‘International Green Roof City Network’.

ROLAND APPL Roland Appl, Building Physics Engineer (FH), has been the technical director of a leading Green Roof manufacturer for more than 25 years. He is an author and member of the national working group for Green Roof Guidelines at the Landscape Development and Landscaping Research Society (FLL) and of the DIN committee ‘Geoplastics and Geotextiles’. He has been president of the International Green Roof Association (IGRA) since 2008 and a speaker at many national and international congresses on the subjects of green roofing and roof use (e.g. World Green Roof Congress in Basel and London, Green Roof for Healthy Cities congresses in Boston, Toronto, Minneapolis and Baltimore, International Green Roof Congress in Nuertingen, Skyrise Greenery Conference in Singapore).

FRED WAGENAAR Fred is the Executive Officer of the ITC-SA and has been involved in the construction industry for the past 34 years. He is passionate about the built environment and is committed to promoting excellence in design, workmanship and material in the roofing industry. Fred is a proponent of drinking red wine, is unable to resist the calling of the open road, and loves chasing the sunset on his Harley.

Upcoming Events HEIGHTSAFETY’S AFRICAN ROPE ACCESS CHAMPIONSHIPS 24 & 25 JULY 2015, MIDRAND, GAUTENG View www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0-szsmrVAQ for more info

WOODEX FOR AFRICA 9-11 JUNE 2016, GALLAGHER CONVENTION CENTRE, JOHANNESBURG

Image courtesy: WoodEX for Africa

View www.woodexforafrica.com for more info

CAPE CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE & TRADE EXPO 12 & 13 AUGUST 2015, CTICC, CAPE TOWN View www.cape-construction.co.za for more info

The Cape Construction Conference & Trade Expo is centred around the building and construction industry in the Western Cape. The forum covers the entire value chain and targets small, medium and large enterprises. The event features a 2-day strategic conference, an interactive exhibition with the latest products, tools and technologies, as well as a workshop

training programme that includes commercial and DIY content. With 2 500+ attendees, 25 expert speakers, 80+ exhibiting companies and 10 free-to-attend workshops, the Cape Construction Conference & Trade Expo is the mustattend event for construction professionals.

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JCP Roofing is a new business that came into existence through JCP STEEL, a company that has been serving the steel industry with flat steel products for over 22 years, with a reputation for excellent service, uncompromising quality and impressive lead times. We have expanded our portfolio to supply IBR and corrugated roofing sheets to the same level of quality and service to which our customers are accustomed to. PRODUCTS: • • • • • •

IBR Corrugated Polycarbonate Sheeting Bullnosing / Cranking Flat Sheets Screws & Fasteners

CONTACT:

Tel: +27 11 814 1898 | Fax: +27 11 814 2166 | Email: ruan@jcproofing.co.za | Web: www.jcproofing.co.za

WATE R PROO F I N G

Busy calendar for Western Cape waterproofing training RAWI ensures ongoing education and training for waterproofing industry

he Roofing and Waterproofing Institute (RAWI), whose objectives include the maintenance and improvement of standards in the roofing and waterproofing industry as well as the promotion and development of training in roofing and waterproofing materials and systems, are working hard to ensure that education and training in this field are regularly on offer.

RAWI’S ACTIVE TRAINING PORTFOLIO IS MANAGED BY: JEROMÉ O’RYAN Jeromé is an independent consultant (Onsite Best Practice – OSBP), registered assessor and accredited training facilitator. O’Ryan is a founding member of the Roofing and Waterproofing Institute, where he actively serves on the executive committee as Training Portfolio Chairperson for skills development for the waterproofing and roofing industry in collaboration with Northlink College and other industry partners. As part of his work, he provides specifications for remedial repairs to properties and quality assessments as well as facilitation of tender procedures and compilation of tender documents.

The delegate testing the melting point on the second layer.

PETER UHLENHAUT Peter has been involved in the roofing and waterproofing industry since 1968 and was trained as a carpenter and roofer both locally and overseas. Uhlenhaut has managed several roofing and building companies over the years and since 2000 has been the managing director of HP Plum & Co, which, through RAWI, is the only accredited waterproofing training provider in the Western Cape. Peter is also the head and certified facilitator of a CETA- and SAQAaccredited training centre for waterproofers.

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RAWI workshops are informative and interactive.

TRAINING ACHIEVEMENTS A total of 786 delegates from contractor companies and the informal sector have been exposed to Best Practice workshops organised by the Institute. The success based on feedback received from delegates is attributed to the following: • Delegates are engaged and participate through facilitation, not a lecturing approach. • We derive training outcomes by applying the 70\30 CETA training principle (70% practical, 30% theory). • The RAWI training team has grown with two ETDP Accredited Practitioners added in 2015, namely Anthony Webster from Sika and Lloyd O’Ryan from a.b.e. • Other training partners include BlueScope Steel, Midas, Youngman Roofing, Coverland Roofing, Protech Building Supplies, Northlink College and HP Plum & Co. • The workshops are either fully or partially sponsored by the manufacturers who make training accessible to all sectors of the industry.

IFD AWARDS 2016 IFD World Championship for young roofers, a trade competition, takes place every two years. The next competition will take place in Warsaw in 2016.

WATE R PROO F I N G

THIS YEAR THE FOUR CATEGORIES INCLUDE: • Pitched roofing This includes roof coverings with large sized roof covering elements, e.g. fibre-cement corrugated sheets, or small sized roof covering products, e.g. roof clay tiles, roof concrete tiles, natural slate, fibre-cement roof sheets, bitumen shingles, wooden shingles, reed or thatch, but not with metal products. The load bearing structure, e.g. roof framework from wood on its own is not in this category. • Flat roofing For this competition we understand flat roofing as roofs with waterproofing from bitumen, plastic or elastomeric sheets or membranes and liquid applied roof waterproofing. Flat roofs do not necessarily have to be flat. • Metal roofing Metal roofing is seen as roof covering on gentle sloped or pitched roofs from small or large sized metal roof products, e.g. trapezoidal sheet as top layer or sandwich sheet, corrugated sheets, metal band and metal sheet or panel on wooden structure, self supporting small sized metal roof products. • Facade/Wall cladding Facade includes the whole area of coverings and claddings of vertical outer walls with small sized or large sized products or elements, also with metal. Usually the products are backventilated, but industrial constructions, e.g. with sandwich products, are also part of this. Walls, curtain walls and facings, e.g. from tiles are not in this category. Extra marks or also extra awards can be given for special initiatives, and for the challenges that were resolved in the duration of the project, e.g. at reconstructions. Entry rules and requirements: We preferably welcome submissions by IFDfull members and IFD-guest members. RAWI will select the winners of the local competition to participate in the World Championships. A master craftsman from Germany will assist the participants in their preparations for the competition.

For more information, visit www.rawi.co.za.

UPCOMING TRAINING/EVENTS DATE

VENUE

SKILLS TRAINING

PRESENTED BY

23/07/2015

Northlink College

ABE Waterproofing Workshop

Lloyd O’Ryan Ryan Rack ETDP Accredited Training Facilitators

08/08/2015

Northlink College

RAWI and Northlink Open Day

Various

22/10/2015

Northlink College

Industry skills upliftment and Waterproofing Competition

Various

Date to be advised

Northlink College

Unit Standard 262665 Accredited Waterproofing Training

Eric Gird

10/03/2015

River Club

Steve Norbury Excellence Award

RAWI

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LSFB

ArcelorMittal South Africa supports an innovative building solution 10

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LSFB

ight steel frame construction is an exact building method that requires considerably fewer building resources on site. The key features of the galvanised steel applied in light steel frame construction revolve around two important aspects, namely corrosion protection, which ensures the longevity of the structure, and the mechanical properties, which provide the structural strength. This building solution offers both a modern and fresh approach to creating space for living and working with the benefit of contributing towards a sustainable environment. It lends itself to a more comfortable environment by maintaining ambient indoor temperatures for longer. The option to expand your existing home with light steel frame construction is infinitely possible – all this, while exact pre-calculations make it possible to minimise construction waste. Internationally, light steel frame construction is well established while in South Africa it all started with founder members, of which ArcelorMittal South Africa is one such member, assisting in establishing the Southern African Light Steel Frame Building Association (SASFA). When the association was founded a very apt phrase ‘the new frame of mind’ was introduced. The idea behind this approach has been to grow the materials, technology and construction methods applied in light steel frame construction. ArcelorMittal South Africa, under the auspices of SASFA, provides ongoing galvanised steel support according to the SANS 517 light steel frame construction standard introduced by SASFA. Apart from the fact that it is a lot quicker to erect, light steel frame (LSF) construction is the most recognised and fastest-growing innovative building solution in South Africa. What better way to see this than in the recent 2013 Ekostyl project where galvanised steel produced by ArcelorMittal South Africa was supplied to a light steel roll-former who then integrated the light steel frame construction approach into an existing residential building with amazing results in a short space of time. To further complement the Ekostyl project, the use of galvanised steel lends itself to a category of construction materials that is recyclable. What can be seen at the completion of the Ekostyl project are numerous features translating into tangible light steel frame construction benefits, most notably:

What started out as a vision to establish an alternative building system in light steel frame construction has now grown into an innovative building solution. If curiosity gets the upper hand the question that comes to mind is: Where did it all begin and where is it going? Undoubtedly the following will provide an interesting journey into some of the steel related developments made. J U LY 2 0 1 5

• Speed and ease of construction • Structural integrity • Thermal insulation • Dimensional accuracy • High quality finishes Whilst keeping one eye on the present and the other firmly on the future the opportunity to unlock further avenues sees light steel frame potentially expanding into multi-storey as well as non-residential constructions such as schools and hospitals. Traditionally the galvanised steel applied to light steel frame construction has been used in single-storey applications, most notably upmarket residential properties.

