August 2011 Vol 19 No 7
EENVIRONMENTALNVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERINGENGINEERING • TheThe FrackingFracking DebateDebate • DisasterDisaster RiskRisk ManagementManagement • FisantekraalFisantekraal WastewaterWastewater TreatmentTreatment PPlantlant WWesternestern andand SouthernSouthern CCapeape PProjectsrojects SSAICEAICE ANDAND PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL NNEWSEWS • CESMM3CESMM3 forfor SouthernSouthern AAfricafrica • PhotoPhoto CompetitionCompetition WWinnersinners
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August 2011 Vol 19 No 7
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Civil Engineering | August 2011 1
ON THE COVER The AfriSam Slagment Operation in Vanderbijlpark has provided ground ON THE COVER granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) over the last 40 years for the construction of AfriSam had committed itself to reducing its burden on the environment long before it became fashionable to do so major structures, including buildings, dams, bridges, roads and water-retaining structures AfriSam wins M&G “Greening the Future” award 4 FROM THE CEO’S DESK SOUTHERN CAPE Right down the middle 3 Light-gauge steel frame development in the Southern Cape 43 OPINION Is it us, or is it climate change? 6 MARKET CONTRIBUTION Post-tensioning: the right solution 47 ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING OMB Waste Logistics takes waste underground 50 August 2011 Vol 19 No 7 On fracking in the Karoo, open forums and Amanzimtoti rehabilitation of dune PUBLISHED BY SAICE Block 19, Thornhill Offi ce Park, slopes using Green Terramesh 52 Bekker Street, Vorna Valley, Midrand the power of public opinion… 9 Private Bag X200, Halfway House, 1685 Mezzanines in minutes 54 Tel 011 805 5947/48, Fax 011 805 5971 http://www.civils.org.za [email protected] The importance of independent construction
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Manglin Pillay quality assurance (CQA) services for the IN BRIEF 56 [email protected] Tel 011 805 5947/8 installation of geosynthetic lining systems 12 World’s fi rst commercial wave power plant EDITOR inaugurated Veolia to upgrade Bellville Wastewater Verelene de Koker [email protected] Disaster Risk Management – planning for Works Corobrik pavers beautify PE inner city Tel 011 805 5947/8, Cell 083 378 3996 Sika stands up for sustainability and health & EDITORIAL PANEL Marco van Dijk (chairman), Irvin Luker (vice-chairman), resilient and sustainable societies 16 safety Mapei helps to reinforce concrete columns Seetella Makhetha (president), Manglin Pillay (CEO), Dawie Botha, Wally Burdzik, Johan de Koker, Gerhard Precast concrete standards and the CPA Lady Heymann, Jeffrey Mahachi, Jones Moloisane, Michelle S&P JV on track with Cape Town’s Fisantekraal Theron, Linda Erasmus (communications manager), civil engineer wins 2011 L’Oréal-UNESCO Fellowship Marie Ashpole, Zina Girald, Verelene de Koker (editor), Cathy van der Westhuizen (editor’s assistant), Barbara Wastewater Treatment Plant 20 Spence (advertising)
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATE SAICE AND PROFESSIONAL NEWS SA R575.00 (VAT included), International US$ 122.00 Quantitative Analysis of EIA for A new standard system of measurement for civil ADVERTISING Barbara Spence, Avenue Advertising Environmental Engineers 25 engineering quantities in southern Africa (CESMM3) 62 [email protected] Tel 011 463 7940, Fax 011 463 7939 Winners of the AfriSam-SAICE Electronic Cell 082 881 3454 Public transport and the environment Photo Competition 2011 DESIGN AND REPRODUCTION 64 Marketing Support Services, Menlo Park, Pretoria – the way forward 30 The United Nations Conference on Sustainable PRINTING Ultra Litho, Johannesburg Development for 2012 – Regional Workshop for Africa 66 The South African Institution of Civil Engineering WESTERN CAPE Strengthening ties with our Nigerian colleagues 67 accepts no responsibility for any statements made or opinions expressed in this publication. Consequently nobody connected with the publication of the magazine, Implementation of school construction SAICE UCT Student Chapter – visit to the Berg River Dam 68 in particular the proprietors, the publishers and the editors, will be liable for any loss or damage sustained Obituary – Professor Richard Loewenthal by any reader as a result of his or her action upon any in the Western Cape 35 statement or opinion published in this magazine. (or Richard the Lionheart!) 70 ISSN 1021-2000 Upgrade of rental stock in the City of Cape Town 40 Diarise This 72
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ADHESIVES • SEALANTS • CHEMICAL PRODUCTS FOR BUILDING FROM THE CEO’S DESK Right down the middle I HAVE NEVER BEEN one to enjoy golf. engineering capacity to pursue the na- I think it is boring like London weather. tional demands of social and economic Th e one good thing about golf, though, development. And why is there inade- is that it is an excellent barometer for quate project roll-out from the biggest the state of the economy – the more golf civil engineering client, when the develop- players on the golf course, the more en- ment goals have already been announced couraging the state of economic activity from the highest points of administration in the country. But our golf courses are in the country, to the tune of some R800 starting to appear dejected and forlorn billion over the next three years? with the scarcity of visitors. A civil engi- It appears the weakness is a lack of neering colleague from a well-established knowledge on how to identify projects engineering fi rm in South Africa jokes and how to spend the allocated money. that the company’s golf diary remains Th is is evident in the lack of structures, largely unscheduled. Th eir principal processes and systems in government to engineers are hardly on the golf course manage infrastructure spend. Th en there these days; they are too busy scampering is the cauldron of unsuitably qualifi ed around the local and international market So it appears that South African engi- individuals, ineff ectually occupying tech- places sniffi ng for work. Th is is not a good neers are starting to experience unemploy- nical engineering posts, nervously man- sign – not for improving handicap, and ment. Despite living in South Africa where aging engineering projects, and second- most certainly not for the infrastructure “job creation” and “unemployment” appear guessing the allocation of funds. engineering economy. in everyday conversation, it is uncommon But I am a prisoner of optimism, Other senior engineers and heads of to hear the words “engineer” and “unem- so allow me to enter in a ray of hope by departments that I have been commu- ployment” in the same sentence. In fact, referring to our well accomplished 2010 nicating with, appear to share the same it leaves a frustrating void akin to worry. FIFA World Cup. Despite the incapacities sad sentiment. Some companies with And the South African government has the and inabilities, our world-class stadiums excellent management and administrative audacity to bring engineers (together with confi rmed that South Africans can dream skills had the foresight to plan for lean other professionals) from Cuba en masse, with deadlines. When fi rst-world sceptics times, and are able to sustain their people with full and comprehensive packages, to and cynics said we would fall fl at, we raised despite the lack of work. How long these work in South Africa on South African magnifi cent stadiums. Not only did we rise organisations will be able to maintain government funded projects. to the occasion and deliver on demand, but this situation is uncertain. Small and Healthcare, education, water, sanitation, much to our encouragement we proved to medium-sized businesses, however, have housing and electricity are priority features ourselves, and to the rest of the world, that insuffi cient economic depth to apply the in the development plan and poverty al- the people of this nation and South African same liberalities as their larger and more leviation objectives for South Africa. Th e civil engineering are not to be trifl ed with. established counterparts. result of not meeting these objectives, that To overcome the current infrastruc- For lack of sustainable project work, had been promised during election cam- ture development challenges, national fi rms are forced to release engineers back paigns over recent years, has boiled over government needs to apply the same into the market. Some are exploring in- into the streets in the form of mad mobs approach we adopted for the World Cup. ternational pastures and others are reluc- brandishing pangas, wielding knobkerries, Th e current challenges are certainly not tantly looking over the fence into alterna- and toyi-toying through burning tyres in due to insuffi cient funding or defi cient tive work. Th e heads of civil engineering public spaces. Th ese images terrify not only engineering resources. It is, I believe, a departments from four of the leading our own people, but they also discourage matter of political will and the re-capaci- universities of technology in the country foreign investors who are vital for genera- tating of the technical echelons within the all chorus a consistent grumble – their ting economic activity in South Africa. government structures. students are unable to secure sustainable What confuses me is why we have Let’s get our principal engineers back work for in-service training, as well as unemployed engineers when it is very onto the golf course – our economy needs post-graduation employment. evident that there is a genuine need for them there.
Civil Engineering | August 2011 3 1
ON THE COVER AAfriSamfriSam wwinsins M&G “Greening the Future” award
LEADING BLACKCONTROLLED "We realised that a delicate balance From 2002 to 2005 AfriSam be- construction materials group AfriSam must be maintained between our emissions came the fi rst southern African ce- recently won a prestigious Greening the and the imperative to protect the planet," ment producer to install sophisticated
Future award. Olivier said. "Our focus on CO2 reduction emission-measuring equipment in all For the past eight years, the Mail and energy reduction initiatives have put its kiln stacks. Th is, coupled with the & Guardian (M&G) newspaper’s an- us at the forefront in balancing economic installation of the fi rst bag-house fi lters nual Greening the Future awards have progress and due care for the environment." for the cement kiln stacks, enabled its honoured innovation and action in Th e company began monitoring its Dudfi eld factory to have the cleanest kiln environmental sustainability. Th is year greenhouse gas emissions in 1990 and emissions, from a particulate emissions the awards built on past successes and published an Environmental Policy four perspective, in the region. refl ected the latest thinking, trends and years later. In 2000 it implemented a fully- "Between 1990 and 2010, we reduced practices to combat climate change, fl edged CO2 reduction programme and set our CO2 emissions per ton of cement by reduce impacts on water, preserve biodi- ambitious targets to reduce emissions as- more than 30%," Moorgas said. “In 2009 versity and improve eco-effi ciency. Th e sociated with its products. AfriSam took we introduced a world-fi rst CO2 rating winning entries were those that could its fi rst major step towards CO2 reduction system on all our cement bags, which clearly demonstrate the link and benefi t to by launching Project Green Cement in the company's core business activity. that same year. 1 The AfriSam team at the Mail & Guardian In an interview with the M&G, AfriSam AfriSam’s environmental manager, Greening the Future awards function. From left: South Africa’s chief executive offi cer, Claudene Moorgas, also told the M&G Mike McDonald (product manager: cement), Stephan Olivier, said the company had that, by using carefully selected by- Winston Malinga (cement sales consultant), committed itself to reducing its burden products from the steel, energy and other Claudene Moorgas (environmental manager), on the environment long before it became industries to extend cement, AfriSam has Stephan Oliver (chief executive officer), Ntaga fashionable to do so. Today, AfriSam is an been able to reduce the amount of clinker Mojapelo (external communications specialist), industry leader in emissions reduction and without compromising on quality. Lebogang Baloyi (cement sales consultant) and energy management, with the distinction Raw clinker – the main ingredient of Sharon Maleka (corporate affairs executive) of creating the world's fi rst carbon dioxide cement – is highly energy-intensive and 2 Bags of AfriSam Eco Building Cement
(CO2) measurement rating for its products, has a signifi cant CO2 footprint. Blending being checked prior to dispatch thereby setting new benchmarks in the con- raw clinker with other materials means a 3 An AfriSam Readymix truck delivering struction industry, since cement production reduced carbon footprint and a signifi cant product – a daily occurrence on is a key source of carbon emissions. saving on energy consumption. construction sites across the country
4 Civil Engineering | August 2011 means that the carbon footprint of each blenders, which allowed us to blend ce- Using 2000 as its base year, AfriSam AfriSam product, relative to the world ment with extenders. By using these has reduced its electrical energy con- average, is printed on every bag. extenders we consume 60% less electrical sumption by 25% and its thermal energy “As customers become increasingly and thermal energy in the cement pro- consumption by 40%. Moorgas told aware of climate change and other threats, duction process," she said. the M&G that AfriSam prides itself on they look to make environmentally Th e company has also invested in “leading the pack” when it comes to CO2 responsible purchasing decisions. We want major energy effi cient upgrades of equip- emission reduction and energy manage- them to be assured that we are making ment at its production plants and employ ment in the industry. environmentally responsible production a team of process engineers to get max- decisions," Moorgas said. imum energy effi ciency out of each plant INFO AfriSam launched its Eco Building component. Th ese measures, alongside Victor Bouguenon Cement in 2010, which uses more slag behavioural, educational and staff advo- AfriSam instead of clinker to extend cement. Th is cacy initiatives, have yielded signifi cant 011 670 5520 product has a carbon footprint of 414 g per energy savings. www.afrisam.com kg – half the world average of 890 g per kg for cement, as calculated by Cembureau, 2 the European Cement Association. Its latest product, Eco Readymix Concrete, has an even lower carbon footprint. "We have achieved this reduction without compromising on quality," Moorgas told the M&G. "Our Eco Building products meet SABS standards for their strength class and are competi- tively priced." Advanced fuel and energy effi cient technologies play a major role in reducing emissions. "We were the fi rst South African company to install an energy ef- fi cient vertical roller mill for raw material preparation and grinding of cement. "When we began Project Green Cement, we installed state-of-the-art
3
Civil Engineering | August 2011 5 Dawie Botha Retired SAICE Executive Director [email protected]
OPINION Is it us, or is it climate change?
OUR SUMMER RAINS here in Gauteng way that my safety factors become inade- “Are we being led by the nose by earlier this year brought us more than our quate, can I now withdraw my signature some, claiming a direct relationship be- fair share of fl ooding. Damage once more and refuse responsibility for what I did tween climate (change) and fl oods?” occurred and, despite the disputes that 30 years ago? And what if the one-in-fi fty In his substantial and thought-pro- the insurance companies are known to year storm now starts occurring every fi ve voking work Prof Schaap warns against engage in not to pay out, agreements were years or so – when do we rewrite or recal- these too obvious conclusions that we eventually concluded and we all went on culate our norms for what a one-in-fi fty make. He mentions that we are in many our merry ways again. year storm constitutes? cases building in fl ood plains that had During this time newspaper photos Time Magazine recently speculated been there for ages. In addition we are and video footage, along with Facebook, about the damage and loss of life due to dewatering those areas in such a manner Twitter and mobile phone images, con- tornados in the USA. Th e media showed that some areas are “sinking” at a rate of tributed to the annual fl ood anxiety and us horrifi c pictures of devastated towns, 200 mm per annum. And when the rains anguish. But we live in an instant society and reported on hundreds of deaths. So, come we then perceive the fl ooding as – so, as fast as we see, we forget again. are the tornado numbers increasing? induced by climate change. He mentions But come tonight when we watch pro- According to some scientists this is not that it seems easy and logical to steer the grammes like 50/50 and Carte Blanche on necessarily the case. But what is actually discussion away from the catastrophes to television, and hear about power supply happening then? the climate theme, and poses the ques- and related problems, then we suddenly Whole new towns and cities have tion whether we are really engaging in a sit up straight again, nodding in agree- been built in the so-called tornado alley. responsible and fully defendable debate. ment that, yes, the storms and the fl oods Maybe we are building where we should He goes on to say: are most probably going to increase next in fact not be building – where in the past “Because of this strong association year if we do not switch off our geysers one would have seen minimal damage between climate and fl ooding, and be- RIGHT NOW. And many claim that when a tornado passed over farm land or cause it easily sparks our imagination, Global Warming and/or Climate Change virgin land. A couple of broken trees and I considered adding a subtitle to what I are the culprits, and that we better do a fl attened corn fi eld might have been called ‘a tempting link’, namely Climate something or we will perish. the “only” damage, along with what Time and Imagination. Th e word ‘climate’ is But if it does not rain, the roof does called the loss of an outhouse or two. nowadays thought to be directly related not leak. Could it be that reporting has become to ‘climate change’, and by extension to And counting the costs – well, that is so much more sophisticated and instant consequent disruptions. Th e suggested for the insurance companies to worry about. that we perceive the incidents to be on force of the concept of climate is therefore
However, is CO2 indeed the culprit the rise? Maybe one should therefore not much larger than necessary and justifi ed. and solely responsible for what we per- only ask whether the damage is due to, or Changes in climate are undeniable. Th is in ceive as increased incidents of fl ooding the result of, climate change, but whether itself is nothing special – they have always and natural disasters? it could not also be blamed on increased been, and will also occur in the future. Th e In the fi rst instance, the question re- human activity in places where humans climate is not a static state of aff airs. How mains – how trustworthy is our database had not previously resided. climate changes come about, how it works of incidents in terms of the length of time A sobering philosophy was put for- and what our responses should be is an that we have been keeping real records. ward by Prof Dr Ing Sybe Schaap in his extremely complicated matter. However, I often wondered about the accuracy of inaugural lecture at the Delft University these complexities are very often swept the fl ood lines I calculated, taking into of Technology in the Netherlands in away with simplistic solutions or answers.” account that I had South African rainfall December 2010. A free translation of Some years ago, at a congress of the fi gures of only 100 years or so at hand. the title of this lecture (Klimaat en over- American Society of Civil Engineers, I And if developments now start taking stroming een verleidelijk verband) could was present when a Disney employee place upstream from that town (for which read something like “Climate and fl ooding addressed us about imagineering and I had calculated the fl ood lines) in such a – a tempting link”, or in my own words: the way in which animation, as used for
6 Civil Engineering | August 2011 movies, became a fantastic tool in engi- 1900s, debates at the Cape Society of Civil In closing, the CSIR studies for the neering, in terms of designing complex Engineers (the forerunner of SAICE) in development of the Richards Bay harbour structures and then being able to ‘ani- Cape Town went on for hours, and some- are eye openers – a mere 20 000 years ago mate’ the construction in such a way that times continued a week later. According the sea was 20 metres higher than today the designer is able to resolve confl icts to the proceedings of those meetings there and the Berea red dunes in Durban and and points of concern by manipulating did not seem to be unhealthy rivalry or near Empangeni were where our ances- the drawings with the software. holier-than-thou attitudes within those tors went to the beach, and of course So maybe we are wrongfully imagi- walls at the time, no scoring points or Table Mountain must have been an island neering things in terms of fl ooding, and shouting louder. Hear ye! Th ose were the at the time. But there is more – some time blaming it on that elusive concept of times when an engineer reported on what before that the sea was 60 metres lower climate change instead of on human set- he had observed in the Cape Town harbour than it is today, so one could possibly have tlements and its consequences. Examples – the below sea level concrete in the piers walked all the way from Robben Island to are all around us for all to see, but maybe was corroding, for example – but ……. he Table Mountain! our profession is also being blinded by the refused to claim that he knew what the I believe in climate change – it is the foul criers, by the Green Peace activists cause was and what “was going on”. one constant on Planet Earth, so it cannot and by the herd-mentality of our times? So maybe the jury is out on what should be ignored. But Prof Schaap has certainly It is time to re-introduce thought- be attributed to climate change and what opened up a new debate for me – do we provoking debates in an atmosphere of not. Even a simple lack of maintenance, worry about a few centimetres of rising trust, without competition or fear of being such as cleaning out the stormwater catch sea levels in isolation, or do we also think ridiculed by peers for not being suffi ciently pit now and then, might be causing fl ooding about the deltas of the world that might “technically orientated”. In the early in my street. So, before I run about shouting be hosting sinking cities at a rate of a “beware, beware, doomsday is coming” if metre every fi ve years or so? Do we con- 1 Roodepoort, Gauteng: what was once I pump another kilogram or two of CO2 centrate on CO2 only, or do we also look a small stream now eroding the banks and into the air while having another braai next at where we are going with development destabilising pylons that had been standing week, let us reconsider where our woes are of towns and cities and the downstream there for the last 30 years or more really coming from. consequences of that development?
