Construction World July 2022

COVER STORY

Nelson Mandela University Residences and Nyanza Light Metals, two diverse projects by Grinaker LTA, illustrate how the company utilises special methods in the field of construction and engineering to successfully execute projects. Grinaker-LTA is a 100% black-owned multi-disciplinary engineering and construction company that has been in existence for more than 130 years. It has undertaken some of the most complex projects seen in Southern Africa. The company participates at all stages of the construction and engineering value chain and has the kind of expertise that enables innovative delivery throughout the construction and engineering value chain.

NELSON MANDELA UNIVERSITY RESIDENCE

The 1 800-bed student residence design and construct project was awarded to Grinaker-LTA in July 2019. This project was split into three phases: Phase 1A, Phase 1B and Phase 3 which will be completed in October 2022. These project phases were split in two separate erven, Phase 1A & B were one erf while Phase 3 was on a separate erf. The construction of Phase 1A, followed by Phase 1B commenced in September 2019 while the construction of Phase 3 commenced in September 2020. Grinker-LTA is proud to have undertaken this Design & Construction project in support of the government’s initiative to reduce the continued demand for student accommodation through using an innovative building technique called the Peri Uno system, also known as the monolithic concrete system. Although this method is extensively used around the world, Grinaker-LTA is the first to use it in South Africa, specifically on this size project. With the Peri Uno system walls and columns, slabs, and beams as well as stairways are shuttered simultaneously and concreted using the monolithic construction method. The Peri Uno system proved itself to be cost effective as it utilises lightweight elements, ingenious technology, very few

accessory components and reusable anchors. The ingenious transition between wall and slab formwork as well as the Drophead allowed early striking. This maximised efficiencies and allowed mass production of items which evidently capitalised on the economies of scale. Among the basic components of construction, the scope of work included the installation of a two-piped system to allow non-potable water to be used in the toilets as well as the installation of photovoltaic panels on the roof to contribute towards the production of green energy. Overall, the project team had to continuously improve its production rates and adapt the best practices to maximise efficiencies by creating the next work area ahead of time, hence allowing the team to erect all wall reinforcements and install first-fix services prior to commencing with the wall formwork. This culminated in achieving a three to four day cycle duration, depending on the actual unit constructed. The cycle can be described as follows: • Day One : Wall reinforcement erected, and first fix services fixed to reinforcement of Unit 2. • Day Two: Continue to erect wall and deck/roof

18 CONSTRUCTION WORLD JULY 2022