LSFB In support of light steel frame multi-storey construction, ArcelorMittal South Africa has expanded its galvanised steel product range. In addition to the existing galvanised steel product range, a uniquely developed structural grade denoted as EN10346 S550GD is produced in 1.0mm and 1.2mm thicknesses, with a Z275 zinc coating. A unique benefit offered by ArcelorMittal South Africa is a 50-year warranty on the use of its galvanised steel products specifically for light steel frame building. The galvanised steel used in the light steel frame industry, supplied by ArcelorMittal South Africa, is proudly inspired by the pioneering spirit of an innovative building technology that forms part of the sustainable building footprint in South Africa. For more on ArcelorMittal South Africa, visit www.arcelormittal.com/southafrica and for more on SASFA, visit www.sasfa.co.za.

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FINISHING TOUCH The highest quality roof tiles at a cost effective price that enhances any building construction, only from the Technicrete Double Roman and Tuscan Roof Tiles Accessories:

Available in:

• • • • •

• •

Tapered ridge tile Angle butt ridge tile Butt mono ridge tile Angle collar ridge tile Hip starter tile

•

Colour variations Various styles and finishes Quality installation

Technicrete is a trading division of ISG, a leading supplier of innovative infrastructure products to the construction and mining markets in Southern Africa.

Tel: 086 126 6267 www.technicrete.co.za

T US TR TY L A OY RL ME TO S CU

Good business begins with a powerful relationship

The solutions all add up to degrees of success. Everything hinges on a combination of skill, intelligence, experience and attitude - the ability to approach things differently. You’ll ﬁnd this in abundance at Stalcor. Our people have had their abilities honed through years of tackling the unexpected. You’re not only getting the ﬁnest range of stainless steel and aluminium on the planet, you’re engaging as partners, a 24-hour a day team of highly skilled experts to ensure that you get your product on time and at the right price. For more information visit www.stalcor.co.za or call Stalcor: Germiston 011 871 6900 Cape Town 021 928 2500 KwaZulu Natal 031 719 1000

0334 Stalcor Partnership new 2015 (118x190).indd 2

2015/06/04 9:20 AM

COV E R S TO RY

Improvement â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the truest process of all 14

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COV E R S TO RY

s theorised in his groundbreaking book on the theory of constraints, Israeli physicist, Dr. Eli Goldratt notes that the performance of any organization is limited by its system constraints or ‘weakest links,’ and to concentrate on anything other than the weakest link at that point in time is a waste of effort and the most precious resource of all – time. The push, then, to identify and strengthen this ‘weakest link’ is the most direct path to strengthening the entire organization’s ‘chain.’ This insight gained from identifying impediments to flow provides the required focusing tools for all levels of management within the organization. There will certainly be many areas that may need improvement, but more important, though, are the few aspects that must be improved upon – and which, once addressed, will push the organization to achieve its goals. The first port of call in the process of improvement is detecting where these improvements need to be made. The process is a never-ending one, as system improvements in one area will most often highlight other areas for improvement. This complete process of ongoing improvement is known as whole system performance enhancement that applies not only to the present situation, but also to the future.

HOLISTIC IMPROVEMENT At LCP Roofing, a holistic approach to the process of ongoing improvement was and is not negotiable. The organization subscribes to an ethos of complete ownership of all processes, be it in business automation, information technology, quality systems, factory flow, or fleet management. This ownership takes place on an individual level and within the team as an organic unit.

MANUFACTURE & MANAGEMENT At LCP Roofing, there are two critical questions that customers ask: ‘How is it made?’ and ‘How is it managed?’

HOW IS IT MADE? The conferring of the Institute for Timber Construction (ITC-SA) certificate of competence for truss fabricators is set to instill a consistent professional approach to the prefabricated timber roof truss industry through a set of standards. These govern the following:

In a previous article published in SA Roofing, the characteristics and experience of ‘flow’ was discussed with specific relevance to the experience of the roofing erector on site. Similarly, all fabricators should identify any impediments to this flow and by doing this, Remarkable Due Date Performance (RDDP) can and will be achieved, resulting in a sustained competitive edge. J U LY 2 0 1 5

• Design procedures • Presentation of quotations • Competence of key personnel • Quality of manufacture • Erection instructions provided to site It is important for the customer to note that there is a formalised process set down by our industry professional body so that all fabricators quote according to the same terms of reference. It is even more critical that customers know that they are being provided with design procedures and quotations that are tested against acceptable industry norms.

COV E R S TO RY The 11-page document on prefabricated timber roof truss standards is easy for the layman and building professional alike to read and assimilate and provides a solid foundation upon which to base their specifications and requirements. Visit www.lcproofing.co.za to download the requirements for the Certificate of Competence.

The customer should also request that the truss fabricator not only proves adherence to these minimum standards but also shows an ongoing process of system improvement. The fabricator has, to a large extent, total control over the processes of design, quotations, personnel competence and erection instructions to site as listed above. Of joint control is the manufacture in as much as the fabricator uses licensed software to assist in his design and uses only nail plates and hangers supplied by his software system supplier. These two go hand in hand as the software bases the design on metalwork supplied. This means that a fabricator may not purchase metalwork either ‘off the shelf’ or from another software system supplier. In addition, the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) regulations state that the nail plates and hangers should not only be of the required 0.9mm thickness and galvanized to 275 grams/m2 or an equivalent corrosion resistance, but that the plates shall bear a mark that readily identifies the manufacturer or supplier. Should there be no mark to identify the software system supplier, the fabricated trusses should be rejected immediately. Just as the roofing customer will insist on engineers’ foundation and suspended slab inspections, so should there be the requirement for inspection of the design and manufacturing process. The regulation A19 inspection required by all municipalities only proves erection according to the design intent and not that the design or manufacture are within acceptable norms and standards.

HOW IS IT MANAGED? It is not only the manufacturing process that needs to be managed, but the entire process from quote request to final delivery of the project. Of the approximately 215 fabricators nationally there are only eight fabricators that can claim that their fabrication process is regularly tested according to the requirements of SANS 1900 – The Manufacture of Monoplaner Prefabricated Nail-plated Timber Roof Trusses. It should not end there though, and for LCP Roofing, being one of these eight mark holders nationally, the manufacturing process was only part of its efforts to achieve whole system performance enhancement.

MORE ON RDDP The concept of RDDP is further explained by Dr. Alan Barnard, CEO of Goldratt Research Labs, who states that once this concept is implemented and a leading competitive edge is achieved, the next phases are to build, capitalize and sustain. For LCP Roofing, the process of ‘building’ in order to attain and maintain RDDP was identified some five years ago as a key driver to the company’s sustainability. LCP Roofing comprises a collection of various informal and formal business processes that were introduced at various times in the company’s growth phase and the implementation of these processes helped to determine the type and extent of its interaction with its customers. Lyndsay Cotton, General Manager of LCP Roofing, comments, “We know that our customers will be happy if these processes are easy, efficient and benefit their objectives. However, should we not achieve these, customers will go somewhere else next time around. Our customer interaction is and should be an exceptional one from beginning to end.”

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Leaders in Roof Truss Technology Fabricators Sheeters Erectors Tilers

COV E R S TO RY OVERCOMING FLOW CHALLENGES With the company’s growth, management realized that flow could become a challenge. Impediments to flow could include, for example, taking longer than normal to complete a project, or for potential human error to become a reality. With this in mind, more stringent compliance requirements and procedures could also make it tedious and time-consuming to train new employees, and system requirements could slip through the business processes. In facing these potential challenges, LCP Roofing made a strategic business decision in 2013 to implement Business Process Management (BPM). The individual processes of accounting, payroll, process flow, offsite mobile management, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and dashboard management were identified, software vendors were investigated and the existing processes were either modified, expanded or replaced with new processes. BPM turns Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) into a holistic system which is then designed to fit into how the company works and not to dictate how it is run. No store-bought solution can achieve this. LCP Roofing’s requirements of transparency and traceability are paramount and all these processes are currently being integrated into one solution that includes accounting, human resources, mobile devices, reports, customers, and process flow.