1
Civil Engineering | August 2011 7
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
On fracking in the Karoo, open forums and the power of public opinion... This article, written by Mark Botha and Chris Yelland, was published by EE Publishers (www.eepublishers.co.za) in EE-News, Issue 142, June 2011, and is republished here with permission
The debate around hydraulic fracturing in the Karoo is an issue of national Such a forum was provided recently when EE Publishers and the Johannesburg and public interest. Shale gas extraction has the potential, some say, to Press Club convened a public debate at change the face of the country's power industry and improve the lives the Axiz Auditorium, Midrand, titled "Fracking in the Karoo – for and against..." of millions of South Africans. Public opinion, however, is a powerful force Th is brought together diverse expert pre- well known to have hampered the nuclear industry in the past senters to express their views and argue the case, thus raising media and public awareness, improving the understanding SOUTH AFRICA IS [thought to be] when measured on the basis of energy of the issues, and thereby resulting in home to the world's fi fth-largest shale gas return on energy invested? Would drilling better informed opinions. reserves, a resource seen as a potential in the Karoo aff ect the geological stability Th e motion that was debated was "game changer" in the energy sector. Shale of the region and increase the likelihood framed in terms of the usual "green" gas could add much-needed primary of earthquakes? What of the integrity of activist agenda, namely: "Th is house be- energy diversity to the country's power sub-surface water resources? lieves that the current moratorium on the generation industry, and create jobs in These and other concerns are widely exploration and production of shale gas in gas-to-liquid plants, combined-cycle gas echoed, turning the "fracking debate" the Karoo through the technique known turbine (CCGT) power stations, steel into an issue of national and public as hydraulic fracturing, or 'fracking', works and a variety of other plants, facto- interest. Already this has resulted in a should be extended indefi nitely, and that ries and secondary commercial, business, government-announced moratorium on fracking in the Karoo in its current form transport and hospitality activities. the licensing of exploration for shale gas should be abandoned." Extracting the shale gas, however, in the Karoo. This affords government, Speaking in favour of fracking were calls for the process of hydraulic frac- oil and gas companies, the media and Prof Philip Lloyd of the Energy Institute turing (or "fracking") in the Karoo, an the public an opportunity to reflect, at the Cape Peninsula University of issue considered highly controversial by engage and debate the issues in an open Technology (CPUT), and well-known those who, like Umvoto technical director and transparent way at a scientific, eco- journalist and writer, Ivo Vegter. Th e and former UCT associate professor of nomic, social, engineering and environ- case against fracking was argued by geological sciences Dr Chris Hartnady, mental level, rather than at a knee-jerk, Dr Chris Hartnady and water resource approach the matter with caution: Will emotional, environmental level, in order scientist Dr Anthony Turton, professor the full life-cycle "fugitive" emissions and to reach a rational decision in the public at the University of the Free State's greenhouse-eff ects of shale gas extrac- and national interest as to whether Centre for Environmental Management. tion, they ask, indeed be lower than that fracking in the Karoo should continue Th e debate was moderated by Dr Rod of coal? Does the economics make sense or not. Crompton, the member of the board of
Civil Engineering | August 2011 9 the National Energy Regulator of South coal generation, and not lower as was held Africa (NERSA) responsible for regulating by the pro-fracking camp. petroleum pipelines. Also invited to par- Dr Turton proposed that water, en- ticipate, but whose only contribution was ergy, climate and agricultural scientists, their telling absence, were Sasol and Shell, policy-makers and practitioners need to two companies vying for shale gas explo- forge a transparent policy on fracking and ration licences in the Karoo. on the "super nexus" of water, energy, food Th e general consensus indicated by and global climate change. Meanwhile, a vote after the debate was that, although he said, the "precautionary principle" the risks are signifi cant, the proper use of should apply. Prof Lloyd responded that regulation could transfer most of these the so-called precautionary principle was risks to the companies involved, while the fundamentally philosophically fl awed in benefi ts to South Africa as a whole would such matters, and in practice could not be outweigh the dangers. applied in the context of fracking, whose A case in point is the matter of viability and worth could never be proven water use and contamination. Fracking one way or another without exploration would require some 1 000 m3 of water and pilot production to establish the per gas well – a real concern in a water- extent and sustainability of the shale gas restrained country. Dr Turton pointed resource, and to confi rm its economics out that South Africa had entered an era and environmental impact. of trade-off s, one such being between Fracking had the potential, Prof Lloyd energy and water. In his response, Mr said, to change South Africa's energy Vegter pointed out the "irrelevance" of economy and create "thousands" of jobs. how or where the required water would Th e potential gas resource was in the be sourced, as long as fracking did not order of 1 000-trillion cubic feet, making tap into the nation's 45-billion litre na- this country's unconventional gas re- tional fresh-water resource. source second only to those of Argentina, Prof Lloyd argued that there was China, Mexico and the USA. He said the "minimal" evidence that water used in potential environmental impacts were fracking had ever contaminated under- "manageable" and that the relatively small ground drinking water. He said the ad- footprint of fracking plants would make ditives used in the water during fracking them "nearly invisible" in the Karoo. constituted only 0,5% by volume, and even Dr Turton noted that South Africa if the "contaminated" water were mixed was entering a period that would be with drinking water, it would still be fi t defined by a new social contract based for human consumption. on trust. Large companies, he said, were Prof Lloyd also stressed that the deep realising that the business landscape underground water in the Karoo was, was changing, that society was de- in any case, brackish and contaminated manding – and deserved – transparent Fracking had the potential, Prof Lloyd with natural uranium radio-activity and information, with respect for communi- arsenic, and was already unfi t for human ties and environmental impact assess- said, to change South Africa's energy consumption. In any event, it was stated ments that are rigorous and truthful. economy and create "thousands" that, as with many other industrial pro- In Mr Vegter's words, "a developing cesses, waste water from the fracking country [like South Africa] cannot af- of jobs. The potential gas resource process could be treated properly, and ford to have a pathological distrust of was in the order of 1 000-trillion potential spillage could be easily miti- capitalism or industrial development". gated. "Industrial waste," said Mr Vegter, On this issue of trust, Sasol's and cubic feet, making this country's "is no new problem". Shell's absence and lack of engagement unconventional gas resource Dr Hartnady pointed out that pros- with the media at the debate spoke vol- pecting companies would have to absorb umes. Initially they complain about the second only to those of Argentina, the full project life-cycle costs, and that level of the public discourse. Th en when China, Mexico and the USA. He obtaining licenses and sourcing water there are serious scientifi c, engineering would be costly. Rather than measuring and environmental issues to answer, they said the potential environmental the upstream and downstream costs in retreat behind classic corporate defensive impacts were "manageable" and monetary terms, he said, they should be behaviour and decline to participate, measured in terms of energy. Th e energy preferring instead to engage behind that the relatively small footprint of return on energy invested was poor, and closed doors with the powers that be, out fracking plants would make them if the full life-cycle of fracking was taken of public and media scrutiny. Or perhaps into account, the total greenhouse gas the energy companies are simply too "nearly invisible" in the Karoo emissions may be higher than those of complacent about the need to get their
10 Civil Engineering | August 2011 acts together, engage openly and respond abandoned." After hearing the arguments honestly to justifi able public concerns. both for and against, the motion was Th e anti-nuclear sentiment of the past overwhelming defeated in a vote with a two decades is a case in point. Th e nu- majority of more than 2 to 1. clear industry, with its huge fi nancial, Th e outcome suggests that the public scientifi c and engineering resources, let and the media in South Africa are a well-organised but amateur legion of indeed open and receptive to rational environmental and anti-nuclear activ- debate, and are not prepared to simply ists run rings around them to delay the go along with the green activist agenda peaceful application of nuclear power to STOP FRACKING NOW. Th is is not for decades. In so doing, the nuclear in- to say that the defeat of the motion at dustry let itself down badly. the debate should be seen as simply pro- Th e vast expanses of the Karoo are fracking or a green light to proceed with dotted with picturesque towns with a fracking in the Karoo forthwith. Rather, colonial heritage. However, those who the defeat of the motion may be seen would like to retain the Karoo in its cur- as a pragmatic acknowledgement that rent pristine state would do well to re- further studies and exploration of the member that the outskirts of these towns shale gas resource in South Africa needs are also home to a signifi cant majority of to proceed with due care to determine shanty dwellers living in varying degrees its potential, size, depth, sustainability, of abject poverty. Th ese voters are des- environmental impact, etc, so that the perate for change and opportunity, aspire resource can be properly evaluated, and to improved living conditions, jobs, a rational, informed decision made in housing, clinics and schools, and look to due course on whether or not to proceed Share your knowledge local and national government and the with natural gas production in the na- We invite members to share their technical private sector to improve their fate. tional and public interest. knowledge about fracking via our magazine. Th e motion debated was framed in Th e debate was hosted on Please send your comments to the editor terms of the usual "green" activist agenda, 24 May 2011, one day after a UK parlia- ([email protected]). namely: "Th is house believes that the mentary committee found no evidence to Members who are interested in the current moratorium on the explora- support the need for the implementation results of the UK parliamentary enquiry held tion and production of shale gas in the of a moratorium on drilling for uncon- earlier this year to discuss fracking issues are Karoo through the technique known as ventional gas, and a week after the French welcome to drop the editor an e-mail and hydraulic fracturing, or 'fracking', should parliament voted to ban fracking, a deci- she will then send you the link per return be extended indefi nitely, and that fracking sion that must still be approved by the e-mail (it is too long to publish here). in the Karoo in its current form should be senate in France before becoming law.
Th is is an interesting article, but I am than what they can get elsewhere. Th e oil no expert on this subject. I agree that companies are generally sensitive to envi- it would be good to air this issue in our ronmental issues and are mindful of the magazine. However, as a learned society need to avoid unnecessary controversy – we should address it on its technical perhaps that is precisely why they want to merits, rather than as a debate such as the use shale gas? COMMENT one described. After all, truth is absolute Regarding concerns about the possible and is not decided by majority vote. destruction of part of our national heritage We approached Dr Chris Herold, With regard to the amount of water – the Karoo is a big place and the footprint past chairman of the SAICE Water needed for the fracking, and whether of the operations would be very small in a water scarce country can aff ord this, comparison. And even if there is a small Engineering Division, for his 1 000 kl of water per borehole is pretty local impact, what is diff erent from the in- comments on the EE Publishers small. It is also a once-off use of a renew- evitable impact of any kind of worthwhile able resource. Moreover, use can be made development? Also, in terms of impact, article in particular, and on the of unpalatable water that would otherwise shale gas has a low carbon footprint. fracking issue in general. These remain unused (and unmissed). We have always bemoaned our lack of As for cheaper alternatives, let that oil. Shale gas could potentially swing that are a few of his thoughts fall where it may. After due exploration no right around, with a potential as big as the one would be crazy enough to spend lots world’s original oil reserves. If it is true of money and many years drilling 5-km- that we could become the world’s fi fth deep production wells and developing largest producer then we would be insane distribution systems unless it is cheaper not to investigate it.
Civil Engineering | August 2011 11 Brendon Jewaskiewitz Managing Director Envitech Solutions (Pty) Ltd [email protected]
The importance of independent Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) services for the installation of geosynthetic lining systems
CONSTRUCTION QUALITY Control (CQC), Manufacturer Quality working alongside the installation con- ASSURANCE (CQA) would appear to Control (MQC) and Manufacturer tractor and consulting/design engineers. be a relatively misunderstood concept in Quality Assurance (MQA), as: “A Although most CQA work is focused the South African civil engineering fra- planned system of activities that provides on project documentation and recording ternity, specifi cally with reference to the the owner and permitting agency assur- the facts and circumstances surrounding construction of solid or liquid waste con- ance that the facility was constructed the installation of a lining system, the tainment facilities incorporating geosyn- as specifi ed in the design. CQA includes real essence of on-site independent CQA thetic lining systems. Civil engineers are inspections, verifi cations, audits, and services is to identify possible non-con- comfortable with conventional construc- the evaluation of materials and work- formances before and during the installa- tion monitoring activities, which may manship necessary to determine and tion phase and to immediately initiate and be carried out on a part-time or resident document the quality of the constructed monitor remedial work. Even though an engineer basis, but is the true meaning facility. CQA refers to measures taken independent CQA engineer has little or and value of independent Construction by the CQA organisation to assess if the no authority over work progress on site, it Quality Assurance really understood? installer or contractor is in compliance is his/her duty to provide suffi cient moti- Koerner (1993) describes with the plans and specifi cations for a vation to the installation contractor and Construction Quality Assurance (CQA), project.” It must also be understood that consulting/design engineers to rectify any as opposed to Construction Quality CQA and MQA are performed independ- non-conformances, the failure of which ently from Construction Quality Control could result in non-approval and failure of 1 Schematic cross section detail for (CQC) and Manufacturer Quality the lining system as a whole. the geosynthetic lining system Control (MQC). Strictly speaking, for Th e correct understanding and appli- 2a and 2b Shell Pearl GTL Project: Hazardous CQA to be classifi ed as independent, it cation of CQA is now of vital importance Industrial Waste Cell, Ras Laffan, State of Qatar should be carried out by a third party, in the South African waste management
1 WASTE 200 mm TYPE B AGGREGATE Stage 5: SEPARATION/FILTRATION GEOTEXTILE 400g/m2 300 mm SAND (k = 10-2 cm/sec) Stage 4: GEOCOMPOSITE DRAINAGE NET 220 (GEONET LAMINATED TO 300 g/m2 GEOTEXTILE) Stage 3: SOLMAX HDPE GEOMEMBRANE 2,0 mm THICK Stage 2: GCL BENTOMAT AS3500 COMPACTED GENERAL SELECTED FILL Stage 1: GEOGRID 3030 EARTH
12 Civil Engineering | August 2011 2a
2b
industry, as the new waste disposal regu- ‘compartments’ separated by an internal lations for landfi ll containment systems berm, the smaller of the compartments specifi cally call for CQA to be performed designated for salt storage, and the on all new liner installations. larger for bio-sludge containment. The DAMAC Group was appointed CASE ILLUSTRATION as Construction Project Managers for The Shell Pearl GTL Industrial Waste Landfi ll, the excavation and shaping earthworks, Ras Laff an Industrial City, State of Qatar leachate and rainwater management (September 2010) system construction, as well as con- As part of the construction of the struction of the access road into the Shell Pearl Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) waste cell. The specialist geosynthetic facility within Ras Laffan Industrial liner installation was performed by City (RLC), the effective disposal and Arabian Specialised Materials Co containment of hazardous industrial (ASMA). Envitech Solutions (Pty) Ltd waste products to be generated by the assisted with part of the technical de- facility had to be considered. Since the sign and slope stability calculations and facility is in many respects a ‘world was also responsible for the provision of first’, the chemical composition of the independent on-site CQA services. industrial waste product could only be DAMAC used their own construc- predicted theoretically. A multi-layered tion labourers during the installation geosynthetic lining system was selected of the liner system and only six trained for the containment facility to ensure ASMA geosynthetic liner installation negligible ground water contamination. staff members were on site for the dura- The waste cell was divided into two tion of the project. Th is in itself created a
Civil Engineering | August 2011 13 3 problem, not only as the labourers had to be trained from scratch, but as there was also a signifi cant language barrier. Some of the most important CQA tasks for the project included: ■ Inspection of all lining mate- rials delivered to the site. ■ Checking that the relevant MQC documentation was supplied for the delivered material to site, and checking the MQC documentation for conform- ance to the material specifi cations. ■ Inspection of the completed anchor trenches and sub-grade preparation. ■ Providing advice to the contractor with respect to the anchor trench construc- tion and sub-grade preparation. ■ Observing the ongoing deploy- ment of all lining materials. ■ Inspection of all deployed geosyn- thetic clay liner (GCL), drainage geocomposite, protection/drainage geotextiles and geomembrane (HDPE) panels for any defects, physical 4 damage and correct overlapping. ■ Observing seaming pre-weld performance and checking destructive test results. ■ Observing and inspecting fi eld seaming of all geosynthetic membrane panels. ■ Observing and verifying non-destruc- tive air pressure testing of seams, vacuum box testing and high-voltage spark testing of fi eld seams, extru- sion welds, patches and repairs. ■ Removing destructive test sam- ples from completed field seams at regular pre-defined intervals, on-site testing of destructive sam- ples, recording results, and keeping archive samples for the Employer. ■ Identifi cation and notifi cation of non-conformances, as well as closely monitoring all rectifi cation work. ■ Inspection of sand drainage ma- terial and aggregate layers. ■ Checking and confi rming the in- staller’s fi eld installation reports. ■ Updating sketches of as-built geo- synthetic membrane panel layouts. ■ Keeping a detailed photographic record of the GCL, drainage geocomposite, protection/drainage geotextiles and geomembrane (HDPE) liner installation.
3 Area cleared of sand backfi ll, damaged geocomposite drainage net replaced, geocomposite liner inspected and tested for leaks 4 Pinhead size leak detected on geomembrane through high-voltage spark testing
14 Civil Engineering | August 2011 During the liner installation phase, a proval was given and the sand backfill on the design and development of a number of problems were found, many replaced. Without effective independent complex geosynthetic lining system can of which would have gone unnoticed CQA, this entire exercise would not be easily wasted if the system’s integrity – buried beneath 300 mm of drainage have taken place, and the damage is compromised during the installation sand – had they not been identified would have remained undetected. phase, not to mention the potential cost during the course of the installation Some additional problems addressed of failure, de-commissioning and repair phase through continuous CQA scru- through effective CQA included preven- of the completed facility. The use of in- tiny. Sand backfilling is known to be tion of damage to geosynthetic liners dependent CQA services should provide responsible for up to 73% of overall liner through puncturing by the removal of the reassurance that every measure is defects (survey data: Nosko et al 1996). large or sharp-edged stones in the sand taken to ensure the installation of a geo- In this case, the use of a non-cohesive backfill by ordering on-site sieving; synthetic lining system of the highest beach sand (k=10-2cm/sec), perfect as stopping geomembrane welding during quality and workmanship. a drainage layer but very difficult to unfavourable – too hot/windy – weather place effectively, caused significant conditions; re-compaction of certain REFERENCES damage to the geocomposite drainage sub-grade areas to ensure uniform and Daniel, D E & Koerner, R M 1993 (September). net below, and some minor damage compacted subgrade, free from sharp EPAl600/R•93/182: Technical Guidance to the underlying geomembrane, par- objects, prior to liner deployment; mini- Document: Quality Assurance and Quality ticularly in areas heavily trafficked misation of wrinkle formation below the Control for Waste Containment Facilities. during the sand placement. After the sand backfill by ordering night work and Nosko, V, Andrezal, T, Gregor, T & Ganier, P sand placement had been completed, training earthmoving vehicle operators; 1996. SENSOR Damage Detection System spot checks were initiated by the CQA and assisting the contractor with plan- (DDS) – The Unique Geomembrane engineer, revealing the damaged areas. ning the installation activities to ensure Testing Method, Geosynthetics: applications, Areas marked out were cleared of minimal damage to the lining system as design and construction. De Groot, M B, den sand backfill, repaired and tested for a whole. Hoedt, G & Termaat, R J – Editors, Balkema, leaks (high voltage spark and vacuum This particular project example Proceedings of the First European box testing), and the geocomposite clearly illustrates that the extensive Geosynthetics Conference EuroGeo1, drainage net restored, before final ap- time, money and other resources spent Maastrict, Netherlands, pp 743-748.
