Construction World December 2017

Category A1: Civil Engineering Contractors

PORT OF SALDANHA – UPGRADING OF GENERAL MAINTENANCE QUAY

(Also entered Category B &D)

The project involved the Upgrading of the General

the suitable time to remove insulation and formwork from these large sections that were cast. TNPA remains committed to meaningful social responsibility and in this effort set out requirements for compliance with their Supplier Development (SD) Plan. This required the contractor to commit upfront to spending at least 30% of the contract value on various initiatives contained within the SD Plan framework, including, but not limited to, job creation; skills development (skilled and unskilled individuals); localisation through procurement; promoting small business; rural integration and regional development. The overall design for the upgrading of the GMQ called for minimal demolition of the existing structures already in place. The existing block wall comprising massive precast concrete units, some in excess of 60 tons, saw minimal modification, with the extension complimenting the rigorous design employed in constructing the original block wall some 40 years prior. Saldanha Bay has a high concentration of mussel farms which produce a large portion of clams supplied to the Western Cape for public consumption. Due to the fact that these organisms are highly sensitive to changes in their environ- ment, particularly oxygen concentrations in water, stringent controls were put in place through the Environmental Monitoring Programme (EMPr). In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of the project on the immediate surroundings, much of the materials

recovered and/or excavated on site were either reclaimed or re-used. Scrap metal from abandoned vessel remains were recovered during dredging operations and successfully reclaimed into the scrap metal market. Soil stockpile heights were closely monitored and stockpiles were intentionally shaped to bear less wind resistance in an effort to mitigate the dust pollution. In the interests of both Health and the Environment, extensive testing had to be carried out on in-situ material prior to dredging operations commencing along the quay wall. The deeper sediments had to be tested for the content of heavy metals and hydrocarbons in order to determine whether any treatment or safe disposal, at a registered hazardous disposal site, was necessary. All levels were comfortably within threshold limits and posed no danger. Through constant interaction between the contractor, principal agent and the project team numerous cost-saving initiatives were explored to prevent the project from exceeding budget. In an effort to reduce the risk of delays in project delivery and assist the employer in reducing potential loss of income, the works were sequenced in such a way that at least half the length of the quay wall could be delivered and handed over to the employer ahead of schedule, fit for purpose and safe for operational use. In lieu of the employer’s requirements, further stringent protocols were enforced by the contractor for the safe keeping of its people. The effectiveness of these endeavours shone through in repeatedly favourable audit results. The project also achieved over 400 000 work hours with zero lost time injuries. • Company entering: Basil Read • Client: Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) • Contract value: R141-million • Start date: 19 March 2015 • End date: 8 November 2016 • Main contractor: Basil Read • Principal agent: PRDW Africa • Project manager: TNPA • Quantity surveyor: PRDW Africa • Consulting engineer: PRDW Africa • Readymix supplier: AfriSam PROJECT INFORMATION

The works included the extension of existing Blockwork Quay and replacement of the Sheetpile Quay Wall to deliver a larger, continuous Quay Wall to TNPA for future operation as an Offshore Supply Base (OSSB). The OSSB shall look to service mainly the Oil and Gas industry, particularly along the African West Coast. The contractor procured a drone- mounted camera with which aerial photography and videography could be carried out on an ad hoc basis. Not only could this footage be used to gauge progress but, it also assisted the project team with strategic planning and project controls on the job. Some practical challenges arose where deep concrete slabs and beams were cast using high durability concrete mix designs (possessing very high cementitious content). Increased temperature ranges during the initial curing phase meant that temperature differentials between the core and surface of each concrete section with the ambient temperature had to be measured in order to avoid the risk of thermal cracking. The contractor employed the use of precision thermocouple data loggers, infrared thermometers and real- time weather gauges in order to determine Maintenance Quay at the Port of Saldanha for Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA).

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