“We’re getting there,” says Cotton, “And I am happy to announce that the process flow, called ‘Our LCP’, is starting to produce effective results. Ensuring effective BPM is not easy and we have worked hard to combine these various individual ERP offerings into one holistic solution.” “Never allow constraints of your building project to be that of your fabricator and never allow inferior processes or standards to compromise your project,” notes Cotton, concluding, “Always ask, ‘Is it worth it?’”

ABOUT LCP ROOFING LCP Roofing’s mandate is to become the preferred roofing company in Gauteng and to grow a sustainable business whilst using industry-leading software and equipment to achieve its aims of providing clients and shareholders with added value and its staff with safe and secure employment. For more information, visit www.lcproofing.co.za.

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MANUFACTURED BY

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CO M PE N S ATI O N

Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) takes over injury-onduty and occupational disease compensation for iron, metal, steel and related industries The Compensation Fund has transferred all its Class 13 employees in the iron, metal, steel and related industries to the privately owned Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA), an organisation with an impressive 121-year track record.

Image by Don Hankins

ommenting on the development, Jay Singh, chief executive officer of RMA, said that the company is now administering the compensation claims of an additional 60 000 employers with a staff complement of 600 000, thereby swelling the number of lives currently under RMA’s management to over a million. “This brings a strategy to fruition that was set in motion in July 2013 with the extension of RMA’s COID (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases) license. Up until then we could only provide cover to employees within the mining sector. The extension of the license has therefore opened the door to considerable opportunities for RMA.”

Since 2012, RMA has been on an impressive growth path with the Group’s premium growth increasing from R953-million in 2012 to R1.084-billion in 2013. In 2013, net premiums were R1.078-billion with net benefits and claims paid at R1.014billion, yielding a loss ratio in claims of 94%. This means that for every R1 received in premiums, 94c was paid out in benefits, e.g. medical claims and compensation benefits. As at 31 December 2013, the solvency of the company had increased to 155.2% (2012 – 139.5%), which is well above the statutory requirement of 25%. Retained earnings for the Group during 2013 were R659-million (2012: R687 million).

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Jay Singh, Chief Executive Officer of RMA

“The Class 13 transfer will herald unprecedented growth within RMA,” says Singh, who notes that the iron, metal and steel industries have a potential annual premium revenue of around R1 billion. “RMA has developed highly capable systems and has a competitive edge in terms of costs, quality, speed and dependability within the South African compensation industry. RMA is known for its caring and compassionate approach to compensation. We also have considerable excess capacity and we are well equipped to expand our service offering to the iron, metal and steel industries without it impacting on our existing client base,” he comments. “We at present administer the compensation needs of approximately 400 000 employees in the mining industry. The Class 13 transfer will make use of additional RMA capacity and will double the workload of the company. This extremely positive development has enabled RMA to double its workforce, thereby meaningfully contributing to job creation in South Africa.” “Our well-established, highly advanced information technology has enabled us to remain at the cutting edge of adjudications of injury-on-duty claims. We have proved our mettle over several decades in the administration and processing of COID claims,” comments Patrick Matshidze, chief operating officer of RMA. According to Matshidze, the company’s information technology system is supported by sound business processes and workflows and is fully integrated. “It has all the necessary components in place to ensure a secure, controlled and efficient environment that is well equipped to support the business processing needs of the iron, metal and steel industries.”

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R E - ROO F PROJ EC T

Sunny side up for Cape homeowner The value of appointing a reputable roofing contractor and using superior roofing products is often only realised after a roofing system has been tested against the elements. The following residential project, although relatively small, is a good example of proper planning and good communication and cooperation between contractor and homeowner.

Braai room with new roof installed.

adly, this is often not the case. Too many homeowners get caught up in poor decision making and fall victim to corner cutting tactics for short-term solutions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ultimately suffering long-term roofing nightmares.

THE CHALLENGE What is now a completely enclosed under-roof braai room had once been an exposed brick-paved courtyard, seldom used and impractical for social gatherings unless the weather was just right. While the previous homeowners had roofed over the area with white polycarbonate roof sheeting, their design preference had left the sides exposed, not unlike a carport. The entire roof structure can in fact still be compared to a carport, with timber rafters and frames; the exception being the choice of polycarbonate roofing materials and timber as opposed to the typical galvanised IBR roof sheets and metal pole supports one would expect to find on most standard carports. Unfortunately, over the years, the original polycarbonate sheeting, patch-worked in places, disintegrated slowly but steadily until the entire roofing system reached the point of severe deterioration by the end of last summer.

Widespan gutter installed.

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R E - ROO F PROJ EC T

Polycarbonate roof sheeting with self-sealing fasteners. The initial decision to roof the exposed courtyard may have been a good one, but the actual execution of the idea fell far short. For example, little consideration was given to how the existing single-span PVC gutters would cope with rainwater runoff from two roofs instead of only the main roof of the house. Further noticeable add-ons and extensions done over the years leave one with the distinct impression that very little â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or no practical thought at all â&#x20AC;&#x201C; went into the planning and execution of those projects. All of this resulted in a failing roofing system that leaked badly and turned an otherwise attractive and comfortable entertainment area into an inaccessible zone for much of the year. Rainwater runoff regularly flooded the covered courtyard in the rainy season and leaked through the fasteners (more than half of which were either damaged or not sealed properly) and onto the timber beams supporting the entire structure. Because the roof structure was not properly sealed and no flashings fitted, rainwater and flooding became a persistent and ongoing problem for the homeowner.

Top view of widespan gutter connecting the two roofs.

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To add to the situation, the roof had no pitch at all, which meant that water pooled in places, leaving the sheeting dirty after the water evaporated. Needless to say, the existing structure needed to be replaced and the concept modified to allow for year-round use and comfort.

R E - ROO F PROJ EC T

Aged IBR profile polycarbonate roof sheeting viewed from inside the braai room before being replaced.

GETTING IT RIGHT “We saw some of the work Rooftech had done for other people and were impressed,” remarks the current owner, commenting on why he chose Rooftech for the job. “We were also impressed by the quality of work we saw on their website, which is typically done on the same types of structures as ours. So we knew they would be a good fit for the project.” After calculating how much rain came in from adjoining roofs and overflowed from the existing gutter, the Rooftech team replaced this gutter with a Zinc Aluminium wide span gutter – with a dish of about 700mm deep and 300mm wide. Commenting on the gutter installation, the owner says, “The new gutter now copes with the amount of water flow. It’s the right gutter for this application.”

The owner decided to not only solve the existing problems, but also convert the space into a more permanent enclosure that could be accessed from separate entrances. A sliding door was installed to connect the kitchen directly to the braai room, and a larger sliding door was installed to create another entrance from the adjacent built-in bar room.

Old roof from above showing pooling and its effects.

Water flow from both roofs meant the single span gutter was not sufficient for suitably redirecting rainwater.

A close-up of removed sheeting showing the effects of previous attempts at waterproofing.

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! NEW

TUBULAR SKYLIGHTS Affordable • Reduces electricity use • Eco friendly

CUSTOM-SIZED ROOF WINDOWS, SKYLIGHTS, ACCESS HATCHES & GLASS PYRAMIDS We offer a 5 year guarantee on all Four Seasons Roof Windows and a 2 year guarantee on waterproofing. Installing a Four Seasons skylight into your home will cut down on monthly electrical consumption and is an affordable and aesthetically pleasing way to bring light and ventilation into a dark room. All products are locally manufactured and aluminium skylights are powder coated by an SABS approved applicator.

STANDARD SIZES INCLUDE: • 600 x 600 • 600 x 900 • 600 x 1200 • 600 x 1500 • 600 x 1800 • 900 x 900 • 900 x 1200 • 900 x 1500 • 900 x 1800

Available as opening units (for light and ventilation) and as non-opening units for light-deprived areas in your home.

GLAZING OPTIONS:

OPENING DEVICE OPTIONS:

• 4mm toughened glass • 6.38 laminated • 6.38 laminated Solarvue Glass (UV and heat resistant) • Tinted • Sandblasted • Double glazed

• Folding arm • Spindle • Cat winder • Automated opening options

CONTACT: Cape Town Head Office 20E Stella Rd, Montague Gardens

Glass is bevelled on all sides and windows are glazed to meet your required specifications.