Civil Engineering | August 2011 15 Dr Elretha Louw Technical Director Disaster Risk Management and GIS Aurecon [email protected]
Simon van Wyk Senior Risk Consultant Aurecon [email protected] Disaster Risk Management – planning for resilient and sustainable societies
INTRODUCTION operational risks develop, due to increasing vulnerability, re- It is generally accepted that disasters are having an increasing sulting in decreasing coping capacity. impact on our lives, property, environment, infrastructure, and economic and social activities. Globally, severe weather and DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT – AN OVERVIEW other natural phenomena, as well as human activities, are ex- As defi ned by the South African Disaster Management Act acting a heavy toll on us and the environment we depend on. (Notice 654 of 2005), Disaster Risk is defi ned as the possibility, or The results of disasters are human suffering, and damage chance, of harmful consequence, or expected loss (of lives, people to the resources and infrastructure on which humans rely for injured, property, livelihoods, economic activity disrupted or en- survival and quality of life. In the aftermath of a disaster, it is vironment damaged) resulting from interactions between natural critical to rapidly determine the exact nature of the impacts and human-induced hazards and vulnerable conditions. It is im- and what will be required to restore the situation, or prefer- portant to note that not all disasters happen with a sudden onset, ably to improve the situation by reducing vulnerability to such as earthquakes or tsunamis. It is often the slow onset disas- future impacts. ters (e.g. environmental degradation, drought, changes in fl ood It is even more important to intervene pro-actively, before prone areas / fl ood lines) that pose the higher risk if not identifi ed disasters occur, to infl uence the process by which disaster and and planned for in the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) process. Although generally perceived as such, DRM is not only 1 The Disaster Risk Management continuum reactive (the so-called response paradigm). Th e South African 2 The relationship between disasters (risk) and development Disaster Management Act (Act 57 of 2002) defi nes DRM as a
1
Prevention & Prevention & Mitigation strand Mitigation strand Preparedness strand Relief & Response strand Recovery & Rehabilitation strand
CRISIS
Time
16 Civil Engineering | August 2011 “continuous and integrated multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary functions. Th is new approach gave rise to the so-called second process of planning and implementation of measures aimed at: generation IDP, where integrated development planning is (a) preventing or reducing the risk of disasters performed through the implementation of a systematic process, (b) mitigating the severity or consequences of disasters targeting distinct deliverables portrayed in the IDP to be ad- (c) emergency preparedness dressed by councils for implementation (Louw 2007). It is (d) a rapid and eff ective response to disaster, and within this planning context that disaster risk must be identi- (e) post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation.” fi ed, quantifi ed, planned for and implemented. Figure 1 illustrates this life cycle of Disaster Risk Management – the DRM continuum – illustrating a strong paradigm shift from A FOCUS ON RISK REDUCTION response towards risk reduction, shown as a continuous process Risk reduction initiatives are essential as they form the fi rst (the green strand), even during an event. ‘real’ barrier that, if nothing else, acts as a buff er by lowering the Internationally, governments have committed themselves to vulnerability of the area impacted. Furthermore, reduction is taking action against disaster risk, and have adopted a guideline to pre-emptive and is based on the perceived ‘anticipated’ risk sup- reduce vulnerabilities to hazards. Th is guideline is known as the plemented by historical data. Hyogo Framework for Action, as defi ned by the United Nations A disaster risk assessment is the fi rst step towards risk reduc- International Strategy for Disaster Reaction (UNISDR 2004). tion. Disaster risk assessments, supported by eff ective moni- Th e fi rst step for action is to make risk reduction a priority with toring, are essential for: a strong institutional basis for implementation. In South Africa, ■ eff ective risk management planning DRM is now regarded as ‘everybody’s business’, emphasising the ■ sustainable development planning responsibilities of all role-players, and is especially not limited to ■ identifying potential threats that can undermine a develop- those historically associated with DRM. Th e Act (Act 57 of 2002) ment’s success and sustainability, making it possible to incor- also recognises that disasters know no boundaries and that plans porate risk reduction measures into project design prior to and strategies should be fi nalised in conjunction with neigh- implementation bouring municipalities and higher/lower spheres of government to ■ identifying high risk periods and conditions, and curb, where practical, the onslaught of disaster risk. ■ activating response and preparedness actions.
DISASTER RISK AND INTEGRATED PLANNING Relevant national organs of state must execute systematic dis- Th e Act (Act 57 of 2002) requires that the disaster management aster risk assessments in the following instances: plan forms an integral part of the Integrated Development ■ prior to the implementation of any risk reduction, prepared- Planning (IDP) process. Th is inter-relationship is also refl ected ness or response programme in Section 26 of the Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2002). ■ as an integral part of the planning phase for large-scale Th e National Spatial Development Perspective has broad- housing, infrastructure or commercial/industrial develop- ened the functionality of the IDP. It focuses on development ments of national signifi cance planning within a spatial extent, not a managerial entity, ir- ■ as an integral component of the planning phase for nationally respective of the sphere of government responsible for certain signifi cant initiatives that aff ect the natural environment, and
2 Linking Disasters and Development: Some requirements are undefi ned
Positive developmental outcome
Disasters create Development development reduces opportunities disaster risk Disaster Development Impact Intervention Disasters Development destroy increases development disaster risk
Negative developmental outcome
Civil Engineering | August 2011 17 ■ when social, economic, infrastructural, environmental, cli- dealing with losses and recovering from it. Examples include matic or other indicators suggest changing patterns of risk. incentive grants, tax rebates and economic diversification. Risk assessments must be undertaken to ensure that develop- Economic development should be one of the main focuses of ment initiatives maximise their vulnerability reduction out- regional planning. comes. Th e relationship between development and Disaster (Risk) is illustrated in Figure 2. 4. Management and institutional measures Th eoretically, the measures that can be considered for re- Institutional measures are very important and a longer term ducing the risk of an area are fi ve-fold, taken from Botha and initiative, requiring institutional buy-in. Education, training, pro- Louw (2004) and summarised in Louw (2007): fessional and technical competence, as well as budget allocations, are crucial for success. It includes measures such as the regula- 1. Physical planning measures tion of building below fl ood lines. Physical planning measures include the location of public sector facilities that can reduce the vulnerability of an area, 5. Societal measures such as schools, hospitals, major infrastructural elements Public awareness is a key component of reducing risk. Th e crea- like wastewater treatment works and power transformers. tion of a safety culture is encouraged, where the community However, the consideration of disaster risks in spatial plan- reaches consensus that risk reduction measures are desirable, ning is extremely important. The development of residential feasible and aff ordable. areas and the supporting infrastructure should always aim to reduce risk. CONCLUSION Th e risks involved in disasters are determined by our ‘everyday’ 2. Engineering/construction measures living conditions through the vulnerabilities created by such Two types of engineering measures are possible. Th e fi rst option conditions (Wisner et al 2004). Disasters are therefore a com- results in stronger individual structures which are more resistant plex mix of natural and other hazards and human action (and to hazards, while the second option creates structures to protect vulnerabilities). Th ey consist of a combination of factors that and alleviate against hazards, e.g. dykes, levees and dams. determine the potential for people to be exposed to particular types of hazard. Th e impact of the disaster also depends fun- 3. Economic measures damentally on how social and political systems interact in dif- Risk reduction measures that increase the capacity of a ferent societies. Th ese factors determine how groups of people community to cope with future losses create resilience in diff er in relation to income (economy), health, employment, housing and social environment. Resilience can also be impacted (positively or negatively) by risk reduction initiatives and measures. DRM therefore entails a holistic and considered approach which includes, amongst others, risk management planning, advisory services and engineering innovation. Assessing risk is the first step towards planning for it. Risk reduction measures must be inter-sectoral, inter-departmental and be part of a continuous process. DRM is a coordinating function, recognising that solutions towards risk reduction are a team effort – therefore, ‘everybody’s business’.
REFERENCES Botha, J J & Louw, E J M 2004. Step by step guidelines to prepare a disaster management plan ~ Guideline 2: how to prepare disaster risk reduction plans. Cape Town: Business and Information Solutions Division, AFRICON. Unpublished guidelines. Louw, E J M 2007. Climate Change in the Western Cape – a Disaster Risk Assessment of the Impact on Human Health. Unpublished PhD Dissertation. University of Stellenbosch. South Africa (Republic of) 2003. Disaster Management Act No 57 of 2002. Pretoria. Government Printer. South Africa (Republic of) 2003. Municipal Systems Act No 32 of 2002. Pretoria. Government Printer. South Africa (Republic of) 2005. National Disaster Management Act: Policy Framework. Notice 654 of 2005. Pretoria. Government Printer. United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction 2004. Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005 - 2015. Available from http://www.unisdr.org/hfa Wisner, B, Blaikie, P, Cannon, T & Davis, I 2004. At Risk: Natural hazards, people's vulnerability and disasters. London: Routledge.
18 Civil Engineering | August 2011 WITH SAMSUNG’S NEW ML-3310 AND SCX-4833 PRINTER SERIES PAPER JAMS ARE A THING OF THE PAST. SCHWEET! Kevin Fawcett Associate: Water & Wastewater Treatment PD Naidoo & Associates [email protected]
Boris Vassilev Principal Specialist SSI Engineers and Environmental Consultants [email protected]
Kevin Pillay COO and Water Sector Head PD Naidoo & Associates [email protected]
S&P JV on track with Cape Town’s Fisantekraal Wastewater Treatment Plant
S&P JV A JOINT VENTURE between Th is greenfi elds treatment works was effi cient operation and maintenance of the PD Naidoo & Associates, and SSI – is necessary to augment the capacity of the works and will ensure maximum utilisa- nearing completion on a multi-million Kraaifontein WWTW, which has reached tion of the effl uent for reuse purposes. rand contract awarded in 2007 by the its design capacity, and to provide ca- Th e new Fisantekraal WWTW is City of Cape Town to launch one of the pacity for the rapidly increasing housing located 10 km north of Durbanville, east fi rst greenfi elds wastewater treatment developments in the area. Th e technology of the R302 Malmesbury Road and the works to be constructed in Cape Town for selected for this plant will promote north-south railway line. Th e treated many years. Th e total cost of the project is around R150 million. 1 Th e contract involves the detail de- sign, tender adjudication and construction monitoring of the civil, building, me- chanical and electrical works for the new 24 Mℓ per day Fisantekraal Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW). Included in the project are new access roads, inlet works, biological reactors, clarifi ers, maturation ponds, UV disinfection, sludge thickening and dewatering, effl uent reuse as well as odour control. Th e de- sign makes allowance for upgrading to a maximum design capacity of 50 Mℓ/d. CSV Construction commenced with the civil works in November 2008 and completed construction in November 2010. Th e Ikewe Joint Venture (mechanical/electrical contractor), com- prising Inenzo Water, Kaltron and Exeo Khokela, recently completed the electrical and mechanical works installation. Various treatment options, including MBR, were investigated. However, oper- ating considerations eventually infl uenced the choice of a conventional activated sludge plant as the preferred option.
1 Activated sludge reactors under construction 2 Two 12 Mℓ/d activated sludge reactors
20 Civil Engineering | August 2011 effl uent is discharged to the Mosselbank University of Cape Town (UCT) process activated sludge (RAS) pump station River, which lies approximately 300 m to will readily achieve suffi cient biological where it is pumped to the anoxic zone in the west of the works. N and P removal to meet the new effl uent the reactors. Th e works rely entirely on a pumped discharge standards specifi ed. A standby Th e waste activate sludge (WAS) is feed which is discharged in the inlet chemical P removal facility is, however, pumped directly out of each reactor to works, where it is screened, degritted, provided for use during periods of poor the sludge dewatering building where it measured and divided between the reac- biological P removal. is thickened and dewatered by means of tors. Two front raked screens are used Th e screened and de-gritted raw two linear screen/belt press trains. Th e with the screenings being transported sewage gravitates directly to two 12 Mℓ/d dewatered sludge is pumped via progres- to a washing and compaction facility. rectangular bioreactors. Th ey are each sive cavity pumps to a reinforced concrete All screenings are disposed of into skips divided into an anaerobic, anoxic and aer- elevated hopper from which sludge will be which are housed in an enclosed building obic zone to conform to the UCT process discharged to trucks for disposal. Th e fi l- fi tted with an odour control air extraction confi guration. Th e unaerated zones are trate and wash water from the thickening/ system. To cater for the proposed phases mixed by bridge-mounted vertical spindle dewatering trains gravitate back to the of development, four Vortex de-gritters of mixers, while the aerated zones are aer- RAS division box where it is mixed with 3,5 metres in diameter were constructed, ated by six bridge-mounted, vertical the RAS before entering the anoxic zones but only two were fi tted with the required spindle mechanical aerators. Axial fl ow of the bioreactors. mechanical equipment. Th e grit is trans- mixed liquor pumps are provided to re- Th e effl uent stream passes through a ported to grit classifi ers and conveyed to circulate mixed liquor from the aerobic series of maturation ponds upstream of collection skips which are located in a to the anoxic zones (A-recycle), and also the disinfection facility. Several disinfec- separate enclosed building equipped with from the anoxic to the anaerobic zones tion options were investigated. However, an odour control extraction facility. Th e (R-recycle). in view of safety, environmental and grit and screenings skips are located on a Th e mixed liquor gravitates to four logistical considerations, it was decided rail system which permits easy removal of 30 metre diameter, fl at-bottomed, suction that UV radiation be selected for dis- these units out of their respective build- lift secondary settling tanks (SSTs). Th e infection of the fi nal effl uent. Th e fi rst ings prior to removal from site. SSTs are equipped with a peripheral- two maturation ponds out of a total of Th e wastewater characteristics indi- driven half-bridge mechanism. Th e over- thirteen were constructed with concrete cated that treating the raw sewage in an fl ow gravitates to the maturation ponds fl oors and a vehicle ramp to enable pe- activated sludge reactor confi gured as a and the underfl ow gravitates to the return riodic removal of any settled sludge. A
2
Civil Engineering | August 2011 21 3 facility to bypass the maturation pond system was also provided. Th e design of the works took the reuse of effl uent into consideration and provides for a service water pump station which distributes water to the plant for opera- tional purposes. Other reuse considera- tions included the distribution of effl uent to adjacent farms and a proposed golf course. Th e balance of the effl uent is dis- charged into the Mosselbank River. Th e initially low sewage fl ows and the long retention period in the rising main feeding the works are expected to result in the raw sewage feed being septic and hence creating the potential to generate 4 excessive odours. Th ese potentially ad- verse conditions will be unacceptable, particularly considering the close prox- imity of the works to the proposed adja- cent housing developments, and patrons of the proposed golf course. Th e provision of an adequate odour control system was a critical component of the overall design. Th e major source of odour will arise from the inlet works, particularly at the discharge point of the rising mains, screens, grit removal, fl ow measurement and division channels. Purpose-built and designed covers have been installed to cover all open channels between the inlet rising main and the division channels to the biological reactors. Th ese covers also include the pista grit tanks. A second source of odours will arise from the sludge dewatering process. Th e sludge storage silo has been identifi ed as the major source of odours, with further odours coming from the linear screens 5 and belt presses. Th e storage silo is en- closed while the linear screens and belt presses are housed in a large structure and the foul air is extracted by means of specially designed hoods over the equip- ment. Th e foul air extracted from the enclosed areas is vented to the specifi cally designed odour treatment unit. Th e connection of the main power supply feeder to this greenfi elds waste- water treatment works was recently installed and commissioning of the Fisantekraal WWTW will commence in August. Th e plant is due to be operational by the end of 2011.
3 Layout of the Fisantekraal WWTW 4 Sludge dewatering building and sludge storage hopper 5 Inlet works and effl uent storage reservoir (foreground)
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Or contact us on-line at www.kaytech.co.za octarine 3382/A Khin Aung Han Lecturer Dept Civil Engineering and Surveying Durban University of Technology [email protected]
Quantitative Analysis of EIA for Environmental Engineers
BACKGROUND ■ how to eff ectively conduct a search for ■ Mitigation measures, and Many environmental impact assessment a solution ■ Monitoring programme. (EIA) reports are lacking in science and ■ how to plan and schedule activities Firstly, a project plan indicating the loca- technology, in that they contain more de- ■ how to make effi cient use of resources tion of the project site and surrounding scription than scientifi c calculation. EIA ■ how to organise the components and areas is given to the EIA specialist. It is reports, which are vital tools for decision- activities of a team design project.” the responsibility of the EIA specialist to makers, involve specialised studies in spe- Based on the above-mentioned approaches, then check the existing main drainage cialised fi elds, many of which are based EIAs prepared by environmental engineers system, and the drainage system of the on environmental engineering. are supported by calculations. Th is is the proposed project, as well as to estimate According to Brockman (2009), “Th e main diff erence between EIAs written by the increased future stormwater runoff . main business of engineering is to apply environmental engineers and EIAs written The Rational method is used to technology in concert with natural phe- by environmental scientists. estimate the quantity of runoff in the nomena to develop these things that we Nowadays most project owners/ project area: need or want. Whereas the natural sci- managers are willing to cooperate with ences traditionally seek to discover how EIA specialists from the planning stage to Q = CIA things are, engineering focuses on the avoid EIA-recommended alterations at a where question, ‘What form should we give to later stage. Q is the maximum fl ow this thing so that it will eff ectively serve C is the coeffi cient of runoff areas its purpose?’ THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT I is the average rainfall intensity, and “Most engineering problems are open- An EIA report consists of: A is the drainage area. ended, in that they don’t have a single ■ Baseline data (existing environment solution. Engineering approaches are such as air, water, noise, community, Th en the sizes of the drains are based on: infrastructure) checked to determine whether they can ac- ■ how to represent a design problem ■ Project data commodate increased fl ow or not. For this ■ how to make assumptions ■ Impact prediction, i.e. above-mentioned step: read the site map, and fi nd out the ■ how to generate possible ideas for designs two items combined size of the main drain and its direction.
Civil Engineering | August 2011 25 1
Project Site
Project location and surrounding areas showing the following: Water quality monitoring stations Ambient air quality monitoring stations Ambient noise level monitoring stations
26 Civil Engineering | August 2011 The velocity of flow and the size of roughness factor, “m” is the hydraulic products and by-products. This entails the drains are checked by using conti- mean depth and “s” is the bed slope. drawing material balance sheets based nuity equation Q = Av and the Manning Using the project detail drawing on the chemical process diagrams. formula v = (1/n) m2/3s½ where “v” is and P&ID diagram, determine the mass Check the water demand for the project the flow velocity, “n” is the Manning’s balance of all inputs and all outputs. (including processing and cooling All inputs are energy (power, steam, tower if necessary) and calculate the 1 Project location and surrounding areas fuel, compressed air), water and raw percentage demand for the project 2 Failure case defi nition tree materials. All outputs are solid waste, based on the existing usage of the sur- liquid waste, gaseous waste, noise, rounding areas.
2 DEFINE INVENTORY AND STORAGE CONDITIONS OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Nature of Hazard FLAMMABLE TOXIC
Phase in the GAS LIQUID GAS LIQUID Process or OR TWO-PHASE OR TWO-PHASE Storage vessel
Release Case BLEVE OTHER CASES
Event Tree of Model Flammable Gas BLEVE Flammable Toxic Gas Toxic Liquid Event Tree Model Liquid Event Tree Event Tree Event Tree
Civil Engineering | August 2011 27
Specialist Waste Management Consultants
Sustainable and appropriate engineering solutions with integrity and professionalism. Identification and permitting of landfill sites, Design of General and Hazardous Waste sites, Design of Solid Waste Transfer Stations, Design of Material Recovery Facilities, Optimisation of Waste Collection Systems, Auditing of Waste Management Facilities, Development of Operational Plans, Hermanus Materials Highlands Materials Recovery Facility Closure and Rehabilitation of Landfills, Quality Assurance on Synthetic Liners Recovery Facility
Pearly Beach Drop-Off Facility
Jan Palm Consulting Engineers Tel +27 21 982 6570 / Fax +27 21 981 0868 / E-mail [email protected] / www.jpce.co.za 3 CALCULATIONS AND PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
VAPOUR CLOUD EXPLOSION PE Water pollution impact Th e quality of the receiving water course can be aff ected by the treated wastewater DELAYED IGNITION Xa = 1 (Delayed ignition discharged from the project. One of the source existed) = 0 (No delayed main tasks of the EIA specialist is there- ignition source) fore to analyse the effl uent to check the removal effi ciency. Use the equation:
Removal Infl uent C-Effl uent C = x 100 Effi ciency (%) Infl uent C
NO LIQUID SPILL CLIMATIC IMMEDIATE CONDITION FOR P and check the removal effi ciency of each IGNITION 3 DENSE GAS FORMATION unit in the proposed wastewater treat- ment plant for SS, COD, BOD, NO - and P = 0,5 3 1 Cl-, etc. Th en compare the quality of the P = 0,04 2 fi nal effl uent with the standard set by the governing body. It is necessary to estimate the impact of effl uent on the receiving water course. First 4 locate the outlet pipe of the project at the water course. Th en take water samplings at the outlet location, 50 m before and 50 m after the outlet. Next, calculate the impact on the constituents (BOD, COD, phenol, - grease and oil, SS, NO3 , etc) in the receiving water by using the Mass Balance equation:
Qwater Cwater+Qeff Ceff Cmix = Qwater+Qeff Air pollution impact To estimate gas emission from the project, extract the gas emission from the mass balance sheets of the project description. Th e type of gas and concentration, emission temperature, stack height, stack diameter and emission velocity are determined from the project data sheets. At the beginning of the EIA project, the existing air quality is
measured (SO2, NO3, CO2, TSP, etc). Use the above-mentioned gas emission data as input data and run air modelling (e.g. ISCST/ LT) to predict the ground level concentra- tion. Th e modelling results are shown by isopleths. Also check the air quality at the receptors (the most vulnerable places are schools, hospitals, clinics and community centres). Th en compare the results with the ambient air criteria.
