September 2008
Leading geotechnical company Franki Africa's succesw with Chantier Naval de L'Ocean Indien (CNOI) - a ship building and ship=repair company in Port Louis, Mauritius - is an example of their exceptional talent for working outside the country's borders and of the power of good partnerships in the contracting environment. See page 22 & 23
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The rebirth of the steel construction industry
Hennie de Clercq, Southern African Institute of Steel Construction’s executive director, stated recently that the steel construction industry is experiencing a rebirth. He says that, for the first time in decades, companies have the confidence to invest on the back of perceived long-term demand.
Construction skills shortage
According to KPMG’s Global Construction Survey the shortage of skills is affecting the contracting business, pushing up prices, delaying projects and reducing project completions. Construction accounts for between 8% and 10% of GDP and governments must invest heavily in training, specifically secondary schooling.
Light steel accepted as ‘green’
As global warming becomes a bigger threat, the construction industry is taking more notice of it. Against this background, John Barnard, director of the South African Light Steel Frame Building Association, says that as builders will need to comply with specific requirements of the National Building Regulations, Light Steel Frame Building, which fulfils the sustainability criteria, is the answer.
New DFA building takes environment into account
The new 72 000 m2 Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) campus on the Daspoort Ridge is taking shape and will be handed over in May 2009, two years after it started. The development, which will house 2 300 people, utilises various environmental features while the construction attempts to have little impact of suburbia.
Dura Soletanche Bachy in Zambia
The Zambian mining industry has been positively influenced by the record copper prices. Dura Soletache Bachy has been actively involved in the mining industry in Zambia and through its involvement in several projects, it has ensured that the Zambian economy has a solid foundation.
Digging dolomite through the Witwatersrand
The section of the Gautrain between Centurion and Pretoria crosses through an area of dolomitic rock. This poses a challenge to engineers as they have to ensure that the possibility of sinkholes where surface water is incorrectly managed, does not jeopardize the foundations for viaducts.
No laughing matter
Critics of Madrid’s tunnel (to alleviate traffic congestion) – announced in 2003 – nicked-named this tunnel the ‘Tunnel of Laughs’. Many people were convinced that this tunnel was doomed to fail, particularly as the project involved gouging out a 3,5 km subterranean rail interchange at Puerta del Sol and Gran Via boulevards.
Demand for cement remains strong
Indications are that cement sales will remain buoyant as there are extensive infrastructure projects currently underway.
Plasticiser adds workability to concrete for massive Mgeni viaduct
The admixture supplied by Chryso South Africa is providing what is needed in the construction of the R187-million Megeni viaduct. This viaduct is being built over the Mgeni River to link north-west Durban with Pinetown.
The state of tyre manufacturing
Despite major manufacturers such as Bridgestone, Goodyear and Michelin increasing their output, there still is a world-wide shortage of tyres, which impacts the earthmoving market. Manufacturers often have to resort to fitting out their machinery with less than ideal tyres from China.
Italian star descend upon local shores
Astra Trucks, which produces about 3 000 trucks annually, is manufacturing a range of vehicles that is used by the European armed forces and United Nation contingents. In South Africa, Astra Trucks are imported by Autumn Start Trading and High Power Equipment.