OFFICE TEL: (021) 551 7533 FAX: (021) 555 0966 EMAIL: mike@fsroofwindows.co.za WEB: www.fsrw.co.za

R E - ROO F PROJ EC T

A poorly planned DIY approach to add-ons and extentions often result in an eyesore and is the cause of most problems with this roof. White Modek IBR profiled polycarbonate roof sheeting was supplied and fitted by Rooftech. This allows for the maximum amount of daylight to filter into the room – important especially during the colder winter months when friends and family gravitate to this area of the house. The braai room is now in effect also a sun room and a second dining room. The home now revolves around the braai/sun room, and the flow allows for access from multiple points, all centring on the entertainment areas of the house. The braai room floor, now fully tiled, is fitted with two hardwood doors, modern furniture, custom-fit and tiled counters, a modern brick braai as well as a gas braai – and ample security. Calculating the total combined floor space of both the braai room and bar has in effect added a total of 75m2 to this home. Importantly, the entire structure is sound and legal. The entire roofing and drainage aspect of this project was overseen and professionally executed by Rooftech.

Standard PVC gutter unable to cope with water flow off two roofs, replaced with Zinc Aluminium widespan gutter.

NEW LOOK, NEW FEEL “All these changes have made the overall structure better in every way. The roof now has the right pitch. The polycarbonate sheeting doesn’t only look great, but it’s now fastened correctly and 100% waterproof,” the owner smiles. “This was money well spent. Every Rand will add that much value to our home. More importantly, the new roof has easily added 35m2 to our living space, which is now the centre of our home and a convivial place for us all to come together – rain or shine.”

Old fastener showing wear and tear.

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SPAX screws are distributed in South Africa by FixTec

www.ďŹ xtec.co.za

G R E E N ROO F I N G

Green Roof Policies â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

an international review of current practices and future trends Green Roof Policies are one of the basic key factors for the successful development of a green roof market. Longstanding experiences and case studies from different countries and municipalities are creating a source of ideas that can be adapted and modified according to the needs of the local green roof stakeholders. Article by Wolfgang Ansel & Roland Appl, International Green Roof Association (IGRA)

Singapore, image courtesy: IGRA

ustainable urban development is increasingly moving into the spotlight in towns and communities, especially where municipal strategies for protecting the environment and nature and the consequences of climate change are concerned. The balancing effect of urban green spaces plays a deciding role in this context. However, land for extra natural areas in urban centres is a rare commodity. Nevertheless, aerial images show enormous uninvested potential on the roofs of the towns which could be implemented for environmental protection. Green roof techniques, which have developed from an environmental experiment to a constructional standard in the past 30 years, are able to use this potential. The palette of environmental benefits of green roofs includes, apart from general air hygiene and microclimatic improvements, areas such as natural rainwater management and the creation of new flora and fauna habitats.

Various tools can be used to promote green roofs directly or indirectly at the municipal policy level. These include, for example, stipulations in new land-use plans or green roof statutes for whole urban areas. Direct financial subsidies and a reduction in storm water fees add to the instruments which, together with public relations, could provide ideal support. It is also important to act as a role model by making the roofs of municipal buildings green. These various instruments have been applied successfully in Germany for more than 30 years. Even if an exact transfer of the German experience is not possible due to differing laws, the current implementation of the municipal green roof initiatives on an international level is following a very similar pattern. The following shows examples of the instruments.

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G R E E N ROO F I N G

Portland, image courtesy: City of Portland

FINANCIAL SUBSIDIES A number of municipalities are offering attractive start-up grants for those wishing to implement a green roof. The aim of the subsidies is to motivate owners of privately or commercially used properties to create, voluntarily, additional green spaces on the city's roofs. It is generally irrelevant whether the buildings are new or renovated. Green roofs that are required as a result of legal obligations (see below: regulations in landuse plans) are, however, very often excluded from direct financial subsidies.

REDUCED STORM WATER FEES Charging separate fees for the disposal of sewage and storm water offers a second opportunity for financial incentives. The amount of the storm water fee is normally based on the total area of the plot and the proportion of the ground that is impervious. Green roofs differ from standard tiled or gravelcovered roofs in that they are able to store a large proportion of the water from precipitation and release any excess water gradually over time. These are recognised as unsealing measures and rewarded with a reduced storm water fee.

REGULATIONS IN LAND-USE PLANS The possibility of incorporating green roofs as a condition in urban development plans or for new building constructions that require planning permission is an approach taken successfully by many local authorities. The stipulations concerning green roofs do not only apply to current construction projects but also to urban planning zones in which development is not due for a number of years. The aim of long-term stipulation is to guarantee that local authorities continue to develop their ecological concept throughout the subsequent years.

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ECOLOGICAL COMPENSATION ACCORDING TO NATURE PROTECTION LAWS In the context of sustainable town and country planning, green roofs can be regarded as a compensatory measure for the subjects of environmental protection, such as the climate, air, soil, water, flora, fauna, and landscape. The particular advantage of this is that the ecological compensation is performed by way of the roof greening, directly at the respective location with the planning area itself. The minimising and balancing effects of green roofs on constructional interventions in the processes of ecological equalisation are undisputed.

DENSITY BONUS Parameters such as the number of units on a piece of property and the floor area ratio regulate the level of use for building coverage. Often investors try to gain exemption from these specifications (e.g. through increased number of units or the addition of an extra storey), in order to increase the marketability of the real estate. The Density Bonus includes the possibility of exceeding the footprint area of the surface area and/or the number of storeys allowed if a certain environmental equalization is included (e.g. by installing a green roof).

PUBLIC RELATIONS Public relations in a community not only advocate green roofs in general, but also support the above presented instruments. The municipality should not, however, restrict itself to the role of advisor and promoter, but rather act as a role model and pace setter by landscaping the roofs of its own buildings and testing and developing new possible fields of green roof applications.

G R E E N ROO F I N G

Denmark, image courtesy: IGRA

CASE STUDIES FROM EUROPE, NORTH AMERICA AND ASIA MUNICH

The Bavarian regional capital Munich (Germany) is employing a wide palette of measures to promote green roofs. Some of the established instruments include regulations in urban land-use plans, grants for voluntary installation of green roofs, and a reduction in storm water fees. In particular, the obligation to landscape all suitable flat roofs with a surface area >100m² over the past 19 years has led to making green roofs in Munich a recognised construction standard.

COPENHAGEN

The Danish capital, Copenhagen, has just started to develop a green roof strategy in the past years. The very promising approach is significantly due to the work of Dorthe Rømø (former Project Manager, Parks and Nature Department), who was awarded the IGRA Green Roof Award at the International Green Roof Congress 2009. In future, all new roofs in Copenhagen with a roof pitch under 30° are to be landscaped, providing there is no structural engineering reason preventing it. The basis for the successful establishment of the municipal programme was a comprehensive information campaign including not only administrative workers but also politicians.

PORTLAND

Portland, in the north-west region of the United States, promotes green roofs predominantly because of advantages for sustainable rain water management. The city’s sewer system is stretched to the limit, so measures which relieve urban drainage are very welcome and are supported with grants. In order to establish green roofs firmly in the public mind, actions such as landscaping municipal buildings, introducing a Floor Area Ratio Bonus, and public events to be held on green roofs were used to promote a green roof strategy.

SINGAPORE

Singapore has agreed on a comprehensive programme to promote rooftop greening in the past years in order to reach the ambitious goal of 50 hectares of new Skyrise Greenery Areas by the year 2030. Apart from the designation of green roofs as a measure of compensation for new building projects, a Gross Floor Incentive Scheme for roofs and municipal

allotment gardens, as well as financial subsidies for sustainable landscaping of existing buildings in districts with especially large green area needs have been introduced. Technical consultation is also included in the programme. The examples given demonstrate that each city is using an individual mixture of different measures to promote green roofs. Because instruments differ not only in their scope of application but also in their institutional allocation, and because the urban environmental functions of planted roofs have overlapping specialist divisions, a combination or collaboration is normally very sensible. The goal of municipal green roof strategies should be to develop the most possible positive effects of green roofs by making the most efficient use of financial and human resources available. The International Green Roof Association (IGRA), the City of Portland (Environmental Services) and the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) have created a platform to facilitate the application of Green Roofs Policies, the ‘International Green Roof City Network.’ For more information, contact info@igra-world.com.

REFERENCES Ansel, W. and Appl, R. (2009) Green Roofs – Bringing Nature Back to Town, Proceedings International Green Roof Congress 2009, IGRA, Berlin, 2009, ISBN 978-3-9812978-1-2 Ansel, W. and Diem, A. (2009) Integrated Rainwater Management with Green Roof – Building Site “Hohlgrabenäcker” in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Green Roofs – Bringing Nature Back to Town, Proceedings International Green Roof Congress 2009, IGRA, Berlin, 2009, pp. 149-152 Ansel, W., Dickhaut, W. and Kruse, E. (2010) Guideline Green Roofs for Municipalities – Benefits - Incentives - Case Studies, German Roof Gardener Association and HafenCity University Hamburg (only in German language) Dickhaut, W. (2009) Means of Promoting Green Roofs – Evaluation of Examples in Germany, Green Roofs – Bringing Nature Back to Town, Proceedings International Green Roof Congress 2009, IGRA, Berlin, 2009, pp. 127-130

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EVERYTHING UNDER ONE ROOF

TRU S S E S

Ultra-Span® (LGS) roof structures offer the appropriate solution for large span applications The low mass per m2 (between 6-10kg/m2) of this roof system ensures both savings on the supporting structure and on transportation and erection costs. Large sections of the roof can simply be pre-assembled on the ground and hoisted into position on the roof – making this one of the most viable roof systems in the range of 15m to 40m clear span structures. EXAMPLES OF ULTRA-SPAN PROJECTS:

MEDICLINIC MIDSTREAM: 19m-25m clear span trusses, 9 100m2 of roof using 68T of LGS at a mass of 7.5kg/m2 .