Noise pollution impact High-level noise-producing areas should be identifi ed and, using the compounding eff ect of the noise level, its impact to the nearest community should be calculated by using the following equation:
Lp2 = Lp1 – 20 log (R2/R1)
28 Civil Engineering | August 2011 where Lp1 and Lp2 are noise levels at R1 checked together with water pressure and and R2 distances. water storage demand.
Th en the composite noise level (ambient + CONCLUSION noise from project) is calculated by: EIAs for industrial projects are challenging and require engineering science and tech- Lp total = 10 log (1/n) (S 10Li/10) nology – hydraulics and hydrology, water and wastewater engineering, building Fire and explosion impact engineering, pipeline engineering, water Th is concerns only catastrophic failure – pollution analysis, drawing interpretation, fatality and property damage. First, based chemical process engineering, air model- on the storage inventory, high pressure, ling, and hazard modelling. All these ap- temperature and fi re /explosion index, plications prove that the EIA is pertinent identify hazardous substances / process to environmental engineers. areas. Th e analysis of the potential hazard EIAs for industrial projects are is recorded by using the HAZOP study REFERENCES challenging and require engineering and fault tree diagram. Th en the prob- 1. Brochman, J B 2009. Introduction to ability of each hazard is calculated, and its Engineering: Modelling and Problem Solving. science and technology – hydraulics consequences (e.g. fi re and/or explosion) John Wiley & Sons Inc. and hydrology, water and wastewater analysed by using a hazard model such 2. Final Report, Environmental Impact as WHAZAN. Th e hazard impact is then Assessment of Olefi ns Plant (Expansion), engineering, building engineering, shown on the project area and its sur- Map Ta Phut, Rayoung, Thailand, 1996. pipeline engineering, water pollution rounding by diff erent impact intensities. 3 Fault tree diagram for unconfi ned analysis, drawing interpretation, Fire prevention and safety vapour cloud explosion chemical process engineering, air Based on locations and the number of fi re 4 Boundary of hazard consequences hydrants, the fi re prevention areas are from vapour cloud explosion modelling, and hazard modelling
Civil Engineering | August 2011 29
SAFETY MAINTENANCE AVAILABILITY RELIABILITY TOTAL COST EFFECTIVENESS
0860 CRANES Head Office Tel: +27 (011) 455 9222 Head Office Fax: +27 (011) 455 9230 Email: [email protected] www.jch.co.za Andile Gqaji Project Manager SANRAL [email protected]
Public transport and the environment – the way forward BACKGROUND the provision of roads, rail infrastructure, ROLE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT Th e vision for South African transport is of rolling stock and ancillary items. It is also IN SOUTH AFRICA a system which will: tasked with supplying services such as Public transport has three objectives: subsidised bus and train services, main- 1. Strategic: to off er an alternative "Provide safe, reliable, eff ective, tenance of transport infrastructure and equivalent in quality to private car effi cient, and fully integrated trans- regulation of the use of these facilities. usage, and to support the modal split. port operations and infrastructure Th e spatial structure of our country 2. Social: to off er travel possibilities to which will best meet the needs of can be divided into rural and urban areas, people who do not possess cars, and freight and passenger customers with cities fragmented into zoned areas of support sustainable access. at improving levels of service and specialised land use. Th e need for avail- 3. Commercial: to make a profi t or cost in a fashion which supports able transport in this space is a given. minimise the loss. government strategies for economic Th e cost of transport infl uences Public transport has a crucial role to play and social development whilst being wealth, as it reduces the resources that in improving accessibility, in combating environmentally and economi- could have been saved, invested or spent congestion, and in supporting improved cally sustainable." (White Paper on on other needs. Th e cost of commuting to road safety and air quality. Logically, National Transport Policy 1996) work should not exceed 10% of a worker’s the basic requirements for a good public remuneration (White Paper on National transport system are: Th ere is no denying that the state of public Transport Policy 1996), but there are ■ Aff ordability transport in South Africa is in a terrible many cases in our country where this ■ Reliability/Frequency state and defi nitely does not support the policy guideline cannot be achieved, ■ Accessibility above transport vision. Public transport in which is a pity, as reduced transport costs ■ Comfort South Africa is expensive, unreliable and could result in a higher standard of living ■ Safety ineff ective. Th ese are some of the chal- for workers. Th e cost of providing road ■ Availability lenges faced by commuters, many of whom infrastructure, which encourages more Th e current public transport system does are from the poorest of the poor. private travel and congestion, should be not come close to meeting these require- Partly due to the current state of the redirected at promoting public transport. ments. public transport system, there has been Two of the strategic objectives, re- a rapid increase in private vehicle owner- garding public transport, listed in the THE NATIONAL HOUSEHOLD ship in South Africa over the last few 1996 White Paper on National Transport TRAVEL SURVEY (NHTS) 2003 years, resulting in our roads and transport Policy, are: From the NHTS we can understand the systems being overloaded at the same (i) “To promote the use of public transport current travel situation in South Africa. time every day. Billions of rands are spent over private car travel, with the goal According to the NHTS, the reasons by government on capacity improvements of achieving a ratio of 80:20 between why commuters do not use trains and to accommodate the ever increasing public transport and private car buses on the one hand, or minibus-taxis private vehicle ownership. It is estimated usage.” Th is objective was too ambi- on the other hand, are their unavail- that there are about 9 970 381 registered tious, and had been listed without ability and high fares respectively. These vehicles in South Africa, of which approx- fully understanding the issues around reasons in fact constitute some of the imately 57% are a combination of motor public transport and the challenges basic requirements of a good public cars and station wagons (eNaTIS 30 April faced by commuters. transport system. 2011). According to eNaTIS there were (ii) “To ensure that public transport is af- 5 675 628 motor cars and station wagons fordable, with commuters spending less Some facts as recorded in the NHTS 2003 on our roads by 31 March 2011. than about 10% of disposable income Access to public transport services When the new government came into on transport”. Th is objective is also not Figure 1 shows that the majority (76%) of power in 1994, it listed transport as one realistic, as many people live very far households did not have access to train of its fi ve top national priorities. From the from employment centres as a result of services, while 38% of households did not supply side, government is tasked with the previous apartheid policies. have access to bus services (stops).
30 Civil Engineering | August 2011 Th e signifi cance of the taxi mode ■ Buses 2,5 million taxi commuters account for (minibus, sedan or bakkie) as a convenient Lack of facilities at bus stops over 63% of public transport work trips. form of public transport is also illustrated (74% dissatisfi ed) Bus services account for another 22% of in the graph. Only 9% of households Overcrowding on buses public transport commuters and the bal- indicated that there was no available taxi (54% dissatisfi ed) ance are carried to work by train. service near their homes. Low frequency during off -peak times (51% dissatisfi ed) The cost of getting to work / Customer perceptions about ■ Minibus-taxis the aff ordability of transport the quality of public transport services Safety from taxi accidents (67%) The most serious concerns about Respondents were given the opportunity Lack of facilities at ranks (64%) transport costs related to the cost of to report on the main transport problems Lack of roadworthiness of vehicles (60%) travelling to work, particularly for low- experienced by their households. Table 1 income earners. Figure 5 shows the shows that many households, in all Travel to Work monthly cost of commuting to work at areas, did not experience any transport Th ere are about 10 million people who the time of the survey. Figure 6 shows problems. Th is applies particularly to regularly travel to work. Th e modal share the relationship between monthly the smaller urban areas where travel dis- for work trips is depicted in Figure 3. Th e household income and the households tances to services and amenities are rela- modes used vary, but about a third of that spent more than 20% of income on tively short. On the other hand, only 18% all commuters travelled to work by car. public transport. For South Africa as a of rural households reported no serious Another signifi cant group of commuters whole 18% of households spent 20% or transport problems. (almost a quarter) walked to work. more per month on transport. Figure 4 shows the modes used by the Th e benchmark used in the White Travel choice factors commuters who travelled to work using Paper on National Transport Policy All race groups, and people in every pro- public transport. Th e vast majority of (DoT 1996) to assess whether trans- vince, indicated that the most important taxi users travelled in minibus-taxis (over port costs were creating hardship for factor to consider when travelling is safety 98 percent) as distinct from sedan-taxis households or individuals, was 10% of from accidents (see Figure 2). or bakkie-taxis. disposable income. Th is may either be the Of people 15 years and older, 83% Th ere are approximately 3,9 mil- percentage of the household income or did not use buses. Th eir reasons were lion public transport commuters. Th e the percentage of the personal income of that buses were too infrequent, did not depart/arrive at appropriate times and 1 80 that travel times were too long. About 70 19 million people 15 years and older (over 59%) had used a taxi in the previous 60 month. Th ose who did not use taxis were 50 Train station deterred by cost, by crime and by the 40 Bus stop number of taxi accidents. Almost half (48%) of the minibus-taxi 30 Taxi service
passengers, 42% of train passengers and a % of households 20 third of bus passengers were dissatisfi ed 10 with the overall quality of the service. Th e main complaints about public 0 transport services were the following: 1 – 15 16 – 30 >30 No Mean ■ Trains mins mins mins service Overcrowding Walking time (71% of users dissatisfi ed) Security when walking to stations (64% 2 100 dissatisfi ed) 90 Security on trains (63% dissatisfi ed) 10 80 13 15 Accessibility of service
1 Household access to public transport 70 Driver’s attitude 2 Travel choice factors 60 47 53 61 51 Flexibility 50 Security from crime Table 1 Absence of 40 Safety from accidents transport problems by type of area % of households 30 Travel cost Type of area % of household 20 Travel time Metropolitan 27 10 Urban 41 0 Rural 18 African/Black Coloured Indian/Asian White RSA 28
Civil Engineering | August 2011 31 commuters. Th e percentage of personal 20% of their income on transport. Th is PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION income spent by workers on public trans- means that the disposable income left for VERSUS PRIVATE CAR port to work is shown in Table 2. basic necessities is relatively small. Th e number of private cars on the road is Considering expenditure on travel In summary, the NHTS 2003 identifi ed rising rapidly and will continue to do so, to work as a percentage of commuter the following as commuters’ main problems: but a good public transport system could income, there is strong evidence that poor 1. Almost half of the households in South be more convenient, quicker and cheaper. people are using a large proportion of their Africa said that their main transport income to get to their jobs. As shown in problem was that public transport was No Parking: Figure 6, on average, commuters who earn either not available or too far away. One of the most frustrating and time- R500 or less are paying over a third of their 2. One third of households reported consuming things about driving a car is income for travel to work. Table 2 shows that safety from accidents and bad hunting for parking, which is often scarce that some 82% are spending more than driver behaviour was the most se- and usually expensive. Th e bonus of get- rious transport problem. ting on public transport is being able to 3 Main mode of travel to work 3. For 20% of the households, the cost alight and nothing else. 4 Public transport modes used for work trips of transport was a serious problem. 5 Cost of commuting by public transport 4. Crime. Cheaper: Contrary to popular belief, nearly all forms 3 of public transport are cheaper than run- 6% ning a private car. In addition, regular com- 5% 9% muters could make use of season tickets and similar special off ers. Th e cost of running a 23% car entails much more than the mere cost Public Transport modes of petrol, which in itself is already expensive 25% enough. Car insurance, maintenance, etc, Train all add up to substantial amounts. Bus Taxi 32% Car Quicker: Walk Despite the occasional delay, a public Other transport journey from A to B could be quicker and often more direct, as in- creasing investments are made into public 4 RSA transport systems. Train 15 Convenient: Bus Th e great thing about reliable public trans- port is that it gets you where you want to be, particularly in cities and towns. Rather 22 Taxi than being able to drive to a certain point 63 only before getting stuck in a one-way system, you can reach your central point directly. Plus you have the bonus of sitting back, relaxing with a newspaper and let- ting someone else do the driving. Granted, cars and motorbikes are more fl exible at times, off ering an easier 5 250 and quicker form of travel, but the green credentials of this mode of travel are far less attractive to anyone wanting to 200 R222 reduce his/her carbon footprint. When R201 there is a realistic public transport alter- 150 R172 native to driving, the biggest challenge is changing our preconceptions. 100 ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF 50 USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Monthly of commuting cost Catching public transport is a great way 0 for people to contribute to a cleaner Train Bus Taxi environment. Main mode of travel to work Given the proportion of South Africa’s total carbon emissions that can be attributed
32 Civil Engineering | August 2011
Africa’s to private cars, there is a very strong need for pollution from private vehicles could investing in public transport to mitigate the be reduced dramatically, with obvious leader in eff ects of these emissions. Traffi c volumes health and economic benefi ts to all. are escalating by 7% per year in the econom- In addition, reducing pollution is ically active corridor between Johannesburg essential to preserving South Africa’s natural and Tshwane. It is expected that the Rea unique natural environment. Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems will contribute to cleaner cities by reducing CONCLUSION resource carbon dioxide emissions. Environmental Increasing the use of public trans- impact studies predicted an expected saving port would not only contribute to a
of 382 940 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emis- cleaner environment and improved and sions by 2010 as a result of the implementa- living standards, but would have tion of the BRT system. Th e operation of the long-term economic benefits as development BRT system through to 2020 was estimated well, which indeed makes public to save 1,6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent transport the way forward. emissions. It is further estimated that if only 15% of private vehicle users who live within REFERENCES solutions 500 metres of a Rea Vaya trunk route switch Department of Transport 1996. White Paper
to Rea Vaya, some 370 148 tonnes of CO2 on National Transport Policy. Pretoria. would be saved per annum. Th is will reduce Department of Transport 2003. The National dangerous vehicular emissions considerably Household Travel Survey (NHTS). Pretoria. (http://www.arrivealive.co.za). http://www.arrivealive.co.za Th e South African National Roads http://www.enatis.com Agency Limited (SANRAL) is also The South African National Roads Agency playing its role in preserving the envi- Limited – Horizon Twenty Ten. ronment by providing and managing a sustainable national road network, while ACKNOWLEDGEMENT keeping environmental issues clearly in The author gratefully acknowledges Peter mind (Th e South African National Roads Copley (Transportation Specialist at the Agency Limited, Horizon Twenty Ten). Development Bank of Southern Africa) for By removing cars from our roads, his support and advice during the prepara- in favour of using public transport, air tion of this article. This article is published in the author’s personal capacity and the views 6 Households spending more than 20% expressed are not those of the South African of income on public transport National Roads Agency Limited.
6 60
50
40 49
30
20
10 18 10
% of households spending >20% on public transportof income 0 Up to R501 to R1001 to R3001 to R6001+ R500 R1000 R3000 R6000 Monthly household income
Table 2 Percentage of personal income spent on public transport to work Income group <5% 6-10% 11-15% 16-20% >20% Mean % R1 – R500 1,5 1,0 3,4 12,1 82,1 35 Tel: +27(0) 11 441 1111 R501 – R1000 1,9 11,1 18,7 19,4 48,9 23 www.srk.co.za R1001 – R2000 9,6 27,7 27,0 16,8 19,0 14 R2001 – R3000 29,5 39,7 19,3 8,0 3,6 9 >R3000 65,0 26,0 6,2 2,0 0,8 5
34 Civil Engineering | August 2011 Jonathan Webb Associate: Civil Engineering/Project Management Aurecon SA (Pty) Ltd [email protected]
WESTERN CAPE Implementation of school construction in the Western Cape
BACKGROUND Some of the main aims of the PIU are ■ construction of 120 classrooms at In February 2010, Aurecon was to facilitate, implement and expedite in- 64 overcrowded primary schools awarded a contract by the Provincial frastructure delivery for the WCED. Th is ■ construction of additional facilities at 14 Government of the Western Cape to is achieved by acting as a second parallel top-performing schools to allow for the establish a Programme Implementation delivery mechanism to the Department enrolment of an additional class per grade Unit (PIU) within the Western Cape of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) ■ renovation of a disused teachers’ Education Department (WCED) to as- which continues to implement the ma- training centre into a new high school sist in the implementation of school jority of the WCED’s projects as the pri- ■ additions of various facilities such as infrastructure projects. mary delivery agent. halls, administration blocks, fi elds, laboratories, etc, at numerous schools 1 Perspective of the new Claremont PROJECT DESCRIPTION ■ planned maintenance at 39 schools High School after a R10 m facelift Now halfway through the three-year ■ placement or relocation of over 200 mo- 2 The old Barkly House Teacher’s contract period, the PIU has been in- bile (prefabricated) classrooms at over Training College before its transformation volved in the implementation of a wide 100 schools, and the into the Claremont High School range of projects at over 200 schools, ■ development of workshops and special fa- 3 Internal courtyard at the new totalling over R250 m, including: cilities at schools for Learners with Special Claremont High School ■ construction of two new schools Educational Needs (LSEN schools).
1
2 3
Civil Engineering | August 2011 35 4
4 The new Khayelitsha COSAT school necessary. Th is team includes architec- for a recommended tenderer, Aurecon which opened in January 2011 after tural (EHH Architects) and quantity contracts directly with the tenderer for just fi ve months of construction surveying (De Leeuw Group) advisors. the further roll-out of the project. 5 The front entrance of Wallacedene Specialist input for engineering, contrac- Primary School, completed in late 2010 tual, legal, environmental and community CHALLENGES, INNOVATIONS AND SUCCESSES 6 Additional classrooms at Mandalay Primary liaison matters is provided by Aurecon. Fast-track delivery School in Mitchells Plain were designed to Each project is managed by one of One of the key aspects on this programme match the existing look of the school a team of ten project managers who has been meeting some extremely tight manage the day-to-day aspects of the delivery deadlines. It is not unusual for In all this, Aurecon fulfi ls a programme project and facilitate communication project expenditure to be restricted to one and project management role. As between the WCED, the schools and the fi nancial year, which often results in very such, a permanent programme offi ce project professional teams. Diff erent pro- tight project time lines. Compounding has been established within the fessional teams are appointed per project this is the need to often deliver a project WCED to assist in the coordination, and contract directly through Aurecon in time for the start of a school year or communication, reporting, fi nan- to manage the planning, design, tender new school term, which results in limited cial control and project information documentation and contract management fl exibility or ability to extend or overrun management of the programme. at each school. Tenders are advertised by on a programme. Th e PIU also includes a team of tech- Aurecon, and CIDB prescripts are applied Two particularly successful fast- nical advisors or specialists to provide in the tender process and documentation. track projects have been the Khayelitsha technical oversight and input where Once PGWC approval has been obtained COSAT and Claremont High Schools.
