March 2007
Komatsu's ""Dash 5"" wheel loaders take performance to a new level of efficiency on two long-term contracts being managed by Fraser Alexander Bulk Mech in North West Province. Recent purchases include the acquisition of two Komatsu WA320-5 units. See pages 16 & 17
Regular Features
Marketplace
Environment
Property
Projects
Equipment
Products & Services
Diary & Appointments
Features
Industry stalwart posts record results
Posting exceptional results for the financial year ending 31 December 2006, listed construction group, Basil Read, recorded an after-tax profit of R55m - a 120% improvement over the previous period, whilst the Group's 88% increase in turnover is also the highest in its 54 year history
Managing noise in construction
Leading industry expert, Claire Deacon, considers the challenges faced in industry due to the lack of knowledge on the management of noise and how it impacts on the health and safety of personnel in the construction sector
Training a new generation of 'water leaders'
The opening of the Unesco Centre for Water Law, Policy & Science at Scotland's University of Dundee is a world first and is dedicated to developing legal frameworks surrounding the supply of water on a global basis
Water power to the Swazi nation
Constructed by Group Five, a new regulating weir established downstream of Swaziland's Maguga Dam forms an integral part of the latter's hydroelectric scheme. The weir incorporates South African designed diaphragm valves which are currently the largest of their kind in the world
GE's 2008 Olympics
As one of 12 worldwide partners of the International Olypmic Committee for the upcoming Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, General Electric (GE) is going for gold with a host of innovative solutions to ensure the success of the event
Oscillator piling at Caledon River bridge
Establishing the piling for a new Free State bridge requires careful drilling in ground conditions with rock hardness up to 100 MPa in a challenging project being carried out by geotechnical and civil engineering contracting company, Dura Soletanche Bachy
Building in lightweight steel
The urgent need for housing, particularly in emerging markets, is opening the door to new technologies, with lightweight steel frame buildings proving increasingly popular, New entrant to the South African market, Vela Steel Building Systems, expands on the subject
Permeable paving and the environment
The negative effects of urbanisation on South Africa's catchment water balance is a major concern, with part of the solution provided by the incorporation of permeable interlocking concrete pavers, which can significantly reduce stormwater runoff
New Age Facades
Pending environmental legislation will impose strict design standards for the green buildings of the future, with facades coming to the fore as a key component in lowering energy demand. Graeme Jones of Grinaker-LTA Facades, a leader in this field, expands on the implications and discusses recent contracts
The road ahead with Mercedes-Benz: a bauma 07 preview
Mercedes-Benz unveiled its full construction vehicle line-up to South African and international media at its Worth plant in Germany during March ahead of next month's bauma 07 trade show in Munich