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TRU S S E S

MEDICLINIC KIMBERLEY: 10 800m2 roof area with trusses of 25m clear span. Total of 100T of LGS at a mass of 9.2kg/m2 .

RIVERSANDS INCUBATION HUB: 17 500m2 roof structure, comprising mostly of lattice trusses. 110T of LGS with a very low mass of 6.3kg/m2 of roof area.

LADY POHAMBA HOSPITAL - WINDHOEK: 3 500m2 roof with shallow trusses at onedegree pitch. Total of 24 T LGS with a mass of 6.8kg/m2 of roof area.

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TRU S S E S SUPER SPAR - BRIGHTON: Large 30m and 24m lattice trusses meeting on central steel girder. Total of 5 000m2 roof structure with a mass of 9.5kg/m2 making a total of 48T of LGS.

KWANOBUHLE SHOPPING CENTRE: 18 500m2 roof area, lattice trusses supported on castellated beams. Total mass of LGS being 105T, this represents a very lightweight structure of 5.7kg/m2 .

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: MiTek Industries South Africa (Pty) Ltd. (t) +27 11 237 8700 (e) marketing@mitek.co.za (w) www.mitek.co.za

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TI M B E R TRU S S E S

Roofing Matters In this instalment of our new Q&A series that taps into the insight of experts in the roofing and allied industries, SA Roofing talks to Fred Wagenaar, Executive Officer of the Institute for Timber Construction

SA ROOFING: What is the current general status of the timber truss industry in your view?

FRED WAGENAAR: I believe we have a healthy regulated

environment. The demand for timber roof trusses is underpinned by statistical data that confirms that timber and timber-related products contributed R42 billion to South Africa’s GDP in 2014. The demand is also supported by the daily requests we receive from consumers for professional services, albeit in design, fabrication, erection, inspection or certification services that apply to timber roof trusses. The professional accreditation of the ITC-SA has gone a long way in creating this demand for professional services, which are supported by ethical conduct and under which transgressors are held accountable for malpractice. Naturally, the economy and labour issues have had an impact on our industry as well, and therefore growth has been constrained. However, the ITC-SA remains positive as we know that the cyclical pattern in the construction industry will eventually correct itself.

SA ROOFING: Why is it so important to use prefabricated trusses and not site-made trusses?

FRED WAGENAAR: Prefabricated trusses are not only

economically superior to site-made trusses, but also provide the consumer with a roof where the following guarantees are in place: • All prefabricated roofs are designed by rational engineering principals and provide for Professional Indemnity Cover on both the engineering software applied as well as the inspection and certification of the completed structure.

This is also a requirement under SANS 10400, without which the consumer will not be able to obtain an Occupation Certificate. • The fabricated trusses are also covered by Product Insurance which is a prerequisite for all Fabricator Members of the ITC-SA. • All ITC-SA Fabricator Members are subject to random annual audits to ensure compliance with SANS Design and Material specifications. This ensures that the right structurally graded and treated timber is used in the manufacture of said prefabricated roof structures.

SA ROOFING: Are there still industry players making and using site-made trusses – and what role does the ITC-SA play in curbing this practice?

FRED WAGENAAR: Yes, unfortunately, uninformed

consumers are being misled by unscrupulous operators. In most cases, the ITC-SA has found that these operators provide part quotations, where their prices compare very favourable at quotation stage. Unbeknownst to the consumer, these operators exclude critical components like bracing and only at a later stage demand extra money, or simply leave the consumer with a roof that is incomplete or not structurally sound. These faulty roofs become evident to the ITC-SA when the consumer submits an insurance claim which is turned down due to structural non-compliance. The consumer is then left to finance the repairs.

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TI M B E R TRU S S E S

SA ROOFING: What are the do's and don’ts for truss manufacturers?

FRED WAGENAAR: • Always ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the client’s expectations and demands. • Always provide the professional service that will uphold the integrity of the industry at large. • Always contract accurately and ensure that the contracted client needs are fully met. • Never accept work for which you are not competently trained. • Never take shortcuts and never deviate from design demands. • Never use material that is not fit for purpose

SA ROOFING: What are some do's and don’ts for erectors?

FRED WAGENAAR: • Always deliver a service that will uphold the integrity of the industry. • Always be professional in your dealings with the consumer and always deliver a professional service that complements the engineering rational design. • Always comply with the rational design prescriptions issued for erection. • Never accept work for which you are not competently trained. • Never deviate from health, safety, and environmental prescript applicable to the job at hand. • Never deviate from the engineering design provided without the approval or instruction of the designing engineer.

SA ROOFING: What are your hopes for the industry’s future?

FRED WAGENAAR: The ITC-SA would like to see a positive economic change in the built environment. Construction has always been and will always remain the biggest employer. Positive economic growth will thus create employment, it will create affordability and will reduce crime and crime-related incidents that are tarnishing not only the industry but the country at large. For more information, visit www.itc-sa.org.

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GBCSA

Green Building Council celebrates milestone 100 Green Star SA certifications Greening in the South African commercial property sector has reached a significant milestone with 100 Green Star SA certifications by the Green Building Council SA. 38

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GBCSA

This clear signal of the move towards green building is particularly significant as buildings are responsible for around 40% of the world’s end-use energy consumption through their ongoing operation. Buildings are amongst the main contributors to climate change. “There are multiple incentives involved in green building initiatives,” says Wilkinson, “Ultimately the upward trend in the number of buildings being certified and those applying for certification illustrates that awareness and perceptions around environmental issues have changed and evolved. Energy efficiency and the financial rewards notwithstanding, green building is the right thing to do.” There are over 1.8 million square metres of green certified space covered by the 100 Green Star SA certification – or the equivalent of 263 rugby fields. Given the sustainable, green implementations in these building projects, their positive impacts are far reaching. The 100 Green Star certified projects achieve the combined annual savings of 131 million kilowatt hours of electricity – the equivalent of powering 9 130 households for a year. This takes massive pressure off South Africa’s struggling power grid. The 100 certifications also save a total of 176 million kilograms of carbon emissions – the same as taking 44 096 cars off the roads, or 5 000 full Boeing 747 flights travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Plus, they save 171 million litres of drinking water, which equates to the daily water requirements for nearly 86 million people for one day. All these savings also have a meaningful impact on the bottom lines of the businesses that own and occupy these green buildings. In addition to creating more sustainable and productive environments, the financial incentives of operating green buildings are also being realised, particularly in the face of South Africa’s water scarcity and increasing energy costs.

he pace of green building certifications has been rising rapidly in South Africa. In 2009 the country’s first green certification was awarded by the GBCSA. In April 2014 the country celebrated 50 Green Star SA ratings and, only a year later, this had doubled to one hundred, with 25 certifications awarded in the first quarter of 2015 alone. Established in 2007, the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) has pioneered transformation of the South African property sector by promoting and facilitating environmentally sustainable building practises, from the design phase to construction and operation. Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA, comments, “Achieving 100 certifications indicates the commercial property sector’s commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency in response to growing cities and related challenges to energy infrastructure.”

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Wilkinson stresses, “Green Star certification allows for the recognition and reward of environmental leadership and the GBCSA could not have reached 100 certifications without support and innovation from across the industry.” Wilkinson explains that with green building accelerating in South Africa, as its extensive benefits are being increasingly recognised, it has become essential for a rigorous, standardised system that rates just how green projects are with tangible results to back up these claims. This is what the GBCSA’s Green Star SA rating tools do. GBCSA developed the Green Star SA rating system and is the official certification body for green building projects. A Green Star SA rating guarantees that businesses live up to their green building claims. Independent assessors are employed to evaluate submissions and allocate points based on the green measures that have been implemented. Certification is awarded for 4-Star, 5-Star or 6-Star Green Star SA ratings.

