55
December 2013
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
Specialist Contractors or Suppliers
B
Concrete Repair and Protection System
for the Carlton Centre
T
he 50 storey high Carlton Centre, was officially opened in 1973
at a total cost of over R88-million. Forty years later, it still stands
proud as the tallest building on the African continent. In 2012,
an event of spalling occurred which resulted in owners, Transnet
Properties urgently engaging SMEC (formerly Vela VKE Consulting
Engineers) for advice. Although just a single piece of debris had
apparently fallen onto the roof of a steel framed structure to the
west of the Carlton Centre, SMEC recommended that an emergency
restoration project be initiated. Several products fromSika’s Concrete
Repair and Protection System were specified, given their reliability,
durability and cost effectiveness.
Preparations for the repair work included chipping away the
contaminated and spalling concrete as well as splicing the old rusted
rebar. Once completed, repair work commenced using Sika’s innova-
tive repair and protection systems.
Due to the sheer height of the Carlton Centre, which stands at 223
metres, aswell as theunpredictablewinds andatmospheric conditions
surrounding it, the highly experienced SA Rope Access Company was
awarded the hazardous task of applying Sika’s highperformance prod-
ucts. The team chosen for this repair project were trained by Sika and
awarded the Sika Approved Applicatorship. They met the challenge
with great enthusiasm and photographs of workers seen suspended
from the roof bear testimony to their bravery.
Due to the excellent workability characteristics of the Sika
products used in this concrete repair and protection programme,
and despite some adverse weather conditions, contractors were
able to complete the project within the specified time sched-
ule. Sika is justifiably proud to have been chosen to supply its
state-of-the-art products to restore and protect an important South
African landmark.
Theprimarymotivating factor of renovating theCarltonCentrewas
to ensure it was safe. Sika has contributed to the realisation of these
objectives in many significant ways. All Sika’s products are renowned
in the construction industry worldwide for their innovation, quality,
durability and sustainability.
Project information
• Name of project: Concrete Repair and
Protection System for the Carlton Centre
• Company entering: Sika
• Client: Transnet Properties
• Main contractor: SA Rope Access