36 Civil Engineering | August 2011 5
6
Both projects were allocated to the PIU to constructability, phasing, layout and contractors. To deal with the myriad issues manage in late May 2010 with stipulated documentation were implemented by typical of renovation projects, the Principal delivery for initial occupation by January the professional team to ensure this pro- Agent placed a resident architect on site to 2011. Both high schools are STEM gramme could be achieved. manage daily queries. Th e success of this schools (Science, Technology, Engineering Th e R10 m renovation and exten- project in terms of timeous delivery was and Maths), which aim to attract top-end sion of an old teachers’ training college largely due to the excellent teamwork which maths and science learners. into the new Claremont High School developed between the professional team Design, documentation and approvals for 500 learners similarly followed an and the contractor. of the Khayelitsha COSAT school were accelerated design, documentation and fast-tracked and tenders closed in early tender process. A contractor was on site Capitalising on economies of scale August 2010, with a contractor on site in August 2010 and delivery was achieved School projects are frequently grouped by shortly thereafter. Luckily the site was for the school to take occupation by the WCED into programmes, depending serviced and presented few constraints. January 2011, with fi nal works being com- on the nature of the project or the source Delivery of Phase 1 (ten classrooms and pleted by March. Renovation projects al- of the funding. One such example is the administration facilities) was achieved ways present challenges, and numerous un- “Relief Programme” which comprised on time for occupation in January 2011, expected hurdles were indeed encountered the construction of 120 classrooms at and practical completion for the full along the way, ranging from the discovery 64 overcrowded primary schools. Each school for 600 learners, including a of a freshwater spring beneath the building’s school was provided with between one hall and sports fi eld was achieved four foundation to encountering asbestos insula- and four new classrooms. It was decided months later. Several measures in design, tion which had to be removed by specialist to group school projects geographically
Civil Engineering | August 2011 37 into clusters whereby certain benefi ts ■ increased contract values which Th is approach proved successful, al- could be achieved, including: allowed for a higher grading of though a number of issues arose and had to ■ reduction in the management eff ort of contractor to be targeted, and be dealt with along the way, for instance: numerous small contracts, both on a ■ the benefit of economy of ■ Although a Community Liaison Offi cer programme level and in terms of site scale both in construction (CLO) had been allowed on each con- management by the principal agents costs and professional fees. tract, several communities demanded a A total of four sites per contract seemed dedicated CLO for each site, leading to 7 Impendulo Primary School – one of to be the optimum size in order to additional costs on the programme. 64 schools for which additional classrooms increase the contract value, while not ■ Contracts where sites were further were added under the Relief Programme exceeding the capacity or capability of the apart proved challenging to some of the 8 The structure of the Programme target group of contractors to resource contractors. Implementation Unit (PIU) multiple sites simultaneously. Despite the above, the majority of the 64 schools had their classrooms delivered 7 on time and within budget, with a few remaining problematic contracts fi nishing slightly behind the rest. A similar approach of clustering projects was also adopted for the imple- mentation of the planned maintenance pro- gramme at 39 schools, with similar success.
Norms, standards and other requirements Th e aim of the PIU has never been to reinvent the wheel. Rather, it has been to achieve any possible time, cost or effi ciency benefi t on behalf of the Client without com- prising the integrity of Government’s proc- esses or the quality of the end product. As such, projects are structured to match those delivered through other conventional de- livery mechanisms. For instance, the norms and standards for schools are applied on all projects to ensure quality end products and
8 WCED: Infrastructure Development and Planning
PROGRAMME OFFICE AT WCED Programme Manager
Administrative Support
Project Management Technical Advisors Specialist Advisors
Architect OHS
Quantity Surveyor Legal
Project 1 Project 2 Civil, Structural, and Electrical Engineers Environmental
Professional Team Professional Team Contract Documentation
Contractor Contractor
38 Civil Engineering | August 2011 uniformity, and standardisation between Bodies who identify appropriate CLOs for for the WCED to match their achievement schools. While layout design is approved the projects. As with most projects, those with an even larger budget this year. by the WCED at concept stage, drawings projects which have the buy-in of the local and designs are submitted for approval to community from the beginning inevitably CONCLUSION DTPW as the ultimate custodian of the have proven to be the most successful. Th e need within both the Western Cape, facilities on behalf of the WCED. Local and indeed the country as a whole, for authorities are also provided with courtesy Financial Expenditure delivery of educational infrastructure is drawings for scrutiny and comment. Financial performance is always a critical immense. Th ere are tremendous pres- Along the way, some peculiarities Key Performance Indicator. Th e PIU as- sures on thinly stretched resources to have been encountered relating to zoning, sisted the WCED in achieving, for the fi rst deliver, expand and maintain educational sub-division or ownership of existing edu- time, a 100% spend on their budget for the infrastructure. Mechanisms such as the cational facilities. Th ese matters are dealt 2010/2011 fi nancial year. Moreover, only a WCED PIU off er a viable alternative or with between the PIU, WCED and DTPW few months into the current fi nancial year, additional delivery mechanism to assist in property on a case-by-case basis. and everything already appears on track expediting infrastructure delivery. All permanent construction to date has been of a conventional nature (brick PROJECT TEAM and mortar), although the WCED has Client expressed interest in investigating appro- Western Cape Education Department (WCED) priate certifi ed/standardised alternative Programme Management Unit construction technologies to expedite Programme and Project Managers Aurecon SA (Pty) Ltd delivery and/or reduce costs in future. Architectural Technical Advisor EHH Architects At a contractual level, the PIU imple- Quantity Surveying Technical Advisor De Leeuw Group ments similar contractual requirements in Engineering Technical Advisor Aurecon SA (Pty) Ltd terms of utilisation of local labour as are Project Teams required on other provincial projects. Th e Professional Teams (all disciplines) Numerous Professional Service Providers involvement of local communities is usually Contractors Numerous Contractors facilitated through the School Governing
Civil Engineering | August 2011 39
Engineering your success
Aurecon provides engineering, management and specialist technical Industries: services to government and private sector clients globally. The group has Construction Data and successfully delivered world class technical expertise and innovative Telecommunications VROXWLRQVRQSURMHFWVLQRYHUFRXQWULHVDFURVV$IULFD$VLD3DFLoFDQG Defence the Middle East. Energy Government The key to our success lies in our business model which focuses on International HVWDEOLVKLQJRXUFOLHQW VGHoQLWLRQRIVXFFHVVDQGWDLORULQJWKHEHVW Development Assistance Aurecon team across sectors, expertise and geographies to engineer that Manufacturing success. Property Resources We look forward to partnering with you to achieve your goals. Transport Water Your success is our success.
For more information contact us at tel: +27 12 427 2000 or email: [email protected] Johan Keuler Associate: Project Management Aurecon SA (Pty) Ltd [email protected]
Upgrade of rental stock in the City of Cape Town
The City of Cape Town realised that unsatisfactory porary accommodation is in close proximity to the rental units, minimising disruption to the tenants’ daily lives. By arranging maintenance conditions prevailed in their housing new refuse collection points, cleaning of units between moves, stock of 43 500 units. As a start 7 775 rental units installing fi re hydrants, etc, Aurecon ensured that the village is kept in a good, clean condition, without compromising the safety were identified in eleven areas across the Cape of the residents, and ensuring a safe environment at all times. Metropole in a pilot project programme for basic Community participation is also a key element in the success of the project. Comprehensive engagement of communities began upgrade refurbishment in terms of the Community with the establishment of Project Steering Committees. Various Residential Unit (CRU) Programme of the National community representatives, including the local Ward Councillor, serve on these committees and attend the monthly meetings. Government. In August 2008 Aurecon was appointed as implementing agent for the upgrade PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND INNOVATIONS Problem 1 of 3 840 units (R506 million). The areas included Initially there was a notion that the tenants should stay in the Hanover Park, Heideveld, Ottery (Marble Flats), buildings during the renovations. However, it was acknow- ledged that, due to the magnitude of work required to upgrade Kewtown (Athlone) and Elsies River (The Range) these units, their staying in the units would not only slow down progress to unacceptable levels, but tenants would be at great risk of getting injured. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT Th e project aims, fi rstly, to provide community upliftment and Innovation 1 act as a catalyst in presenting new development opportunities All options for relocation were considered to ensure that costs for historically downtrodden communities. Secondly, the project were kept within budget, and to ensure minimal disruption to aims to ensure the upgrade of rental stock within budget and the residents’ daily lives. Tenants were fully consulted in order on time. Th e project is a government-funded project, hence the to identify the most suitable solution. Aurecon designed a tem- focus is on ensuring that the available budget is utilised in the porary village which met the stringent standards set by the City most advantageous manner for residents, as well as for the City, – converted containers for residents to stay in whilst their fl ats who has to maintain these assets. are being refurbished. Th e 12-metre converted containers have windows and doors, OVERVIEW OF THE UPGRADE insulation, partitions, a bathroom, free electricity, and free hot Th e upgrade includes general renovations to buildings, roofs, and cold water. Aspects such as garbage collection and delivery electrical and plumbing systems, as well as the installation of of mail were also considered to ensure a comfortable stay. new ceilings, fl oor coverings, cupboards and geysers, fencing, Communal dish antennas were even provided for those who have refuse management, area lighting, greening of areas and recrea- decoders. Th is arrangement is cutting down by half the con- tional facilities. struction time for each block. Th e process of rolling this out requires precision planning. A Th e temporary village will be dismantled at the end of the temporary village has been established for the tenants to move project to prevent the formation of an informal settlement. to whilst upgrading is in process. A block takes fi ve weeks to complete, after which time the residents would be assisted to Problem 2 move back to their upgraded units so that the next block could Many buildings have families residing in informal structures at be vacated for the builders to transform. Th e location of the tem- the back of the buildings (back-yarders). Th ese are often attached
40 Civil Engineering | August 2011 to the main building and are in the way of the scaff olding monitored. Over the five contracts approximately 50% of the that needs to go up next to the building for renovation work. labour bill is allocated to the local community. Training and Furthermore, there are no funds to accommodate the back- skills are transferred to participants. Following the hard-skills yarders in temporary villages as in the case of the main tenants. (technical) training that is provided, the trainees are em- ployed in the projects. Innovation 2 Before families move back into their refurbished units they After consultation with the back-yarders it was agreed that also undergo education relating to the maintenance of a rental the scaff olding would be erected by going through roofs and unit, payment of rent, management of electricity and water ac- anchoring on open spaces between the shacks. Th e part of the counts, management of refuse, and so forth. shack which is under the scaff olding is partitioned off and is not accessible to anyone. Cantilevers are used to protect the parts of Problem 5 the shacks next to the scaff olding. Th ese measures ensure that all All the project areas are gang-dominated and gang fi ghts occur health and safety regulations are adequately adhered to. regularly. Th e tenants in the temporary villages are exposed in this regard, since the villages are used by the gangs as places to Problem 3 seek cover during shootouts. Th e project continuously runs the risk of delays and political interference. Innovation 5 Aurecon approached the South African Police, the City of Innovation 3 Cape Town‘s Metro Police, and the City Law Enforcement and To this end, proper screening measures for contractors were put Community Crime Prevention Bodies to coordinate their patrols in place and the community was involved in the planning of the in order to obtain 24/7 surveillance, as well as occasional patrols project from the outset. in the temporary villages. Th e refurbishment is scheduled spe- cifi cally to ensure that no rival gang members are residing in the Problem 4 temporary village at the same time. Th e expectation of communities in relationship to job opportu- nities proved diffi cult to manage. 1 Kewtown (Athlone) – before 2 Kewtown (Athlone) – after. Also shown in this picture is Innovation 4 part of the temporary village of containers (blue) In an effort to address the huge need for job opportunities this 3 The Range (Elsies River) – before aspect was captured in the tender document and is strictly 4 The Range (Elsies River) – after
1 2
3 4
Civil Engineering | August 2011 41 5 Hanover – scaff olding next to the building erected Problem 6 over informal shacks in the backyards Some of the blocks were built with precast concrete walls, which 6 Kewtown (Athlone) – model of developed public open space resulted in serious damp and water ingress problems, especially 7 Kewtown (Athlone) – public open space under construction; in winter. note the temporary village of containers in the background Innovation 6 5 Th e precast concrete walls at the rental units were assessed and a new brick skin was suggested. Th e newly built façade acts as a cavity wall and gives the building a fresh look, reduces dampness inside units and solves water ingress problems at window sills.
Problem 7 Th e policy of the funding regime (the Community Residential Unit) provides for the refurbishment of the buildings, but not for the external environment, i.e. the public open spaces between the buildings. Without being able to upgrade the external environ- ment, the upgraded areas would lack complete transformation and would not achieve a sense of place to instill community pride.
Innovation 7 Additional funding was sourced from the Social and Economic 6 Facilities Programme (SEFP) to develop these public open spaces.
PROJECT STATUS To date 484 units out of a total of 3 840 units have been completed. Th e project is scheduled for fi nal completion by 30 June 2015. Th e fi rst two parks are also currently under con- struction.
CONCLUSION Th is direct intervention ensures enhancement of the lives of these tenants who have become accustomed to unsafe and not always well maintained rental accommodation, thereby uplifting their standard of living.
7
42 Civil Engineering | August 2011 Hans Bosch Consulting Structural Engineer Mossel Bay [email protected]
SOUTHERN CAPE
Light-gauge steel frame development in the Southern Cape
INTRODUCTION buildings falling outside the scope of the Although the two proposals did not In 2007 the light steel frame system was code. Th e code has since been superseded progress to construction, the experience introduced in the Southern Cape under by SANS 517:2009. gained was used in later projects, such the guidance of the Southern African as the following three projects that were Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC). HOUSING SYSTEM OR completed successfully. Shortly thereafter two manufacturing STRUCTURAL MATERIAL? plants opened their doors, one in George From May to August 2008 experience was House Blue Myrtle, Vleesbaai and the other in Mossel Bay. gained on this system through a dozen In October 2008 Ictus Studio Architects Th e system consists of automated roll- housing projects. Lighter foundations headed the design and construction of formers with cutting, punching, bending were designed to suit the reduced weight a double-storey luxury sea-facing house and dimple-forming modules. Th e roll- and higher fl exibility of the steel. Various with the intent to utilise light-gauge steel former machine is controlled by computer beam and connection options were also for the structure. and a specifi cally developed CAD pro- analysed and discussed. A raft foundation, made up of two gram (Framecad) to enable it to produce After the initial phase, two project parts that hinge around the internal re- ready-for-use sections from 0,75 – 1,0 mm proposals exposed the need to move taining wall, was designed to make use of pre-galvanised plates. Th e sections are beyond the scope of the code. Th e fi rst the greater ductility of steel compared to then screwed together to form various was the proposed Hornlee Village in masonry. Square hollow-section steel was components (such as panels, trusses or Knysna, where the developer was plan- used for the external columns supporting girder trusses) that can be joined together ning a number of four-storey blocks of both the balcony and the overhanging to build the frame of a house, for example. fl ats, comprising eight units each, with roof. Each column had a diff erent orien- an average unit size of 60 m2. A three-di- tation to improve the aesthetics of the SASFA CODE OF PRACTICE mensional steel frame made up of I-beams façade. Two square hollow sections were Th e SASFA (Southern African Light Steel was proposed to serve as skeleton for the also used as internal columns to support Frame Building Association) Code for light-gauge steel. the fl oor and roof over the wide opening. Low-rise Light Steel Frame Buildings was Th e second proposal came from Titan Th e wall panels were planned to ac- published in October 2007. Th is code Aviation in George, who required an exten- commodate the curved roof, and in the provides the rules and requirements for sion to their 23 m span helicopter hangar. main bedroom a curved wall was built. the design, fabrication and construction Th e architect requested a comparison All services were accommodated within of buildings with light-gauge steel frames, between a truss made from angle iron the walls. primarily houses and other buildings of and one made from light-gauge steel. Th e Th e roof and fi rst fl oor joists were limited size. Supervision of an engineer light-gauge truss showed considerable slotted into the wall panels and sides, is recommended, and is compulsory for promise in both cases. hanging from the bearer trusses. Th e
Civil Engineering | August 2011 43 connectors were made from hand- construction. A series of three parallel consisted of two 400 mm deep lattice machined plates, while the ring beam on trusses and one cross-bearer truss allowed trusses each. No strengthening of the fl oor the outer ring of the balcony consisted the use of 5 m light-girder trusses spaced was required as it had been designed for of two standard C-sections forming an at 500 mm centres to be used on top of 110 mm masonry walls. enlarged box section. the bearer trusses. Each bearer truss was Th is simple arrangement made for Th e house was completed in 2009 and made up of two lattice girders side by side fast and easy construction. Th e total valuable experience was gained in the use and screwed together with plate stiff eners structural weight was about 2 600 kg or of light-gauge steel together with standard at maximum hogging and sagging mo- 8,85 kg/m2 for a 2 kN/m2 load. Th e project square hollow sections. Th is project proved ments. Th e continuous-bearer trusses were was completed within the four-week con- that it is possible to construct aesthetic supported at 5 m centres, and at the end struction period, illustrating that the ma- buildings with light-gauge steel. Th e project by angle iron brackets to the steel portal terial can be used effi ciently in suspended was shortlisted for the 2010 SAISC awards. frame. Th e seven supporting columns fl ooring applications.
Mezzanine fl oor for Bali Trading, Riversdale 1 Th e client required a mezzanine fl oor as a furniture showroom. Design and construction had to take place within two months and with minimum disruption to the existing store on the ground level. Th e U-shaped fl oor area of 290 m2 was there- fore constructed in two stages, allowing the shop to continue doing business during
1 House Blue Myrtle: frame exposed during construction 2 House Blue Myrtle: front view of house after completion 3 House Blue Myrtle: trusses as feature in living room 4 Bali Trading mezzanine fl oor: lattice girder truss on joist, and stiff eners exposed 5 Bali Trading mezzanine fl oor: the fl oor two weeks later as part of the showroom 6 Steyns-Holzfaller shop and fl ats: hot- rolled skeleton inner frame and a light- gauge outer frame before cladding
4 5
44 Civil Engineering | August 2011 Steyns-Holzfaller shop and fl ats, Danabaai tegic positions. Hereafter a light-weight A concrete slab was chosen to re- In August 2010 planning and design concrete mix with polystyrene bubbles duce fire risk and noise transmission, as commenced for the construction of a is pumped into the cavity. Th e solid wall well as to reduce the weight, and hence two-storey 760 m2 building comprising a system was also used upstairs as fi rewalls. the cost. The composite slab was made hardware store on the ground fl oor and Th e typical wall will induce a load of only up of light-gauge steel joists of 300 mm four apartments on the fi rst fl oor. 1,2 kN/m onto the slab. deep, with a 58 mm concrete slab cast Th e use of the ‘solid wall’ system was Th e core structure consisted of three on permanent plywood shutters. The requested to improve wall insulation and portal-type frames with square tubing shear connectors consisted of two types reduce noise. Th is system consists mainly columns and horizontal I-beams. A com- of bent plate sourced from machine of vertical sections clad both sides with posite fl oor was developed, drawing on offcuts that would also act as spacers fi bre cement boards. Horizontal steel sec- factory trials and experience gained from for the steel mesh. Hogging reinforcing tions are fi xed and holes are made at stra- previous projects. steel was placed in the concrete in both
2 3
6
Civil Engineering | August 2011 45 7 directions to make the composite slab continuous in both directions. Th e project was completed nearly on schedule. Delays were caused by subcon- tractors not delivering components to speci- fi cations. Although the hogging steel details were changed, unwanted web sagging in the joist trusses occurred during casting. Th is was rectifi ed by propping the trusses until the concrete had cured and composite ac- tion developed suffi cient strength.
SUMMARY Th e use of light-gauge steel was initially associated with the construction of houses. Due to a combination of eco- nomic need, constant requests and a willing team, the scope of usage has been broadened. Th e three projects discussed above prove that light-gauge steel can be 8 used successfully outside the scope of the design code and the suppliers’ CAD pro- grams. Th e notion that light-gauge steel is a housing system only has been chal- lenged. Light-gauge steel should rather be seen as a variation of cold-formed steel design, using screws for the connections. Continued development will improve both the scope and the effi ciency of con- struction with light-gauge steel. Some possible improvements are: ■ In view of the limits of the CAD opera- tors, the practice of making workshop drawings should be enforced. ■ An erection code similar to SANS 10243 (timber) may assist the erectors to prevent damaging panels, speed up con- struction, and increase safety. ■ Th e support from the SAISC was encouraging, but more focus could be placed on project management and the important role of the architect in areas where formal contracts are not used. ■ Investors in machinery and building 9 equipment could be approached to de- velop more productive methods. Th e introduction of light-gauge steel to the Southern Cape raised considerable interest, with a number of entrepreneurs becoming involved. Many lessons were learnt, and mistakes were made. Th is is all part of pushing the boundary.