G BC S A

Photo by: Marc Oberman

Of the first 100 Green Star SA certifications in South Africa, nine were awarded 6 stars, which represents world leadership in green building. The 100 th building certification by GBCSA with a 5-Star Green Star SA Existing Building rating was officially awarded to Kirstenhof Office Park in Paulshof, Sandton. It is owned by Growthpoint Properties, South Africa’s largest JSE-listed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), a GBCSA Platinum Founding Member and the owner of the biggest portfolio of green buildings in the country. Its elegant Cape Dutch design buildings are located on Witkoppen Road at the Rivonia N1 off-ramp. Kirstenhof Office Park’s long list of green features include energy efficient lighting including fluorescents fitted with high frequency ballasts, flow restrictors on all taps, an operation waste and materials management plan and a storm water management plan to limit disruption of natural hydrology, minimise pollution and site deterioration. Norbert Sasse, CEO of Growthpoint Properties, comments, “It is an honour to receive the 100th Green Star SA rating from the GBCSA. Growthpoint is committed to the sustainability of the environment and the communities in which we are invested through our properties. We want our buildings to be places where business in South Africa can thrive, with quality, healthy, productive working environments that also offer savings on utilities consumption and costs. The GBCSA Green Star SA tools are important enablers in our green building journey. Kirstenhof Office Park is an excellent example of our approach that prioritises green building and property operations, for both our new developments and existing buildings.” Gauteng leads South Africa with the largest number of certified Green Star SA projects – an impressive 55. It is followed by the Western Cape with 29, KwaZulu-Natal with 11, the Eastern Cape with two and Limpopo with one. GBCSA has also certified two international ratings.

“Congratulations to the GBCSA and the industry as a whole on this achievement,” says Robin Lockhart-Ross, Managing Executive of Nedbank Property Finance. “As a bank whose reputation is built on its commitment to the environment and sustainability, we are proud of our own achievements in championing the cause of green buildings not only by financing and occupying these, but also through our sponsorship of the Existing Building Performance Rating Tool and the GBCSA annual convention, a platform that is aimed at ensuring that the ‘green’ agenda is maintained.” Wilkinson says, “The increase in pace in green building in South Africa has been phenomenal. From a single Green Star SA certification only five years ago, to 50 certifications last year, and 100 certifications now, the green building movement in South Africa is certainly gaining momentum.” “The positive impact these buildings are having on our environment is meaningful, and becomes more significant with each green building certified. We would like to congratulate South Africa’s commercial property sector on this landmark achievement, and encourage them to continue to create sustainable, green buildings.”

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The ultimate truss for RDP roofing Trumod has recently acquired the U-truss machinery and technology from Vela Building Systems and is proud to add this to their existing portfolio.

hese trusses are very well suited for the shorter span roof structures of affordable and RDP housing projects. The design of the material sections allows for optimisation and a significant saving in material when compared to the more traditional steel trusses offered in the market. This makes for a more cost effective roofing system overall. U-trusses can either be flat-packed and assembled on site, or factory-assembled and delivered to site should assembly space prove to be a constraint. Assembly is simplistic, as all members have been accurately pre-cut and punched. No jigs are required and members can be bolted together with hand tools using local labour. The U-truss complements the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total product offering of FrameCAD walling and Scottsdale long-span roof structures. All structures are designed to comply with accepted structural standards and SANS 517.

Mulder Kruger Call: 082 320 1959 mulder@trumod.co.za

In addition to light steel trusses Trumod also offers IBR wide span and corrugated sheeting. As the manufacturer of both trusses and roof covering, the company is in an ideal position to provide the erector with a comprehensive roofing package. Trumod is one of very few manufacturers that have the design capabilities and manufacturing capacity to meet the demand and has been supplying light steel structures to the market for the past eight years. With the capacity to manufacture approximately 2 500 roof structures per month, we have an extended customer base, country wide. Trumodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U-truss system represents an innovative and workable solution to roofing affordable homes. For more information, visit www.trumod.co.za or contact the office on 011 360 1960.

Professional design, manufacture and erection of light steel frame buildings and structures

www.trumod.co.za

A DV E RTO R I A L

U-truss

I N S U L ATI O N

EPS ahead

Expanded polystyrene as roofing insulation Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight, rigid, plastic foam insulation material produced from solid beads of polystyrene and moulded into appropriate forms for specific applications. EPS is commonly used as an insulator in walls, floors and roofs in the construction trade. This article explores its application in the latter.

he type and design of thermal insulation in new buildings depend on the construction and subsequent use of the building. Different levels of thermal insulation for the shell of the building are required based on the purpose of the building and must be fulfilled. The thermal properties include the effects of thermal bridging.

ROOF STRUCTURES Pitched or flat roofs can be built in various designs, irrespective of the shape of the roof. A distinction is made between light and heavy styles. Pitched roofs are usually built in light wooden structures and flat roofs in heavy concrete or light metal designs.

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I N S U L ATI O N

DESIGN CRITERIA MINIMUM TOTAL R-VALUES OF ROOF ASSEMBLIES CLIMATIC ZONES

DESCRIPTION

Cold interior

Temperate interior

Hot interior

Temperate Coastal

Sub-tropical Coastal

Arid interior

Minimum required total R-Value (m²∙K/W)

3,7

3,2

2,7

3,7

2,7

3,5

Direction of heat flow

Down and up

Down

0,36

0,30

Directions of heat flow are as follows: • Upwards R-Values: Resistance to heat flow upwards (winter / heating conditions) • Downwards R-Values: Resistance to heat flow downwards (summer / cooling conditions) METAL SHEETING R-Value of roof covering material

0,30

R-Value of ceiling

0,05

Added R-Value of insulation

3,35

2,85

2,35

3,35

2,29

3,15

EPS Thickness mm

120

100

120

115

0,48

0,35

CLAY TILE ROOF ASSEMBLIES R-Value of roof covering material

0,35

R-Value of ceiling

0,05

Added R-Value of insulation

3,30

2,80

2,30

3,30

2,17

2,80

EPS Thickness mm

120

100

120

100

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I N S U L ATI O N

PITCHED ROOFS

INVERTED ROOFS

Pitched roofs can generally be fitted with over-rafter or between-rafter insulation, or a combination, as under-rafter insulation.

PITCHED TILE ROOF WITH FLAT CEILING

PITCHED METAL ROOF WITH FLAT CEILING

SITE HANDLING AND STORAGE

FLAT ROOF In conventional flat roofs, insulation is added over the supporting roof construction. The insulating material must be able to permanently withstand the load of the sealing, gravel layers or terracing or green roof system.

FLAT ROOF AND CATHEDRAL CEILING – CEILING LINING UNDER RAFTERS

EPS boards are delivered to site in protective plastic packaging and should be stored under cover. The EPS boards should be stored on a firm, clean, level base, off the ground and under cover until required for use. Care must be taken when handling the insulation to avoid damage. The EPS boards must be protected from prolonged exposure to sunlight, either by storing opened packs under cover or recovering with opaque polyethylene sheeting. Care must be taken to avoid contact with solvents or materials containing volatile organic components such as coal tar, pitch, timber newly treated with creosote, etc. The EPS boards must not be exposed to open flame or other heat sources and should not be stored near flammable liquids.

DESIGN DATA EPS boards are not to be considered as contributing to the structural strength of the roof. Roofs must comply with the rules of the National Building Regulations and be designed in accordance with SANS 10400 Part L – Roofs and Part T – Fire protection.

PROPERTIES IN RELATION TO FIRE

FLAT ROOF AND CATHEDRAL CEILING – CEILING LINING ON TOP OF RAFTERS (EXPOSED RAFTERS)

In terms of SANS 10177-5 Fire Testing of Materials, Components and Elements used in Buildings Part 5; Noncombustibility at 750 °C of Building Materials, EPS boards on their own are considered combustible. This does not mean that the product cannot be used. It is a requirement for all manufacturers of EPS boards or composite boards (laminated with facings) to test their individual products in accordance with the type of installation system as it would be in practice, i.e. over purlin, under purlin or suspended ceiling application, in accordance with SANS 428 Fire Performance Classification of Thermal Insulated Building Envelope Systems. EPS boards must not be stored near flammable liquids, waste, etc. or exposed to heat or open flames.

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I N S U L ATI O N

THERMAL INSULATION

DURABILITY

For the purpose of thermal calculations to determine if the requirements of the building regulations are met, the thermal conductivity (k-value) of the boards may be taken as:

The EPS boards are rot-proof, dimensionally stable and, when installed with the overlays specified, will remain effective as an insulating material for the life of the building in which they are incorporated.

• SD – 0.038 W/(m.K) • HD – 0.035 W/(m.K)

INSTALLATION

• EHD – 0.032 W/(m.K)

The installation must be strictly in accordance with the manufacturers’ installation specifications. For more information, visit www.epsasa.co.za.

