June 2013
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
35
projects & contracts
Some of the hollow-core slabs which were used on the double-storey units at Klapmuts.
and the roads were edged with double
cobble pavers (see photo), which were also
supplied by C.E.L. Paving.
“It finishes off the project very neatly,”
says Whiting,” and we have used the process
extensively on other projects.”
CMA executive director,Wally Armstrong,
says this Klapmuts subsidy housing project,
which was NHBRC approved, is an excellent
showcase for precast concrete.
“Not only was CBP chosen for the roads
because of its superior durability and all-
weather properties, but precast concrete
formed themain building components in the
construction of the houses. These included:
precast building blocks supplied by CMA
member, Boland Concrete for the masonry;
precast hollow-core slabs for second-storey
flooring of the double-storey units and
precast staircases; and concrete roof tiles
supplied by CMA member, Eagle Roof Tiles.
“Hollow-core slab flooring is ideal for
multi-storey structures, not only for subsidy
housing, but for designer homes, hotels,
apartment and office buildings as well. It is
a much faster and cleaner building process
than in-situ flooring, and because it’s pro-
duced in a factory environment, offers high
and consistent quality.
“Similarly, precast staircases provide an
excellent building solution. They are much
easier to install than their steel or timber
equivalents and require no maintenance,”
says Armstrong.
The largest precast component of
the Klapmuts project was the masonry
which comprised concrete blocks in three
sizes 400 mm x 200 m x 190 mm, 400 mm x
200 mm x 140 mm and 400 mm x 200 mm
x 90 mm. Once built, the outer walls were
plastered and painted and the inner-walls
were bag-washed.
“Given the superior aesthetic properties
of CBP and concrete roof tiles has meant that
the Klapmuts project is visually appealing,
and as such, is likely to encourage pride-of-
ownership and a greater sense of community
among the lucky few who qualify for these
houses. Furthermore, another plus was the
fact that that much of the labour for the
project was drawn from the local community.
Many of them were unskilled and received
CETA-accredited training from Power Con-
struction,”concluded Armstrong.
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