7 Steyns-Holzfaller shop and fl ats: composite slab made up of concrete and light-gauge steel joists 8 Steyns-Holzfaller shop and fl ats: pumping of light-weight concrete into wall panels 9 Steyns-Holzfaller shop and fl ats: front view of building during construction of second fl oor
46 Civil Engineering | August 2011 MARKET CONTRIBUTION
Post-tensioning: the right solution
THE 14-HOUR POUR Th is pour was the fi nal slab section underlying subgrade (generally reactive On Monday 11 October 2010, possibly in a two-year pavement replacement pro- basaltic clays), provision of a 150 mm the largest ever (area-based) single-pour gramme undertaken at the site to repair thick cement-stabilised sub-base, the post-tensioned (PT) slab on ground pave- approximately 20 000 m2 of failed and addition of subsurface drainage, and pave- ment was completed at Toll-Intermodal’s badly cracked concrete pavement. For this ment reconstruction using high-capacity container storage facility in Laverton, project, the structures team from Hyder post-tensioned concrete. Victoria, Australia. At 5 824 m2 it incor- Consulting’s Melbourne offi ce prepared the A feature of completed post-tensioned porated over 50 tonnes of post-tensioning design and documentation and provided slabs is the large joint-free areas produced. cable and required some 1 590 m3 45 MPa construction planning, advice and super- Th is was a particular attraction for this concrete. Th e 260 mm thick slab is the vision services to Toll-Intermodal while site, given the problems experienced with largest single pour area of post-tensioned Structural Systems were contracted for the maintaining and sealing the many closely concrete ever constructed in Australia. post-tensioning site installation works. spaced joints in the original pavements. Commencing at 3:30, the pour took Th e pavements were designed to sup- approximately 14 hours to complete, using port 35 tonne container boxes stacked up THE PURPOSE OF POST-TENSIONING IN three concrete boom pumps, two laser-con- to three high, and they can accommodate CONCRETE GROUND PAVEMENTS trolled screed machines, three twin-head unlimited repetitions of 110 tonne axle Post-tensioning in concrete pavements ride-on trowelling machines and coordi- load ‘reachstacker’ forklift vehicles. A has two functions – fi rstly, to counter- nating over 260 concrete truck deliveries 260 mm thick post-tensioned concrete act shrinkage cracking from about from two dedicated concrete batch plants. pavement slab was adopted, using a range 18 – 24 hours onwards, and secondly, to of pour sizes to suit the site conditions pre-compress the concrete to counteract 1 The crew from Structural Systems installing and areas of damaged slabs that needed to cracking due to ongoing shrinkage, bonded post-tensioning system for the be replaced. fl exural tensile stresses from service loads 5 842 m2 post-tensioned ground slab at Reconstruction work included demoli- and temperature gradient in concrete. the Toll-Intermodal container storage tion and removal of the existing damaged Th e post-tensioning system used is a facility in Laverton, Victoria, Australia and/or settled concrete, reworking of the bonded fl at-slab system that follows the following basic methodology: 1 1. Slabs are cast with high-tensile pre- stressing strands running through the slab from edge to edge, at regular spac- ings, inside galvanised fl at oval ducts. 2. Tendons are unprofi led (fl at) in one layer, with equal or close-to-equal quantities in orthogonal directions. 3. Tendons are anchored at the slab edges and stressed after concrete placement, thereby placing a permanent two-way compression force on the slab. 4. Th is force is then locked in by grouting the ducts with a high-strength grout which also acts as corrosion protection. 5. Post-tensioning couplers are available for up to fi ve 12,7 mm strands, or fi ve 15,2 mm strands, and are valuable for construction joints. Post-tensioned slabs on grade are used in industrial structures where the main
Civil Engineering | August 2011 47 2
3 objective is to eliminate joints that are the major weakness in ground slabs. The post-tensioning system allows a significant reduction in the number of joints, while keeping the structure within allowable tensile stresses, re- sulting in lower maintenance costs over the design life of the slab. Concrete has limited capacity to resist tensile stresses. For conventional reinforced concrete slabs, or slabs with steel fi bre reinforcement, the thickness and primary reinforcement are increased so that the stresses do not exceed the concrete tensile strength. Post-tensioning allows balancing of the tensile stresses in the concrete, leading to thinner slabs without the need to signifi cantly increase the amount of reinforcement. Th e major advantages of using a post-tensioned slab on grade solution compared to other ground slab systems are as follows: ■ Eff ective load support – it is a properly engineered fl oor designed for any load 4 system. ■ Active crack control – post-tensioned slabs reduce the risk of cracking far more eff ectively than any other method, due to the active compression force exerted on the slab. ■ Fewer or no joints – the use of a post- tensioned slab on grade solution greatly reduces the joints required in a fl oor, with resulting reduced maintenance.
2 Post-tensioned ground slab of 5 824 m2 ready for concreting at the Toll-Intermodal site 3 Construction of a heavy-duty external post-tensioned ground slab at Molineaux Point in Botany, Australia – PT slab design and site PT works by Structural Systems 4 Completed post-tensioned 28 000 m2 ground slab for Coca Cola’s Amatil Distribution Centre in Sydney, Australia – PT slab design and site PT works by Structural Systems
48 Civil Engineering | August 2011 ■ Th e risk of slab curling is substantially the design provides a joint-free and crack- reduced due to the fewer joints and free area with greatly improved durability. better joint spacing. Th is produces a smoother ride for forklifts, and less THE RIGHT SOLUTION maintenance on these machines. Compared with conventional reinforce- ■ Greatly increased resistance to prob- ment, post-tensioning provides a long lematic soils. service life and high loading capacity, ■ Th e reduced sub-grade preparation, requires almost no maintenance and and a thinner slab with few or no joints, retains a high resale value. Post-tensioned saves on construction time and cost. slabs on grade have been used successfully Concrete has limited capacity to Post-tensioning achieves the highest ef- worldwide in various types of logistics fi ciency, based on: and manufacturing facilities, workshops resist tensile stresses. For conventional ■ Th e external eff ects that apply to the and other structures. reinforced concrete slabs, or slabs structure (including temperature, tem- Th e Structural Systems group has a perature diff erential and loadings) long-standing track record in the design with steel fibre reinforcement, the ■ Th e internal eff ects such as concrete and site installation of post-tensioned thickness and primary reinforcement shrinkage slabs on grade and has completed well in ■ Th e size of the structure excess of two million square metres of are increased so that the stresses ■ Th e quality of the supporting ground. post-tensioned slabs on grade in Australia do not exceed the concrete tensile Th e design of a post-tensioned slab on alone over the past 15 years. grade optimises the overall cost of the strength. Post-tensioning allows INFO structure, including cost of ground prepa- balancing of the tensile stresses in ration and the cost of the slab itself. Th e Paul Heymanns system uses an optimum combination General Manager the concrete, leading to thinner slabs of post-tensioning, slab thickness and Structural Systems Africa without the need to significantly concrete tensile strength to produce a cost- 011 409 6700 eff ective slab on grade solution. Moreover, [email protected] increase the amount of reinforcement
Civil Engineering | August 2011 49
Structural Systems (Africa) is a specialist engineering company providing Design, Materials, Equipment, on-site services and expertise throughout Southern Africa in the following fields:
3RVW7HQVLRQLQJ LQWHUQDODQGH[WHUQDO IRUFLYLOVWUXFWXUHV i.e. silo’s, bridges etc. 6ODE3RVW7HQVLRQLQJIRUEXLOGLQJVWUXFWXUHVLHERQGHGDQG un-bonded post tensioning 3RVW7HQVLRQHGVODEVRQJURXQG ,QFUHPHQWDO%ULGJH/DXQFKLQJ +HDY\/LIWLQJDQGMDFNLQJLQFOXGLQJEULGJHMDFNLQJ %ULGJHEHDULQJVXSSO\DQGLQVWDOODWLRQ &DEOH6WD\V\VWHPVLQFOXGLQJ&DEOH6WD\EULGJHV *URXQGDQGURFNDQFKRUV\VWHPV 0DFDOOR\DUFKLWHFWXUDODQGVWUXFWXUDOVWUHVVEDU 6OLSIRUPIRUEXLOGLQJDQGFLYLOVWUXFWXUHV &DUERQILEUHVWUHQJWKHQLQJIRUFLYLODQGEXLOGLQJVWUXFWXUHV T: +27 (0) 11 4096700 e-mail: [email protected] C: +27 (0) 79 512 6310 www.structuralsystemsafrica.com F: +27 (0) 86 616 7482 MARKET CONTRIBUTION OMB Waste Logistics takes waste underground
IMAGINE A WORLD where dustbin over- collection system. Th e unit can be wired to full, thereby reducing the time collection fl ow no longer exists, and where no waste is send a signal to the collection depot once it vehicles spend on the road. Th is arrange- being blown around the countryside. Th is has reached its capacity. A compactor can ment would be helpful particularly in ideal can become a reality with Translift’s also be installed below the surface to allow high-volume areas like security complexes underground waste collection and storage for up to 20 m3 of waste to be stored out and shopping centres where it is not systems, which are not only able to handle of sight. Emptying takes only a few min- practical to empty bins during peak times. increased amounts of waste, but can keep utes. Th is system is ideal for townhouse Of course, fewer trucks on the road also waste out of sight by taking it underground. complexes or areas of dense population in contribute to a smaller carbon footprint. A precast concrete shell, fi tted with and around city centres. As the concrete A previous study undertaken showed that a platform which holds the refuse bin, shell is precast, there is no need for in situ this system, properly managed, has the is buried in the ground, with a mounted concrete works, and installation therefore potential to reduce the operational refuse swing-away lid on top that carries the takes only a few days to be operational. collection costs by up to 50%. entry tower. Th is lid is fi tted with a seal Having the stored waste fully con- An optional extra is the fi tting of a which renders the system weather- and tained underground will not only elimi- ‘smart card’, which would allow controlled tamper-proof. Th e entry tower is the only nate any unpleasant odours, but will also access to people who are charged only visible indication that there is a waste drastically reduce the scavenging through for the amount of waste they deposit. Th e storage site underfoot. Th e entry tower refuse that currently takes place. card system could also be used to create can be supplied to handle a variety of dis- Th e system can be customised for jobs – people could be paid according posal and access control methods. separation at source so that non-organic to the amount of waste they collect and Th e storage bin can be from 1,1 m3 to waste, which does not decompose fast, discharge into the system; the system has 4,5 m3, depending on the local municipal can be collected only once those bins are the potential to create one job per 100 kg of generated waste. 1 A variety of options exist to power the unit – solar energy, battery pack, main elec- trical grid, or power via an umbilical from the collection vehicle (in instances where no alternative power supply is available). To summarise, the system off ers the following integrated waste management features: ■ Colour-coded installation for separa- tion at source ■ Access control for integrated management ■ Secure tamper-proof components ■ Underground bin status control ■ Tamper alarm ■ Auditing software ■ 2 Accounting software ■ Container identifi cation ■ Collection management ■ Community participation
INFO
Les Penny OMB Waste Logistics A division of Translift (NLBV) 012 460 1973 [email protected]
1 Neat and tidy – the only visible indication of waste being stored underground 2 Collecting waste while supplying power to the unit via an umbilical chord
50 Civil Engineering | August 2011 • • • • •
• MARKET CONTRIBUTION Amanzimtoti rehabilitation of dune slopes using Green Terramesh
DURING THE STORMS of June 2008, with it some 60 000 m3 of material and built on top of the dune. Th e foundations more than 100 mm of rain fell during a leaving a trail of damaged houses and of the nearest houses were undermined 15-minute period in the Amanzimtoti roads in its wake. and patios, outbuildings and swimming area, causing a fl ash fl ood that sent water During the fl ood the dune was eroded pools were lost into the dongas, resulting through an old age home adjacent to the to a depth of approximately 30 m in in many of the threatened houses having N2 national route, across Kingsway Road places, fortunately mainly seawards of to be evacuated until the damage could and down the 80 m high dunes, taking the front row of houses that had been be repaired and the area made safe again. Repair would include backfi lling and rein- 1 stating the damaged dune slopes. Th ese dunes have a history of similar, but not as severe, slope failure, due to the fact that the dunes in the Durban area con- sist of fi ne-grained sand with an internal angle of friction as low as 28 degrees. Th e dunes had, over the years, been banked and reinforced with vegetation to an unnatural and unstable slope of approximately 37 degrees. Th e top of the dunes had been cleared for development, and this made the slopes vulnerable to wash-aways. Th e only practical and environmen- tally acceptable solution to fi lling the huge dongas was to import sand and reinforce it with geosynthetics placed in layers within the compacted backfi ll material. A wrap- around system could have been used to provide a facing to the reinstated slope, but 2 it was very important to fast-track the back- fi lling process and provide immediate pro- tection to the front face to avoid any further failures during the period of reinstating. Th is was achieved by using Maccaferri’s Green Terramesh system – a structural unit manufactured from double-twist mesh which incorporates a reinforced front face lined with BioMac, a biosynthetic coconut erosion control blanket. Th e mesh that forms the backbone of the Green Terramesh unit creates both the front face and a tail
1 Flash fl ood damage caused to the 80 m high dunes in Amanzimtoti 2 Repaired bank prior to vegetation 3 Close-up of Green Terramesh stepped to match surrounding slopes 4 Completed vegetated slope
52 Civil Engineering | August 2011 3
that provides the soil reinforcing as it away before the vegetation takes hold. Th e 4 extends behind the front face into the com- topsoil is placed behind the BioMac lining pacted backfi ll. Th is tail can be provided and is vegetated with seedlings which are in any length, but for practical purposes is plugged through the mat into the topsoil. usually manufactured in 3 m lengths. Th e BioMac is biodegradable and provides Th e design was undertaken by the protective nutritious mulch over the pe- Coastal, Stormwater & Catchment riod that the plants are being established. Management Department of the eTh ek- Th is R42 million rehabilitation project wini Municipality, and the main con- was completed within six months, leaving tractor on this particular stretch of work a slope that blended into the natural sur- was Devru Construction cc. roundings and was stable enough so that Th e vegetating of the front face of the houses could be safely reoccupied. the rehabilitated, reinforced slopes was of paramount importance, as it would ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS provide both short-term protection of the Omesh Ori – area engineer slope face and overall reinstatement of Devru Construction – photos an ecologically sensitive green belt. Th is bioengineering function was delegated to INFO specialists Gold Circle Enviro Projects cc, Michelle Neermal who ensured that the correct endemic National Marketing Coordinator plants were reinstated and that these Maccaferri SA (Pty) Ltd plants would be monitored and nurtured 031 705 0500 / 0514 in both the short and the long term to [email protected] ensure the success of the rehabilitation. Th e Green Terramesh system is well PROJECT TEAM suited for rehabilitation of vegetation, Client eThekwini Municipality as it fi rstly provides the initial engi- Civil Engineers eThekwini Municipality Engineering Unit Coastal, Stormwater & neering requirements for soil reinforcing Catchment Management Department of the backfi ll, and then provides the Project Managers Coastal, Stormwater & Catchment Management Department landscapers and horticulturists with a Main contractors Ocean view – Devru Construction cc mechanisms by which they can vegetate Francis Place – Icon Construction cc the exposed sloping face. Th e main char- Specialist Subcontractors acteristic of Green Terramesh, from a Dune rehabilitation KRW Consulting bioengineering aspect, is that topsoil can Gold Circle Enviro Projects be safely placed along the front face of the Specialist Suppliers Maccaferri Southern Africa (Tongaat) – Green Terramesh reinstated slope without it being washed
Civil Engineering | August 2011 53 MARKET CONTRIBUTION Mezzanines in minutes
THE LATEST RELEASE of MultiSUITE of all companies in this fi eld, which is be added to the required bays in the same Mezzanine, software for the messanine to produce competitive designs in the way. Changes to the design data can be fl oor industry, makes almost instant quotes shortest possible time. carried out at any stage and a completely and layout generation possible for both To achieve this the software con- new design can be arrived at in seconds. single and multiple-tier mezzanine fl oors. stantly takes data from one stage in the Th e material required for each design is It enables the user to move quickly from process to the next – from the design and calculated by length or tonnage as appro- survey data, loading requirements and basic member sizing to the materials list, then priate, and an average weight per square fl oor geometry, to producing member sizes on to the pricing module where items metre of fl oor is displayed to enable a quick including base plates and bracing, to a full are automatically matched against price comparison between design alternatives. quotation and preliminary sales drawing in data prepared by the user. Once a project Full structural calculations are produced a matter of minutes. It is very easy to try a goes ahead, the design geometry is passed based on the chosen design. A range of number of alternative confi gurations to see into AutoCAD to create the intelligent international design codes are provided for. how they might aff ect the structural calcu- drawing model where the fabrication Th e material list information is updated lations, quantities and pricing. drawings are produced. continuously, and once a design is chosen, Detailed designs and an accurate Th e software also off ers the advantage is then transferred instantly to Excel for 3D Model of the fl oor can be created of treating the fl oor as a complete struc- pricing. Also the model of the fl oor struc- instantly in AutoCAD using MultiSTEEL. ture, and designing and checking all the ture can be transferred to AutoCAD for From this accurate arrangement and component elements right down to the preparation of a sales drawing if required. fabrication, drawings can be generated for foundations, completely automatically. An intelligent drawing is created for either all of the members, with full structural Th is means, for example, that an alterna- 2D or 3D presentation. MultiSTEEL then calculations. tive arrangement of bays, bracing, or allows the addition of staircases, handrail- Th is new approach to mezzanine pro- secondary beam spacing, can be tried, and ings, ladders, etc, from an extensive built-in duction covers the full work stream from the eff ect on the material quantities, and library. For multi-tier fl oors, MultiSTEEL initial survey to fi nal production draw- hence the price, can be seen immediately. will generate 2D fl oor plans and elevations ings – design (single and multi-tier fl oors), MultiSUITE Mezzanine is an indis- from the 3D model. estimating (full material quantities are pensible tool for all companies operating produced), quotations (produced instantly in this very competitive industry. Quotation Builder in Excel), and drawings (sales and fi nal Once the design is fi nalised and the design drawings). Th e following are the key MezzoQUOTE material quantities identifi ed, this data is features: MezzoQUOTE is a standalone program transferred to an Excel template which ■ Internal design codes that allows the overall dimensions of the automatically matches the items against ■ Rectangular and irregular shaped fl oors fl oor to be entered from the survey infor- price data maintained by the user in a ■ Single and multi-tier fl oors (to fi ve tiers) mation. Once the number of bays required separate workbook. Th e structure of this ■ User-specifi ed beam and secondary in each direction and the loadings are en- template can be customised easily within beam data tered, the most economical sizes for all the Excel to suit a company’s preferred way ■ Suitable for braced and unbraced fl oor members are selected, taking into account of costing individual items. Similarly the design strength and defl ection criteria. Bays can fi nal quotation document in Microsoft ■ SDNF output to AutoCAD and other be added or removed simply by clicking Word takes all of the fl oor parameters and CAD systems on the fl oor layout diagram. Bracing can the fi nal total price information and lays it ■ Complete video training course
MultiSUITE Mezzanine MultiSUITE Mezzanine is the product of international collaboration between engineers, software developers and mez- zanine industry professionals. Th e soft- ware caters for all stages in the design and pricing of mezzanine fl oors and fully takes into account the primary objective
3D sales drawing generated from MezzoQUOTE
54 Civil Engineering | August 2011 out in the user’s preferred style for presen- ■ Inset and oversail designs Hardware requirements are as speci- tation to the client. Th is two-stage pricing ■ Multi-level column detailing fied by Autodesk for the client’s par- and quotation process is referred to as Th e MultiSUITE can generate a com- ticular version of AutoCAD. Quotation Builder. Fully documented prehensive material list at any stage. ■ MultiSTEEL CAD consists of calculations are produced ready for sub- Automatic item numbers are allocated the MultiSTEEL application with mission to Local Authorities for approval. to each component and these provide AutoCAD OEM, which is supplied by Calculations can be printed, saved to PDF, a direct link to the drawing schedule. MultiSUITE Software under licence or saved to Microsoft Word format. Total weights of steel, surface areas, cut- from Autodesk Inc. ting lists and steel summaries can then MultiSTEEL: be displayed. A drawing created with MultiSUITE mezzanine options drafting and detailing in AutoCAD MultiSTEEL becomes a working database, ■ MezzoQUOTE: Feature Summary: which can also be exported to other ap- Design and pricing module only ■ Fast , accurate layout and detail plications such as Excel if required. ■ MezzoQUOTE with MultiSTEEL: drawing production MultiSTEEL also includes macros for Design, pricing, detailing with ■ Easy editing to keep up with design designing stairs, ladders, handrailing and MultiSTEEL utilising existing changes bracing. Each macro is confi gurable to the AutoCAD license ■ Full international section libraries for client’s exact requirements. ■ MezzoQUOTE with MultiSTEEL CAD: all hot-rolled fl oor beams and cold- (includes AutoCAD OEM licence) formed fl ooring joists AutoCAD platforms supported Full design, pricing and detailing suite ■ Extensive connections library for ■ MezzoQUOTE is a standalone pro- with AutoCAD OEM. Suitable for com- various joists types gram that will run on any Windows panies that do not currently have a full ■ Full plate details for top plates, base platform and PC configuration. AutoCAD licence. plates and beam connections ■ Quotation Builder operates in ■ Cutting lists, material summaries, steel Microsoft Excel and all current ver- INFO weights sions are supported. ET Euro-Technology ■ Stair detailing and new bracing detailer ■ MultiSTEEL can be used with all 021 762 3176 included current versions of full AutoCAD. [email protected]
Civil Engineering | August 2011 55
MultiSUITE CAD Leading Structural Steel and Concrete Solutions Incorporating AutoCAD (OEM) Did you know...? MultiSUITE now works with Strand7 FEA...!