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V ITR EO U S E N A M E L C L A D D I N G

Arabian totems dressed with vitreous enamel steel cladding In an order calling for extensive custom design and production, Vitrex – South Africa's leading producer of enamel steel products for architectural applications – supplied the vitreous enamel steel panels and associated brackets for three new towering totems erected outside the King Abdullah Football Stadium in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

he 60 000-seater King Abdullah Football Stadium forms part of the ultra modern Sport City complex, dubbed the ‘Jewel in the Desert,’ which features facilities that range from luxurious VIP lounges to 5-star accommodation. The impressive project is located in Jeddah, the second largest city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the stadium, originally designed in 2009, is the venue for home matches of the two local football teams, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli. Cristian Cottino, Sales & Marketing Director of Boksburgbased Vitrex, says the specification by Quality Architectural Systems LLC, called for the 23m-high totems to be clad with heavy gauge Vitraclad vitreous steel panels in a special ‘champagne’ colour to match that of the main stadium's cladding. "Where specific colours need to be matched in vitreous enamel, this calls for a relatively intensive, trial-anderror exercise by the Vitrex in-house laboratory. In developing custom-made colours, Vitrex has to ensure that the 'new' colour enamel is proven stable under production conditions, that the developed vitreous enamel coating is suitable for the intended application, and that it is as close as technically possible to the required colour," Cottino explains.

But this contract called for more than just colour matching. "The enamel formulation for the totem cladding also had to fulfill high temperature resistance requirements. As some of the panels were to be installed within three metres of exceptionally hot discharge outlets on the totems, the cladding in this zone had to be able to withstand a temperature of 500°C. The scorching diesel fumes from back-up generators, housed at the base of the totems, are discharged through these outlets." Cottino says the maximum temperature that a vitreous enamel coating will withstand for extended periods depends on its original firing temperature and formulation. "Generally, for applications on steel, the vitreous enamel coating remains inert to a temperature of about 200°C below its firing temperature. The conventional firing temperatures using a steel substrate are around 800°C, therefore vitreous enamel coatings maintain their thermal stability and remain inert up to a temperature of around 600°C."

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V ITR EO U S E N A M E L C L A D D I N G

The need for heat resistance, however, called for even more precautions with the totem cladding. "The vitreous enamel ground coat is usually applied over the entire fabricated piece, with the cover or colour coats applied only to the outer, visible face of the panels. But, for this project, Vitrex had to provide full cover colour coats to both sides of the panels to ensure thermal stability. Furthermore, to protect the laminated components at the back of the sandwich (composite) panels, Vitrex introduced a 75mm thick wired insulating matt, with a Maximum Service Temperature (MST) of 620°C, to provide a cold face temperature of 72.8°C when the hot face temperature is 550°C." Cottino said Vitrex's scope of work also included determining panel deflection and whether the proposed panels would be able to withstand a design wind load of 2.2 kN/m2 . "The structural design included determining the number of fixing points required for each panel, as well as the suitability of the fixings, bracketry and sub-structure proposed by the specialist subcontractor who carried out the installation of the totem panels and cladding system." In another bespoke requirement, Vitrex provided special 100mm diameter cut-outs in the panels fixed to the top of the totems to accommodate the mobile network's antenna support arms. The unusual export contract was secured for the Ekurhuleni company by Vitrex Europe and Middle East.

ABOUT VITREOUS ENAMEL CLADDING Vitreous (porcelain) enamel steel cladding has specific properties that provide exceptional durability and versatility, incorporating features such as: • Low maintenance: The selected colour of the panels is permanent, non-fading and the surface requires only simple, periodic maintenance • Resistance to abrasion: The hard-wearing surface is resistant to abrasive materials with a surface hardness rating of between 6 and 7 on the MOH scale • Vandal-proof and impact resistant: It is extremely difficult to permanently mark the surface with knives, keys and screwdrivers. Unwanted graffiti and spray paint can easily be removed • Thermal shock: Resists extreme temperature differentials and will withstand rapid cooling by water spray from 400˚C to room temperature over a 30-second period. Specific performance requirements can be addressed at the design stage • Vermin-proof: The surface is impervious to attack by rodents and boring insects • Acoustic and thermal insulation: Specific performance requirements can also be discussed at the design stage • Hygienic: The absence of pores on the smooth, hard surface eliminates absorption of dirt and grease, and reduces the presence and growth of bacteria and mould • Corrosion and solvent proof: The panels do not rust, even in extreme marine conditions. The coating is resistant to most alkalis, acids, organic solvents and unaffected by kerosene and vehicle emissions • Environmentally friendly: The panels have a working life well in excess of 30 years with minimum maintenance, do not require strong chemicals for cleaning, and are fully recyclable

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Football Stadium with one of the three totems clad with vitreous enamel steel panels supplied by Vitrex.

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For more information, visit www.vitrex.co.za.

M AC H I N E RY

Roof tile machines take advantage of concrete’s green credentials A range of concrete roof tile machines developed specifically for startup businesses and climatic and operating conditions in Africa is available from Pan Mixers South Africa (PMSA).

ndependent research from the Öko-Institut Freiburg (Ecological Institute) in Germany places concrete roof tiles well ahead in the categories of greenhouse effect, acidification potential, eutrophication, photo-oxidation and fine dust. These important facts led to PMSA entering into a partnership with world-leading Swedish roof-tile expert ABECE to distribute its equipment in Africa. “The emphasis on infrastructure development in Africa, particularly in terms of government-funded projects, means that we foresee tremendous growth opportunities here,” ABECE Area Manager, Fredrik Toftemo, comments. “Working closely with an established partner such as PMSA allows us to remain at the forefront of this market,” Toftemo adds. PMSA Marketing and Sales Manager, Quintin Booysen, highlights that the two companies have been collaborating

successfully since 2005, and have worked on fully automated roof-tile plants in South Africa with capacities of up to 140 tiles a minute. PMSA is the largest supplier of concrete brick, block and paving manufacturing machinery and technology on the continent. It recently displayed ABECE equipment at its stand at Totally Concrete 2015 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg in mid-May. “Long-term strategic partnerships such as the one we have established with ABECE allows us to stay ahead of market trends. “It also gives us the added flexibility to be able to respond proactively to specific customer requirements, as well as providing robust and user-friendly equipment that can withstand the harsh operating conditions in Africa,” Booysen emphasises.

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M AC H I N E RY

The SPS semi-automatic extruder can manufacture up to 5 000 concrete tiles in a nine-hour shift, depending on the specific plant configuration. This equates to about ten tiles a minute. The main benefits of this extruder are that it is easy to install, operate and maintain, which are important considerations in remote project sites in Africa. The SPS extruder features a heavy-duty design that incorporates high-quality material and components in its manufacture. It has a 1.5kW motor power roller and a 5.5kW hydraulic power pack for the pusher movement. A standalone depalleter is also available, as well as ridge and trim tile manufacturing equipment. Toftemo explains that concrete is fed from a conveyor into the concrete hopper above the slipper and roller unit.

Aluminium pallets are placed manually on the support rails that guide the pallets through the extruder. A hydraulic cylinder pushes the pallets through the release oil spray system and the making head in order to shape the concrete tile. Thereafter the automatic knife unit cuts and shapes the tile. This knife unit is kept clean by a water-spray system. The manufacturing process only requires three to five labourers, depending on the level of automation and the skills level of the staff. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Combined with the fact that concrete roof tiles are such an eco-friendly product, the SPS extruder is the ideal machine for African conditions,â&#x20AC;? Booysen concludes.

WE SPECIALISE IN Erecting carports & pergolas and re-roofing industrial and domestic roofs

Corrugated Polycarb R95/m IBR Polycarb R79/m Zincalume R58/m Colorbond From R75/m

www.rooftech.co.za rooftech@wirelessza.co.za

*Prices are subject to change

Also suppliers of: Timber, UPVC Fascias, Barge Boards, PVC & Galvinised Box Guttering, Carport Poles and Flashings

FREE EXPO AND WORKSHOP PASS

Conference

Valued at R200

∙ Trade Expo

12 – 13 August 2015

Cape Town International Convention Centre Conference

∙ Trade Expo

WHY ATTEND THE EVENT?

If you manufacture, sell, specify or work with construction in any capacity then this is your show!

• Develop your skills during FREE workshops and training on the exhibition floor • Meet the entire construction value chain • WIN! Lucky draw prizes to be won Networking opportunities

EXPO HOURS Conference Trade Expo

Tuesday 12 August 2015 11:00 – 18:00

*VIP CODE: SAR01

Wednesday 13 August 2015 10:30 – 16:00

NETWORKINg INVITATION

SEE, TOUCH AND EXPLORE the

Date: Wednesday 12 August 2015

solutions of tomorrow from 100+ exhibitors who will be displaying: Chemicals and admixtures Consultants Contracting services Construction tools and equipment Finance and insurance Finishing and facing materials Flooring Formwork and scaffolding HVAC Landscaping products and services

Conference Trade Expo

Time: 17:00 - 19:30 Dress: Business casual

Paints and coatings Retailers Roofing Safety and security Sealants and insulation Software and IT Specialist contractors Transport and logistics

HOW TO REgISTER Get your free ticket by visiting easycode. com/ccreg And use the *VALIDATION CODE on the TOP to redeem this voucher and enjoy free entry

ADDRESS Exhibition Hall 1 & 2, Ground floor Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town

WHAT TO EXPECT? 3000+ visitors

100+

exhibiting companies

20+

participating partners

FREE workshops CapeConstructionExpo

@CT_Construction #capeconstruction2015

Cape Construction

Association and strategic partners

meghan.gilson@hypenica.com

www.cape-construction.co.za

Conference

∙ Trade Expo

12 – 13 August 2015, Cape Town International Convention Centre

Conference

∙ Trade Expo

R SPONSO a s a e t a and Particip and exp R O T I B or EXHI twork! e n s s e sin your bu CapeConstructionExpo

CT_Construction

HOST MEDIA PARTNERS

Cape Construction CONTACT RASHAAD ESSOP

rashaad.essop@hypenica.com +27 21 700 4356

www.cape-construction.co.za

P O LYC A R B O N ATE

Casting a light through

polycarbonate roof sheeting AMPA Group is committed to developing more environmentally friendly products without compromising on their key benefits or high quality.

he company has a three-pronged approach to this commitment through new product formulation, the applications of its products and supporting green initiatives.

