ON THE COVER: The old adage that building roads and bridges is fundamental to the growth of an economy has certainly been heeded by the Saldanha IDZ (Industrial Development Zone), which, in contrast to many areas in South Africa, has been undertaking significant infrastructural development with the funds they have received from the South African government for that specific purpose.
Some of this infrastructure includes roads and bridges such as the Greenfields Link Interchange project, awarded to WBHO Construction in late 2017 and who subsequently awarded the geotechnical piling contract to Keller’s Franki Africa.
Sustainable and innovative
Following a record number of entries, the shortlisted projects for the fifth AfriSam–South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) Award for Sustainable Architecture + Innovation have been revealed.
The 14 shortlisted projects across four categories – Sustainable Architecture, Research in Sustainability, Sustainable Products and Technology, and Sustainable Social Programmes – were selected following a rigorous screening process which included assessments and on-site inspections by a six-member adjudication panel.
Three of the shortlisted projects in this year’s AfriSam-South African Institute of Architects Award for Sustainable Architecture + Innovation.
Geotechnical engineering
Fibertex FiberRock geosynthetic sand containers (GSC bags) have been used for further coastal rehabilitation at Umdloti beach, just north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Ageing infrastructure, large waves and a narrow beach width, have contributed to the urgent need for upgrading loffelstein and gabion walls at Umdloti beach, to ensure greater environmental protection.
When a couple in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, decided to build their dream retirement home they were faced with an unexpected challenge, soil erosion due to the high lying area of their land. A Google search highlighted Technicrete’s Earthform retaining wall blocks as a solution. Meeting with Technicrete at their Polokwane office offered them the erosion solution they required.
Technicrete’s Earthform retaining wall blocks are ideal for the kind of challenges the couple were facing. The longevity of the product has stood the test of time on many projects where soil erosion has been vast due to flooding.
Stefanutti Stocks Geotechnical is applying its wealth of experience in deep pile foundation construction in Namibia, where it has installed seventy-six 900 mm diameter permanently cased, raked oscillator piles.
The foundations are for two bridges that will be built over the Swakop River, which is the largest temporary water-bearing river – with a 30 100 km2 catchment area – in the dry western part of Namibia.
From left: Fibertex rehabilitation, Technicrete Earthform products and Stefanutti Stocks piling in the Swakop River.
Wood construction
The Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA), SAQA-accredited professional body for the engineered timber construction industry, recently hosted its highly-anticipated Annual Timber Engineered Product Awards in Cape Town. The event showcased and rewarded excellence in the timber construction trade, honouring builders, architects and engineers of various projects, from decks and boardwalks and loft room additions, to timber frame homes and exposed timber roof trusses.
Some of the winners in the recent ITC Awards.