MultiSUITE CAD employs the latest AutoCAD OEM 2010 technologyologyf fromrom Autodesk. This technology allows Developers like MultiSUITE Software to SURGXFHIRFXVVHGLQGXVWU\VSHFL¿FDSSOLFDWLRQVUHDG\WRXVH³VWUDLJKWRXWRIWKH box”. 6XSSOLHGRQDVLQJOH&'0XOWL68,7(&$'FRQWDLQVDOORIWKH&$'IXQFWLRQDOLW\ \RXQHHGWRSURGXFH\RXUVWUXFWXUDOGUDZLQJVHI¿FLHQWO\ ,WHPSOR\VWKHVDPHIDPLOLDUORRNDQGIHHORIIXOO$XWR&$'DQGEHFDXVHLW¶VEXLOW RQ SXUH$XWRGHVN WHFKQRORJ\ \RX FDQ EH VXUH LW FUHDWHV IXOO FRPSOLDQW DWG drawings. MultiSTEEL CAD: Structural Steel CAD package. Request your FREE Demo Licence MultiREBAR CAD: Reinforced Concrete detailing and scheduling CAD package. &DOOXVWRGD\WR¿QGRXWKRZ0XOWL68,7(FDQ Both products are embedded with AutoCAD OEM Component Technology LQFUHDVH\RXUSURGXFWLYLW\DQGSUR¿WDELOLW\ The cost-effective complete tailor made CAD solution ݽÝÄÝçÖÖÊÙãÊÄãã͗ EURO TECHNOLOGY (PTY) LTD Tel: 021 762 3176 A Unique Solution for [email protected] Structural Drafting www.et-global.com based on AutoCAD OEM 2011 technology Also Resellers of MultiSUITE Mezzanine, Strand7 & Rhino 3D. AutoCAD OEM is a registered trade mark of Autodesk Inc. 1 IN BRIEF
WORLD’S FIRST COMMERCIAL WAVE POWER PLANT INAUGURATED 1 An artist’s impression of the planned new membrane bio-reactor plant at the ON 13 JULY THE BASQUE seaport of Mutriku, located between Bilbao and San Bellville WWTW Sebastian in Spain, witnessed a historical day in energy generation history. Utility Ente Vasco de la Energía (EVE) offi cially inaugurated the Mutriku wave & Sanitation, to upgrade and extend the treatment capacity at Bellville’s power plant – the fi rst in commercial operation worldwide. Voith Hydro sup- wastewater treatment works (WWTW). plied the equipment for Mutriku’s 16 power units that will provide an output With this upgrade, the Bellville plant will feature the largest mem- of 300 kilowatts in total – electricity suffi cient for around 250 homes. brane bio-reactor (MBR) in the country to date, and its capacity will “The rising global demand for green energy proves to be a strong increase by 20 Mℓ/day, to 70 Mℓ/day (average dry weather fl ow – ADWF). catalyst for the implementations of innovative forms of renewable energy. The 20 Mℓ /day MBR will be separate from the existing activated sludge The Mutriku project shows that our wave power technology is commercially plant. Hence, during the construction period, the existing plant will not viable and ready for wide deployment on the global markets,” says Dr be impacted upon. Roland Muench, Chief Executive Offi cer of Voith Hydro Holding. “To further In addition, the design and build contract, including all mechanical this development, adequate feed-in-tariff s for wave power, as they already and electrical works, will see Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies exist for a number of renewables, can now set the right legal framework.” South Africa supply a new inlet works for the MBR plant, new biological Voith Hydro’s wave power technology can be deployed in new and reactors and six membrane trains. A new sludge dewatering facility will existing breakwaters, and in purpose-built structures. Building on its long- also be supplied, as well as an upgrade of the existing electrical and term proven reliability, continual design improvements have developed the control systems infrastructure at the Bellville WWTW. technology to its leading-edge performance. The worldwide potential of “The water produced has to meet strict quality requirements ocean energy is an estimated 1,8 terawatts and still remains largely untapped. with regard to organic matter, viruses and bacteria removal, am- Voith Hydro’s OWC (oscillating water column) technology is the only one monia and suspended solids content. The submerged ultra-filtration that has been proven with regard to commercial utilisation, combining avail- membrane technology will increase capacity, while producing excel- ability and effi ciency at the highest level. On the Scottish island of Islay, Voith lent quality, treated water, which will be reused as process water to Hydro has been operating the wave power plant Limpet for over a decade industrial and commercial clients in the area,” explains Abrie Wessels, on a commercial scale, producing over 65 000 grid-connected hours. Regional General Manager, Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies South Africa, Paarl. INFO The raw wastewater to the new plant will pass through coarse Roy Webster screens for degritting, before passing through fi ne screens and un- Marketing Manager dergoing anaerobic, anoxic and aerobic treatment before undergoing Voith Turbo ultra-fi ltration and dewatering of sludge. OTV France, another subsidiary 011 418 4036 / 4000 of Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies, will be providing design and [email protected] commissioning support. The client was looking for a design and build company with suitable experience, local representation and commercial backbone to deliver on their commitments. Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies South Africa has clearly demonstrated technical competence and a track record with turnkey project execution of this size during the tendering process, while being commercially competitive. With this capacity increase, the strain on the existing Bellville facility will reduce signifi cantly and the effl uent quality will improve. An added advantage will be the potential for the reuse of the effl uent, which will save the use of potable water. Currently, in the basic engineering design phase, the plant is due 1 The world’s fi rst commercial wave power plant at Mutriku, Spain for commissioning in 2013. Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies South Africa will provide training and maintenance support for the VEOLIA TO UPGRADE BELLVILLE first year of operation. INFO WASTEWATER WORKS Gunter Rencken Managing Director VEOLIA WATER SOLUTIONS & TECHNOLOGIES SOUTH AFRICA, a sub- Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies South Africa (Pty) Ltd sidiary of Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies, has been awarded a 011 663 3600 R187-million contract by the City of Cape Town’s Department of Water [email protected]
56 Civil Engineering | August 2011 Bryan Wintermeyer, of Workplace Architects, says, “Together COROBRIK PAVERS with the MBDA, we selected, for the Donkin Reserve, colours already used in other projects to achieve coherence and consistency be- BEAUTIFY PE INNER CITY tween the various projects in the city. The pavers in this instance were laid in stack-bond pattern, forming long, continuous lines that INTERNATIONAL TRENDS CONFIRM the growing preference for clay paving enhance the sense of directional movement. The product integrates by urban design professionals abroad for providing functionality with char- well with other materials and provides various opportunities for acter and charm to urban environments. Keeping pace with this trend lo- layouts and patterns.” cally it is no surprise then that more and more urban upgrades are opting to use Corobrik clay pavers to bring life and vibrancy to our urban landscapes. 1 and 2 The use of Corobrik Burgundy pavers has brought an authentic, rustic feel “It has been very rewarding to see our clay pavers being used in- to the Port Elizabeth city centre. Photo 1 shows the city centre with the City Hall in the creasingly in large-scale metropolitan renovations around the country. background, while photo 2 captures both the library (on the right) and the City Hall A recent, and certainly one of the largest, is currently under way in Port 2 Elizabeth (PE) where 90 000 m of Burgundy 50 mm clay pavers have 1 already been laid,” says Corobrik’s Peter Kidger. He says that in KwaZulu-Natal 75 000 m2 of Corobrik’s clay pavers were specifi cally sought for the upgrade of the Durban beachfront precinct, Umhlanga Promenade and Amanzimtoti beachfront, with extensive use of their clay pavers also having been made in Knysna, George, the Hillbrow pre- cinct of Johannesburg, the Cape Town CBD and surrounding suburbs, and other upmarket residential and commercial estates throughout South Africa. The PE refurbishments, which began in September 2006, involved Corobrik products from the start with Burgundy pavers being used for the broadening of sidewalks from Whites Road to Russell Road. In Govan Mbeki Avenue, the sidewalks were realigned and broadened using the same 50 mm pavers. To accommodate the loadings of vehicular traffi c, all the vehicle ramps were paved with the thicker 65 mm paver in the same colour. According to Kidger, the PE upgrade included the Donkin Reserve and Govan Mbeki Avenue, both initiated by the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) on behalf of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). 2 Hedwig Crooijmans-Allers of Matrix Urban Designers and Architects says, “The unique colour and texture of Corobrik Burgundy pavers was ideal. The rich shade blended perfectly into the design and gave the area an upmarket, rustic feel. Environmentally, we required that the solu- tion be sustainable and eco-friendly, with the surface being resistant to staining and corrosion, the latter most important to counter the salt and high humidity levels prevalent in this vicinity of the city. The Matrix, in collaboration with Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), opted for the Burgundy paver as it fulfi lled the sustainability imperative well.” “Looking at what has been achieved, our pavers have satisfi ed their mandate to transform and uplift these urban environments, bringing a richness of colour and texture that the eye relates to. The colour fastness and enduring intrinsic qualities of fi red clay will provide a rewarding up- market aesthetic appeal for decades to come”, adds Kidger.
Civil Engineering | August 2011 57
SPECIALIST IN 250 000 DIRECTIONAL DRILLING metres of & PIPELINE REHABILITATION TRENCHLESS PIPE Successfully
Installed Countrywide 08600 66 344 [email protected] www.trenchless.co.za “The upgrade taking place in PE has transformed the city centre to such Adams claims it does not help to source a few products from third a degree that we understand NMBM has now decided to include neigh- parties and claim your company is green. He also advises end users and bouring streets that were not originally part of the project,” concludes Kidger. specifi cers to visit manufacturing plants such as Sika to see that the company is truly committed to sustainability. “Ask them about disposal procedures and INFO raw material sourcing. ISO 14001 helps us at Sika to commit to the ‘cradle to Peter Kidger the grave concept’. Many international companies are now looking to com- Corobrik panies that have the ISO 14001, as it gives them security in knowing that envi- 031 560 3233 ronmental standards are being considered and adhered to by the supplier.” Hedwig Crooijmans-Allers Sika is now pleased to announce yet another achievement – the The Matrix Urban Design and Architects Occupational Health and Safety Certifi cation (OHSAS 18001), awarded 041 582 1073 in 2011. Sika is the fi rst construction chemicals company in South Africa Bryan Wintermeyer to be awarded this certifi cation. The Workplace Architects OHSAS 18001 is an Occupation Health and Safety Assessment Series for 041 582 4390 health and safety management systems. Intended to help organisations con- trol occupational health and safety risks in the workplace, it was developed in response to widespread demand for a recognised standard against which to be certifi ed and assessed. Sika, in conjunction with OHSAS 18001, is fully com- mitted to health and safety in the workplace, and the safety of the workforce. Adams says, “As an OHSAS 18001 company, you have nowhere to hide. SIKA STANDS UP FOR SUSTAINABILITY All incidents are reported and recorded. Health & Safety offi cers have been appointed who continually monitor H&S on Sika premises. No contractor AND HEALTH & SAFETY may perform duties on our premises until they have been fully inducted to ensure all their equipment and staff comply with Sika standards. Our factory, NOW IN ITS 101st year of supplying materials to the construction and administration and distribution staff are continually updated regarding leg- automobile industries, Sika also sets itself the highest standards of islation and new improvements at third-party training centres.” environmental management by complying with ISO14001. Sika SA OHSAS 18001 has been developed to be compatible with the Managing Director, Paul Adams, says, “Achieving ISO ratings neces- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems) standards. The ISO 14001 sitates a continual improvement in management systems. In gaining enables the company to: ISO 14001 Sika is demonstrating its total commitment to sustaina- ■ Identify and control the environmental impact of its activities, prod- bility. We are continually striving to source new and environmentally- ucts and/or services. friendly raw materials and are focusing on the elimination of harmful ■ Improve its environmental performance continually. solvents in production.” ■ Implement a systematic approach to setting environmental objectives Sika SA was the fi rst construction chemical company in South Africa and targets, and to demonstrate that they have been achieved. to achieve this in 2006, and is still the only construction chemical com- Adams concludes , “As Sika is the oldest and largest construction chemical pany to have this rating. company in the world, we cannot simply rely on being market leaders when it comes to existing and new technology. The environment, and health and 1 Sika, the oldest and largest construction chemical company in the world safety need to be attended to seriously as well. Sika strives to ensure that the full system approach, ‘Roof to Floor’, is sustainable.” 1 INFO
Paul Adams Managing Director Sika South Africa (Pty) Ltd 031 792 6500
MAPEI HELPS TO REINFORCE CONCRETE COLUMNS
MAPEI SOUTH AFRICA, part of the global Mapei Group, with specialist contractor Mndeni Structural Services, was contracted by Stefanutti Stocks, to help with the repair of concrete columns in a multi-storey parking garage for the University of Pretoria. The columns were designed for a comprehensive strength of 30 MPa, but after construction they measured an approximate 25 MPa. To accommodate this shortfall, the columns had to be strengthened.
58 Civil Engineering | August 2011 step to smooth the surface, protect the wrapping and fi and wrapping the protect surface, the tostep smooth fi inthe applied was strength, highbonding with cementitious mortar Planitop to asingle-component columns. 200, the applied was mortar ming sand. silica with blinded and airbubbles, to roller any remove trapped steel to concrete. the applied resin, was epoxy medium-viscosity To overlaps. with MapeWrap, impregnate the MapeWrap 31,segments, a columns in the tightly layered around then was high tensile strength, fi carbon tinuous and of elasticity modulus high avery with fabric bre large cracks. sealing and strengthening structural are for ideal and workability that off hardeners special containing product resin-based epoxy primer specifi step, –anepoxy MapeWrap Primer 1 next Inthe surface. texture anopen vide to pro- sandblasting and grinding with removed was laitance First, prepared. requirements. project the 600/40 met MapeWrap CUNI-AX weight, and Carbon fi bre wrapping was the preferred option, as it strongis but light- After the epoxy had hardened, excess sand was brushed off brushed was sand excess hardened, had epoxy the After a with on rolled 600/40 was step, MapeWrap CUNI-AX the next In the con- uni-directional, ahigh-strength, MapeWrap CUNI-AX 600/40, All blowholes were then fi were then All blowholes thoroughly to columns had the be applied, could be wrapping the Before
SikaRooffor Africa– Advanced waterproofingtechnology c to the MapeWrap system – was applied to adhesion. promote applied –was c to MapeWrap system the Increases thermalperformance Quick andeasytoapply Can beappliedindampconditions Easy torepairifpunctured Root resistantwaterproofingmembrane Elastomeric anddurable Cold applied Completely seamless lled with Adesilex PG2, a two-component PG2,atwo-component Adesilex with lled Sikalastic MTC Marketing Consultant nish off [email protected] Mapei SA (Pty) Ltd SA(Pty) Mapei the columns. the er extended er extended 011 552 8476 and askim- and Lollita Pitso Lollita nal nal INFO ® 1 1 High-strength 600/40 MapeWrap was tightly layered around CUNI-AX the columnsthe insegments, withoverlaps Civil Engineering | August 2011 59 PRECAST CONCRETE 1 STANDARDS AND THE CPA
ALTHOUGH THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT (CPA) has been in force for several months, the jury is still out as to the impact it will have on the South African economy and, more specifi cally, on precast concrete manufacturers. However, Hamish Laing, Director of the Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA), observes that companies which adhere or manu- facture to a certifi able standard are in a far better position to face any purchase disputes which may arise from the Act. “Standards, especially those which originate from the South African Bureau of Standards, will play a far more meaningful role than had previously been the case, not only for precast concrete prod- ucts, but for any product or service. In fact, the CPA makes it almost mandatory for any supplier of any product to carry a SABS or other recognised quality certification, as those who do not, lay themselves open to the full force of the law in the event of a dispute. Laing says the CPA does not only apply to the manufacturing process, because in addition to inherent product quality, the Act also covers correct application. “The onus is on the manufacturer to 1 Hamish Laing, Director of the CMA inform the customer about proper product application. In other words, manufacturers must inform their customers about the capabilities and must design the structure. And the nursery in turn must inform its limitations of their products. customers. The same applies to other precast concrete products such “For example, if a concrete retaining block manufacturer sells to as pipes, culverts, hollow-core slabs, concrete block pavers, concrete a nursery, he must inform the nursery management that blocks can masonry and concrete roof tiles – in each instance the buyer must be only be used for walls up to 1,4 m high; for higher walls an engineer informed about correct application. “The CPA places considerable onus on the supplier to off er fair value in an honest and even-handed manner, and it provides the con- sumer with a powerful mechanism to challenge those suppliers who do not comply. “The CMA welcomes the Act, because it weaves the whole process of standards into the country’s economic fabric and justifies the expense of carrying the SABS mark. One thing is certain, stand- ards are going to play an increasingly important role in the years ahead and that can only be to the benefit of all consumers,” Laing concludes.