THINNER SHEETING Modek, a product brand of AMPA Group, specializes in the manufacture and supply of translucent roof sheeting and has an exciting range of polycarbonate sheeting for the domestic market. Sheeting is available in 1.2mm, 1.0mm and a very economical and cost effective 0.8mm.

LONGEVITY The polycarbonate sheeting comprises one of the most advanced polymers available, offering a virtually indestructible translucent roofing material. These sheets also have a coextruded layer of highly UV stabilized polymer on the surface to make them weather-resistant, which means they last longer.

Likewise, GRP rooflights produced by Modek are extremely resistant to degradation by the elements, do not rust or corrode and are unaffected by most aggressive chemicals. The low coefficient of thermal expansion means that they do not crack easily. In fact, many GRP rooflights produced over forty years ago are still in use today.

EFFICACY Because this translucent sheeting has been designed to withstand the harsh South African climatic conditions, clients are guaranteed 10 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; retention of at least 80% clarity. This keeps radiation degradation at bay and ensures that buildings using natural light are assured long-term use of the product.

COOL ROOFING Cool roofing is a process aimed at lowering the energy consumption of buildings and reducing urban heating. A cool roof is one that reflects the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heat and emits absorbed radiation back into the atmosphere.

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P O LYC A R B O N ATE

The roof literally stays cooler and reduces the amount of heat transferred to the building below, keeping the building at a cooler and more constant temperature. However, a cool roof need not be white. There are many ‘cool colour’ products which use darker coloured pigments that are highly reflective in the near infrared (non-visible) portion of the solar spectrum. With ‘cool colour’ technologies there are roofs that come in a wide variety of colours and still maintain a high solar reflectance.

BENEFITS Because cool roofs reflect the sun’s energy as light instead of allowing it to enter the building below as heat, it can substantially reduce the cooling load of the building. This allows for: • Increased occupant comfort, especially during hot summer months • Reduced air-conditioning use, resulting in energy savings • Decreased roof maintenance costs due to longer roof life

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Internationally, as these benefits are being recognized, cool roof requirements are appearing in building energy codes and green building programmes across the nation.

SELECTING A COOL ROOF One should consider a complete cool roofing system instead of a more temporary reflective surface coating when longterm, low-maintenance protection – in addition to energysaving benefits – is desired. Among the most reflective of the complete cool roofing systems are thermoplastic single plies. The coolest of these thermoplastic systems typically range from 70 to 85% solar reflectance. A membrane with high reflectance, a good warranty, and a history of good performance offers the best protection for a facility, as well as an opportunity to save money through lower energy consumption for years to come. For more information, visit www.ampa.co.za.

S A I NT- GO B A I N A N N I V E R S A RY

Saint-Gobain 1665 – 2015, the history of the future A look at some of the iconic buildings in the Saint-Gobain global portfolio

his year marks the 350 th anniversary of the founding of Saint-Gobain. First founded as the royal manufactory in 1665, Saint-Gobain has played an active role over four centuries of architectural revolutions. The company’s products have been used in countless prestigious, ground-breaking projects, from the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles to the glass floor of the Eiffel Tower. Saint-Gobain is synonymous with a passion for technology, industry and research. It is interesting to see how the original mirror manufacturer, founded to produce a luxury item, is now a group with a remarkably diverse portfolio, which includes an impressive list of iconic buildings across the globe. We look at some of the company’s major achievements:

THE LOUVRE MUSEUM Architect Ieoh Ming Pei’s Pyramid at the Louvre, which opened to the public in 1989, was an extraordinary accomplishment for the Group. The development of extra-clear laminated glass required multiple studies to meet the specifications required by the architect concerning the utmost transparency of the glass, its optical characteristics and its mechanical performance. This was no easy feat. The 657 glass lozenges and 118 glass triangles were made in the village of Saint-Gobain in the Aisne region, polished in England and fashioned in Longjumeau before reaching the Louvre. More recently, Saint-Gobain has also supplied numerous glass elements to the Louvre, including the bullet-proof, theft-proof and anti-reflective glass for the Mona Lisa.

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S A I NT- GO B A I N A N N I V E R S A RY

THE EIFFEL TOWER

A GLASS GIANT OF THE SEA

For the Eiffel Tower, 2014 marked the renovation of its first floor. Visitors now have a unique experience, walking on a glass floor 57 metres above the ground, while looking out over Paris. The architecture firm, which initiated the project, hired Saint-Gobain Glassolutions for both the design and execution of this new floor made of skid-proof glass tiles.

Built for the Royal Caribbean International, the Oasis of the Seas was the world’s largest cruise ship when it was built. Saint-Gobain Vetrotech Kinon produced much of the glazing in 2008. The glass facades surrounding the main stairs and the elevators were specifically designed using safety glass allowing in a maximum amount of light, providing excellent visibility, while still remaining fire-resistant.

THE MOSES MABHIDA STADIUM – DURBAN

For its 350 th anniversary, Saint-Gobain will embark on a number of global celebratory initiatives, demonstrating what the former Royal Mirror Glass Manufactory has become, a Group present in sixty-four countries, employing some 190 000 people, with a portfolio of products that has significantly evolved to bring innovation to habitat.

Closer to home, Saint-Gobain South Africa participated in the construction of Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, built to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup, by supplying over 45 000 square metres of Sheerfill architectural membrane. This resincovered fibreglass web was selected to cover the stadium because of its non-flammable and self-cleaning properties.

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H E A LTH & S A F E T Y

MBA North develops innovative proactive Health & Safety monitoring system Master Builders Association North is developing an innovative, proactive initiative to assist its members and the construction industry to comply with the important Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Construction Regulations which come into effect from August this year.

Pictured at a special workshop where MBA North introduced its new OHS IT system to the building industry were (from left): Back row: Dave Bass (PASMA), Nico de Bruyn (MBA Free State), Neels Nortje (MBA KZN), Deon Bester (MBA Western Cape), James Flint (SAFCEC),Willem Liebenberg (MBA Boland). Front row: Doug Michell (MBA North),Takalani Sigama (WBHO), Lea Smith (MBA North), Paul Adams (MBA North), James Geeringh (EOH), and Gerhard Potgieter (Gothic Construction).

ea Smith, immediate past president of MBA North, says the Association's new OHS Information Technology System is aimed at driving compliance, monitoring and enforcement of the new regulations. "While the government's proposed construction regulations are very clearly spelt out, the areas where we can foresee problems and challenges are in the implementation, monitoring and enforcement of the regulations. The primary aim of MBA North's new web-based IT System is to find a practical, workable, 'real time' proactive implementation and monitoring solution to key the legislative requirements of the construction regulations," he stated.

He said it was important to remember that compliance would be assessed monthly not only on safety measures in operation on site but also on the need for all employees to have valid certificates of fitness, and the need to provide proof that sufficient OHS induction/training of employees had taken place.

MBA North introduced its IT System to invited OHS experts in the building industry, including representatives of other MBAs, employer organisations, principal contractors and OHS consultants at a special one-day workshop at a hotel at OR Tambo International Airport at the end of April. During the workshop, input was obtained from the delegates for the development of an effective auditing checklist which could be incorporated into the IT System. "The delegates provided their authoritative views – based on individual experience – on the elements that should form part of the industry's pro-active auditing checklist to help clients, agents, contractors and subcontractors to be well prepared for the Department of Labour's compulsory monthly OHS audits which will be implemented from August 2015," Smith explained.

"The concept and powerful operational potential of the system was wholeheartedly supported by the attendees. MBA North believes that the 'real time' monitoring facility provided in our system will play an important role in proactive implementation of the construction regulations' requirements. Such identification of non-compliance would reduce construction safety incidents and prompt the necessary corrective action that would not only aid compliance, but also save lives and prevent injury on site," Michell added.

Doug Michell, MBA North Construction Health & Safety Manager, said the workshop – which will pave the way for the development and promotion of the MBA North Information Technology System – had been most successful and promised strong support from the rest of the industry, nationally.

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