Construction World December 2023

SPECIALIST CONTRACTORS OR SUPPLIERS

REMEDIAL REPAIRS OF DURBAN HEIGHTS NO 3 RESERVOIR

D urban Heights Reservoir No 3 is a 340 megalitre structure built in 1971 in the area known as Reservoir Hills, which lies within the eThekwini Metro. Reservoir 3 feeds eThekwini Metro’s reservoirs that supply consumers in the northern parts of Durban, specifically the INK region (Inanda, Ntumzuma and KwaMashu) and Phoenix. Its capacity is 340 megalitres, making it one of the largest potable water storage facilities in South Africa. The large number of households, businesses and industry that receive water from it illustrates the importance of this infrastructure. In November 2021, Con-Solve Civils was awarded the waterproofing contract to rehabilitate the reservoir’s highly unusual domed roof structure of approximately 24 000 m 2 . Con-Solve Civils is a respected multi disciplinary construction company, specialising in the protection and rehabilitation of concrete structures nationwide. Prior to the design, supply and installation of waterproofing awarded to Con-Solve Civils for the roof structure, structural repairs were carried out within the reservoir. The waterproofing project, for which a wide variety of specialised a.b.e. Construction Chemicals products was used, including removal of the original torched membrane system. This was replaced with a new waterproofing specification based largely on abe Unigum 4 mm bitumen-polymer reinforced plastomeric waterproofing membrane supplied to Con-Solve Civils by a.b.e. KZN operations. Negative water pressure through the concrete joints at the time of repair could not be sealed with traditional sealant systems. Therefore, a.b.e.’s innovative product The Works was specified for this project. This superior construction sealant and adhesive handles applications impossible with traditional solvent or water-based adhesives. The Works can be applied in wet or dry conditions on virtually any substrate to achieve a secure fix without shrinkage, staining, or solvents, with no need for additional fixings for most applications. It resists mould growth, is flexible and over-paintable. This unique sealant saved time and money for the client eliminating the need to dewater the 340 mega

litres reservoir or wait for the water table to drop for ground water to not seep through. The Works is also a primerless sealant, which offers a lower labour intensive solution. Saint-Gobain and its brands’ exemplary role in the territories where we operate, our actions to promote employment and training in the communities around us, and the commitment of our teams within the Saint-Gobain Foundation, are all examples of how we participate in building a fairer and more sustainable world. Con-Solve Civils continuously launches projects that contribute to social upliftment and the same at the Durban Heights reservoir project, with local employment and upskilling. The reservoir is an existing structure that requires remedial repair, protection, and waterproofing that offers superior and cost-efficient solutions ensuring long-term serviceability. The project ensured the continuation of the supply of drinking water to at least 500 000 members of the population and was an integral part of the complete water articulation for KZN fresh water supply. Together with Con-Solve Civils, a specialist contractor in the industry, and the asset owner Umgeni Water, close cooperation and a good relationship were also important for the successful completion of the critical rehabilitation of this infrastructure - 340 megalitre structure built in 1971, one of the largest potable water storage facilities in South Africa. 

PROJECT INFORMATION

• Company entering: a.b.e. Construction Chemicals • Client: Umgeni Water • Main Contractor: Con-Solve Civils

• Principal Agent: Umgeni Water • Project Manager: Umgeni Water • Quantity Surveyor: Umgeni water

52 22 nd Best Projects Awards 2023