Construction World January 2019

Bridge inspection.

In order to ensure that the large excavated rock faces were not unsightly, it was agreed at the commencement of the project that the use of gunite on the rock would not be used. Where rock faces needed to be stabilised, it was done by means of rock dowels and mesh, the colour of which was chosen to match the in-situ rock. Gabion baskets and mechanically stabilised earth walls that formed part of the stabilisation were also made from wire or mesh and was backfilled with excavated rock in order to blend in with the existing surrounds. Quantifiable time, cost and quality Strict financial controls are a pre-requisite for well managed projects. Monthly financial reports were produced as part of the financial control. These reports included a summary of costs spent on a monthly basis, as well as an updated project cost for the completion of the project. Any variations to the quantities or costs required a motivation in terms of a works authorisation prior to the costs being incurred. Any provisional sum or prime cost sum allowance in the pricing schedules could only be spent once the necessary approvals had been given. Cash flows were produced on a monthly basis and used to monitor the progress of the works. As the scope of the project was increased, it was necessary to obtain pricing for the new works items and to agree on a revised programme. The revised cost for the project required Client approval. Design innovation The most challenging aspects of the project included the design changes that needed to be made as construction was underway. The designs of the cuttings within the pass (as mentioned before) needed to be adapted or changed due to the unforeseen and changing geological conditions as the excavations were undertaken. Careful selection of material to be crushed on site was necessary in order to ensure the material requirements and specifications were met for the different types of layerworks materials needed. This was to ensure that the use of material from commercial sources was minimised. The only material that was commercially imported was 10 and 20 mm stone for the two seal layers Risk management While the usual contractual responsibilities of a roads project were placed on the consulting engineer, further responsibility was inherited due to the construction methods adopted on the project. These included the check designs for all the temporary works as well as carrying out designs for the stability of the cut slopes. The use of proprietary precast concrete barriers utilising patented strengthening strands and connectors was used. Corporate Social Investment At the commencement of the project, public participation meetings were held with interested and affected parties (IAP’s).

The IAP’s included the road users, the businesses as well as the residents along the route. The residents included the township community of Doornkop. The safety improvements at Doornkop included rationalising of the informal access (directly onto the National Road) by providing alternative access roads within the existing township roads. A 3,5 km dedicated walkway (protected from the National Road) was constructed in order to link the length of the township with the adjacent school. The community of Doornkop were given opportunities to be employed on the project. Business opportunities were provided to emerging All the provisions of Section 37 (2) of the Occupational Health and Safety act, 1993 (Act No 85 of 1993) and compliance with all other requirements of Act 85 of 1993 and Construction Regulations, 2014 formed part of the project and were complied with. During the Detailed Design Phase of the project, a Health and Safety Risk Assessment was carried out. General and Project/ Site specific Health and Safety Requirements were included in the construction contract as project requirements. Monthly audits were carried out by an independent auditor and any issues raised were addressed. The project employed a permanent Health and Safety Officer who was responsible for ensuring that Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment of the construction activities were identified and adequate health and safety plans were in place. A Traffic Safety Officer was also permanently employed on the project to ensure the safety of the travelling public and site personnel. During the construction of the project, it was a requirement to contractors as well. Health & Safety

20

CONSTRUCTION WORLD JANUARY 2019