INFO
Hamish Laing Director: CMA 011 805 6742 [email protected]
SURVEYS, MAPPING, GIS LADY CIVIL ENGINEER WINS 2011
www.geoinfo.co.za Tel: +27 11 763 7173 L’ORÉAL-UNESCO FELLOWSHIP Fax: +27 11 763 1263 L’ORÉAL AND UNESCO RECENTLY announced the winners of the ♦ Project Management of large survey & mapping contracts 2011 L’Oréal-UNESCO Regional Fellowships for Women in Science in ♦ 3 Dimensional Laser Scanning (Mobile & Terrestrial) Sub-Saharan Africa. This year, ten inspiring women scientists from across ♦ Underground Services Detection ♦ GIS Data Capture Sub-Saharan Africa have been awarded fellowships of US$20 000. ♦ Engineering ♦ Mining ♦ Bathymetric The winners are Olutayo K. Boyinbode (Nigeria), Dalene de Swardt (SA), Jeanne de Waal (SA), Valencia Jacobs (SA), Ifeoma Obidike (Nigeria),
60 Civil Engineering | August 2011 Ruth Odhiambo (Kenya), Salome Muriuki (Kenya), Rachel Muigai (Kenya), 1 Kim Trollope (SA), and Madeleine Bihina Bella (Cameroon). These Fellowships are awarded to young doctorate or post- doctorate lady scientists. The scientific research areas being covered by this year’s Fellows include studies in the fields of computer sci- ence, microbiology, environmental science, medical virology, textile science, chemistry, pharmacy, civil engineering and agriculture. The L’Oréal Foundation doubled the number of Fellows from fi ve to ten in 2011 based on the extraordinary success of the pilot programme launched in 2010, which recognised and awarded fi ve lady scientists with $20 000 towards the completion of their PhD research projects. Philippe Raff ray, Managing Director for L’Oréal South Africa, says the programme attracted an increased number of entries this year, proof of the potential of these fellowships to make a real diff erence in the lives and careers of Africa’s women scientists. “The programme is open to all women scientists up to the age of 40 across Sub-Saharan Africa who are working towards their PhDs in all fi elds of science. This year we received 175 applications from across the Sub- Saharan region, a signifi cant increase from last year’s 104 applications.” Rachel Muigai, who was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, but who has been living in Cape Town for the past fi ve years, is one of the ten new 2011 Fellows. She is currently completing her PhD at the University of Cape Town, with research focusing on the sustainability of concrete structures. Rachel’s academic excellence in subjects such as physics, chem- istry and biology in high school, as well as her intense curiosity to understand how things work, coupled with encouragement from her 1 Rachel Muigai, civil engineering PhD candidate, who was awarded a teachers, nurtured her love for science. Civil engineering interested 2011 L’Oréal-UNESCO Fellowship recently her, as it offers a whole range of science-related subjects that one could specialise in. She completed a BSc in Civil Engineering at the University of Nairobi (2001-2006), a Masters in Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town (2007-2008), and carried out ongoing PhD research at the Technical University of Münich, Germany, in 2010. Despite her affi nity for structural engineering, the 30-year-old re- searcher says she still fi nds herself having to prove her worth in the sector. “Civil engineering is still a male-dominated fi eld and I ndfi that you have to continuously prove yourself. Despite having a deep interest in the fi eld, as a woman I’m constantly challenged as to why I want to work in construction. However, being confi dent in myself, as well as persistent and hardworking, always wins the case for me!” For her PhD, Rachel researches design and construction solutions that could lead to sustainable concrete infrastructure in South Africa. The study output aims to ensure that future concrete structures have the lowest pos- sible carbon footprint, emissions, energy use and impact on the environ- ment and society. She says the L’Oréal-UNESCO Fellowship provides her with an op- portunity to further enrich the research undertaken by UCT’s Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit (CoMSIRU) and, to an extent, the local cement and concrete industry. In her downtime, Rachel enjoys hiking, mountain-biking, volleyball, and participating in environmental awareness programmes, like tree- planting initiatives.
INFO
Sara-Lea van Eeden, Taryn Fritz Public Relations & Communications 083 446 6109 [email protected] www.forwomeninscience.com
Civil Engineering | August 2011 61 SAICE AND PROFESSIONAL NEWS
A new standard system of measurement for civil engineering quantities in southern Africa
A SOUTHERN AFRICAN edition of with international, national, organisa- ■ Adjustments have been made to items Civil Engineering Standard Method of tional, industry and bespoke standards, and terminology to refl ect southern Measurement (CESMM3) has recently and most standard forms of contract. African practices. been published, following inputs from Th e chairman of the SAICE Joint ■ Th e fabrication of structural metalwork local industry stakeholders. It is a regional Civils Division (a joint division of SAICE items needs to be supported by separate customisation of a well-established and ICE), Dr Ron Watermeyer, says, bills of quantities developed in ac- standard for the preparation of bills of “CESMM3 became a logical choice as a cordance with the SAISC’s (Southern quantities for civil engineering work, base document for the successor to the African Institute of Steel Construction) developed by the Institution of Civil current system of measurement em- system of measurement. Engineers (ICE) (London). bedded in the SABS 1200 Standardised ■ Classes EA (Additional Earthworks) Th e current methodology for meas- Specifi cations, as it is a document founded and RA (Additional Roadworks), and uring civil engineering quantities is on the same thinking and philosophy items within these classes, have been contained in Clause 8 of the SANS 1200 as the system that has evolved in South introduced to provide fl exibility to ac- Standardised Specifi cations for Civil Africa. It is widely used in Africa and commodate regional earthworks prac- Engineering Construction, read together is well understood by the international tices, i.e. to enable interim operations to with the South African Institution of Civil community. It is a well tried and tested be measured. Engineering’s (SAICE) Civil Engineering document that is adequately supported by The southern African edition of Quantities (1990). Th e SANS 1200 series a range of comprehensive handbooks and CESMM3 costs R500, including VAT of standards, which were developed texts.” but excluding postage, and may be and last updated during the 1980s, were Peter Becker, who was intimately in- obtained from the South African designed for use with SAICE’s General volved in the development of the current Institution of Civil Engineering Conditions of Contract. In line with system of measurement and under whose (+27 11 805 5947), the Association of modern drafting requirements for docu- guidance the new system was developed, South African Quantity Surveyors ments embodied in the Construction points out that in the southern African (+27 11 315 4140), Consulting Engineers Industry Development Board’s edition of CESMM3: South Africa (+27 11 463 2022), Standard for Uniformity in Construction ■ No reference is made to any standard Engineering Contract Strategies Procurement, SABS has published the form of contract, as the terms and text (+27 11 803 3008), and the South SANS 1921 series of standards for con- are aligned with standard forms of con- African Federation of Civil Engineering struction and management requirements tract commonly used in the region. Contractors (+27 11 409 0900). for works contracts and most of the SANS ■ Th e terminology is aligned with the 2001 series of technical standards for provisions of the CIDB’s Standard for INFO construction works. Th e southern African Uniformity in Construction Procurement, Dr Ron Watermeyer edition of CESMM3 is compatible with and South African national standards or Chairman: SAICE Joint Civils Division these standards and is suitable for use international standards. [email protected]
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Winners of the AfriSam – SAICE Electronic Photo Competition 2011
1 FIRST: Dawning of a new day 2 SECOND: Hospital Bend at night 3 THIRD: Cape Town Stadium during the FIFA World Cup Photographer: K Marais Photographer: Bruce Sutherland Photographer: Bruce Sutherland
64 Civil Engineering | August 2011 For the first time in its history, SAICE’s ever popular photo competition was presented in electronic format this year, drawing 126 high-resolution entries. The first round of voting was done online by SAICE members (we received more than a thousand votes), narrowing the entries down to a shortlist of finalists from which the winning photographs were selected by a panel of judges. The adjudication took place on Tuesday 21 June at the historic Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia, with AfriSam kindly sponsoring the event
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Civil Engineering | August 2011 65 The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012 – Regional Workshop for Africa
SAICE WAS INVITED by the Scientific and Cultural Organisation to Rio+20. Delegates came from various World Federation of Engineering (UNESCO), Nairobi. Manglin Pillay, African countries and included natural Organisations (WFEO) to attend the CEO of SAICE, and Lorraine de Ronde, and social scientists, engineers, policy- Africa Regional Workshop, which SAICE International Liaison Officer, makers and government representatives, was held in Pretoria from 30 May – attended the workshop. major group representatives, research 1 June 2011. The event was organised Th e United Nations Conference on organisations, educational institutions, by the International Council for Science Sustainable Development 2012, also UNESCO and ICSU. (ICSU) (Regional Office for Africa) known as “Rio+20”, is scheduled for 4 – Th e objectives of Rio+20 include, and the United Nations Educational, 6 June 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the among others: same city where the fi rst Earth Summit ■ To secure renewed political commit- Delegates at the recent Rio+20 Africa Regional was held in 1992. In preparation for the ment for sustainable development. Workshop in Pretoria – from left: event, fi ve regional workshops for Asia ■ To assess progress to date of the fi rst Prof Alice Abreu (ICSU, Paris), Pacifi c, Latin America and the Caribbean, summit (1992 Earth Summit). Manglin Pillay (CEO, SAICE), Africa, the Arab Region and Europe ■ To identify the remaining gaps that Edith Madela-Mntla (ICSU Regional Offi ce for Africa), were organised to aff ord scientists and inhibit progress. Prof Joseph Massaquoi (UNESCO, Nairobi), engineers from the diff erent regions the ■ To implement the outcomes of the major Prof Lidio Brito (UNESCO, Paris) and opportunity to prepare joint positions and summits on sustainable development. Lorraine de Ronde (SAICE International Liaison Offi cer) concerted input into the processes leading ■ To address new and emerging challenges.
66 Civil Engineering | August 2011 During the regional workshop for Africa, tainable development, and what do they The Rio+20 Africa Regional the following three main themes were need from science and technology? Workshop offered valuable opportuni- discussed: ties to network with representatives of ■ Greening of the global economy for Th e nine non-governmental stakeholder UNESCO, WFEO and ICSU, who are poverty reduction groups, also referred to as major groups, are: also involved in strengthening engi- ■ Building of institutional frameworks for 1) Women neering institutions globally. sustainable development 2) Youth and Children Government offi cials from the ■ Identifi cation and confi guration of ap- 3) Indigenous Peoples Departments of Environmental Aff airs, proaches to management of new and 4) Non-Governmental Organisations Science and Technology, and Social emerging challenges for sustainable 5) Local Authorities Development were also present during the development. 6) Workers and Trade Unions workshop. Relationships have also been 7) Business and Industry established with various engineers and Discussions centred around four key 8) Farmers scientists from universities across Africa. questions: 9) Scientifi c and Technological Th e workshop was a successful col- 1) What are the priority issues for Rio+20 Community laboration of the African SET (Science, in 2012, as seen by the scientifi c and Engineering and Technology) opinion – to technological community from the Th e important outcome of the Regional be carried forward to the 2012 Rio+20 event. region, taking into account the UN Workshop was a document that expresses Building international relationships, General Assembly outline of Rio+20? the point of view of the African scientifi c not only in Africa, but with major stake- 2) What are the needs of science and and technological community regarding holders across the world, is vital for the technology in the region, in order to be the three main themes of Rio+20. sustainable future of institutions and able to contribute best to sustainable Th e bottom-up approach that was their members. Opportunities are created development in the region? used in the preparatory process ensured for members to interact and work with 3) What are the major contributions from strengthening of regional and sub-re- counterparts from other countries, and to the sciences and engineering towards gional policy frameworks for sustainable be exposed to international best practice. sustainable development at local, na- development. Africa will have an agreed- tional, and regional levels? upon position when going to Rio next year INFO 4) What role can the diff erent stakeholders to contribute to discussions around earth Lorraine de Ronde and major groups play in enhancing systems, climate change and sustainable SAICE International Liaison Offi cer regional science and technology for sus- development. [email protected] Strengthening ties with our Nigerian colleagues
A group of twenty transportation engineers from the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers visited South Africa during the last week of June. SAICE, together with the BEPEC (Built Environment Professions Export Council), arranged various interesting site visits for the delegation, including a ride on the Gautrain. SAICE also entertained the group at National Offi ce, where President Seetella Makhetha shared his “Credo of the African Engineer” with them. The picture shows members of the delegation in the SAICE bookshop.
Civil Engineering | August 2011 67 1
UUCTCT SStudenttudent ChapterChapter vvisitisit toto thethe BergBerg RRiveriver DDamam
2 THE BERG RIVER DAM is the fi rst dam in South Africa to be designed, constructed and operated in accordance with the guidelines of the United Nations World Commission on Dams. Earlier this year, the third and fourth year civil engineering students from the University of Cape Town had the amazing opportunity to visit this concrete-faced, rock-fi ll dam, located in the upper reaches of the Berg River catchment area. Th e students were taken on a tour of the pump station, the intake tower and the dam outlet. Th e visit into the intake tower was interesting, especially for the more adventurous students who got a chance to trek all the way down to the bottom. Th e only problem was, once you reached to the bottom of the tower, you had to climb 160 m back up to the top again! To round 3 off the perfect fi eld trip, the students were treated to a picnic of pizza and cold beers. Th e SAICE Student Chapter at UCT would like to thank Bruce (GOBA) and Wallie (DWA) for taking the time to share their extensive knowledge and ex- perience. Th anks also to GOBA for spon- soring the refreshments and Bertrand van Zyl (DWA) for organising the permit for the visit. And fi nally, a huge thank you to Prof Kobus van Zyl of UCT, as it would not have been possible to organise this visit without his assistance.
INFO
Alice Chang SAICE UCT Student Chapter [email protected]
68 Civil Engineering | August 2011 4 5
1 The third and fourth year civil engineering students from the University of Cape Town visiting the Berg River Dam earlier this year 2 Examining the butterfl y valve 3 Admiring the magnifi cent Berg River Dam 4 The students at a model of the dam 5 Bruce (GOBA) addressing the students
Civil Engineering | August 2011 69 Obituary RICHARD DICK LOEWENTHAL retired to his olive farm in In celebration of the life of Vermaaklikheid a few years ago. Dick was born on 26 August 1941 Professor Richard Loewenthal in Johannesburg and died at the age of 69 on 6 January 2011. Emeritus Associate Professor Loewenthal started working at the (or Richard the Lionheart!) University of Cape Town in September 1974 as a Senior Lecturer and was promoted to Associate Professor on 1 January 1987. He retired from UCT on 31 December 2006. Th is is a short tribute to the man that Richard Loewenthal was, rather than a record of all his academic achievements (of which there were many!). Richard was a husband to one, a father to three, and a father fi gure, friend and educator, magnifi cent entertainer and inspira- tional stalwart to a multitude. In his few years of retirement on the farm, he would often sit on the stoep, look out over the olive trees and the dusty road leading into the hills and refl ect on his friends, on family, on cooking, on the universe, on the human condition, on philosophy, in short on all the richness and joys of life. What struck his family most about these moments was how incredibly grateful he was for everything he had. “You know, Doug,” he would say to his son, “sometimes when I think back on when I was young and growing up, I still can’t believe how lucky I’ve been.” Lucky he may have been, but if ever there was someone who made his own luck, it was surely him – with an enormity of will and spirit, with a singleness of purpose and a sheer joy of living that is seen in very few people. Perhaps a good part of his char- acter was the result of a tough childhood and, sadly, a father who told him that he would amount to nothing in life. On one occa- sion he was told that he lacked the basic intelligence to go further than matric. His old friend, who knew him well as a young man, said that to Richard this was like a red rag to a bull. Some rag, some bull! He left home at the age of fi fteen, eventually working on the gold mines to fund himself through university. While working as a miner, he was already educating himself by going to evening classes – no mean feat, as his work started every day at four in the morning with a trip two kilometres underground. Already it was clear that the seeds of a mightily stubborn will had been
70 Civil Engineering | August 2011 sown – that a fi ne spirit was being smelted in the crucible of Despite his achievements in the academic world, it was his adversity. At university, as a somewhat wayward and lost fourth family and friends that he valued most, recognising that “to year civil engineering student, he faced his fi rst real research know and to love one’s fellow human being is truly at the root of problem – given to him by his mentor, Professor Marais, who all wisdom”. Certainly, it was with friends and family around was highly regarded in his fi eld at the time. Richard, after a huge him, a glass of red wine in hand and a curry simmering on the party on the Wild Coast, returned with the prospect of having stove that he was very often at his happiest and most animated. to do his fi nal year project in a week. Well, he solved the problem On these occasions he loved to shock people into laughter, and just managed to write up his thesis in time. On the fi rst delightfully mixing profound conversation with the absurd and reading, Prof Marais declared that it must be nonsense, but on giving vent to his magnifi cent, wonderfully vulgar and often the second reading he realised that Richard was onto something outrageous sense of humour. very special. By the third reading, he said later, he felt that he But behind the jokes, the banter, the laughter and mag- was witnessing the workings of a great mind. Professor Marais nificent mockery, one always sensed that there resided a fine, was big enough to later admit that he had been working on the grand and generous spirit. A spirit that never ceased to bring problem for two years without success! joy to all those whom he came into contact with. He had a It was truly in research that Richard found his niche in life magnetism that drew people to him from all walks of life. and, from his fourth year onwards, began to realise his enormous He had the rare gift of making all people feel somehow more potential. He was, as someone else said, a researcher from his special, more alive in his presence. That indeed was his magic teeth to his toenails. He once told his son, Doug, that, “Doing and a huge part of his legacy. research is like no other work you can imagine.” For most people In the end he faced death as he faced the trials of life: work consists of learning a formula and applying that formula squarely and bravely, with honesty and integrity, and with that in life with varying degrees of success – reliable, but boring. But magnifi cent mix of fl ippancy and profundity that he made when you are doing truly creative research, as with any creative uniquely his own. He wanted all who were dear to him not to endeavour, there is no formula to rely on – every great research wallow in sadness, but to celebrate his life. problem is unique. It is a terrifying, humbling and exhilarating As his old friend Dave McPhail said, he was indeed Richard experience all in one. You open a dark room, you stumble around the Lionheart! as best you can and try to bring some order to things. Th en even- tually you fi nd the light switch and you switch the light on and Cheryl Wright and Marianne Vanderschuren everything becomes bright and clear. For a short moment you [email protected] / [email protected] walk with the Gods, and the universe suddenly seems a much Adapted from Doug Loewenthal’s memorial address friendlier, much more beautiful place. Th en other people enter the room, often ignorant, often arrogant, usually self-assured, wondering what all the fuss was about – except they didn’t have to turn the light on. Th en you go into the next dark room...... Marais, Dick’s long-time mentor and colleague, said that he From the word:GO was a researcher who leapt from peak to peak while others toiled away in the valleys. Th is perhaps gave the impression that he did we chose the right colour not work hard, but all who knew him witnessed his incredible drive when faced with a truly massive research problem. Th e harder the problem, the more excited and more tenacious he be- came, and the more determined he was to solve it. Needless to say, his students loved him and his eccentrici- L13, L18, L22Terrafix Terracrete 4x4 Multi L11, L12, L15, L16 ties. He always entered the lecture hall without a single lecture Find a supplier near you at note, believing that keeping notes would make his lectures stale and repetitive. Some of the words and phrases students used to www.terraforce.com / Tel: 021 465 1907 describe him have been recorded for posterity in student year books. Here are a few:
“.....understands the mind of a student through and through…..”
“…..he made complex concepts so simple to understand….. that you went away wondering what the problem was…..”
“…..has the weathered face of a Keith Richards and a devilish sense of humour.....”
“.....he often landed up lighting two cigarettes and placed one at each side of the lecture hall, so that he could pace back and forth taking regular puff s at each end as the ideas TERRAFORCE fl owed…..” Your g r o w i n g force Civil Engineering | August 2011 71 Date Event and CPD Contact details Presenters validation number
8-9 September Durban Business Finances for Built Environment Dawn Hermanus 13-14 October Cape Town Professionals Wolf Weidemann [email protected] 17-18 November Gauteng SAICEfi n08/00405/11
Handling Projects in a Consulting Engineer's 5-6 September Durban Dawn Hermanus Practice Wolf Weidemann 10-11 October Cape Town [email protected] SAICEproj08/00404/11
Bridge Maintenance 12 September Pietermaritzburg Dawn Hermanus SAICErail09/00495/12 Ed Elton 21 November Johannesburg [email protected]
13-14 September Pietermaritzburg Basics of Track Engineering Dawn HermanuHermanus Ed Elton 22-23 November Johannesburg SAICErail09/00496/12 [email protected]@saice.org
GCC Cheryl-Leeryl-Lee WilliaWilliams 26-27 September Midrand Theuns Eloff SAICEcon10/00706/13 [email protected]@saice.o
Reinforcedeinforced Concrete Design to SANS 110100-1 Cheryl-LeeCh Williams 20 Septemberember East London Greg Parrott SAICEstr09/00432/11AICEstr09/00432/11 [email protected]! Structural Steel Design CodeCod to SANS 10162:1-2005TTHISCheryl-Lee Williams 21 Septemberber East London Greg Parrott SAICEstr09/00513/12SAICEstr0 ET [email protected]
26-27 September BloemfonteinAARISENetwork Analysis & Introduction to Surge Analysis T Cheryl-Lee Williams IA Prof Fanie van Vuuren 17-18 OctoberDIARISEDIAD Durban SAICEwat10/00804/13 [email protected] 1-2 November Port Elizabeth 8-9 November Durban Basic Coastal & Harbour Engineering Cheryl-Lee Williams Keith Mackie 15-16 November Johannesburg SAICEwat09/00611/12 [email protected] 22-23 November Cape Town
15-16 September Pietermaritzburg Rail Transport Dawn Hermanus Ed Elton 24-25 November Johannesburg SAICErail11/00887/14 [email protected]
For more information on courses, venues and course outlines please visit http://www.civils.org.za/courses.html
72 Civil Engineering | August 2011