Construction World May 2016

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ABOVE LEFT: One of the challenges was managing the workability and behaviour of the concrete in the cold winter months when the pours were done. ABOVE: As many as 10 different interfaces were on the go at any given time. RIGHT: The concrete crews would start pouring at 7:00 in the morning with their shifts varying from nine to 12 hours. biggest comprising a massive 420 m 3 in 12 hours. Generally, the Murray & Roberts Infrastructure team would average between 200 m 3 and 400 m 3 in a shift The slab was constructed in 18 panels, each of which comprised roughly 33 metre by 10 metre sections with various slopes to allow for surface drainage. It also comprises various islands and plinths to accommodate the mechanical installations. Major concrete works were also under- taken at the 1 500 m 2 diesel and lubrication storage tank area. The contractor built two 12,7 metre diameter ring beams to support two 1 500 k ℓ diesel tanks, as well as a 2,2 metre high bund wall on the peri- meter of the area. This aspect of the work also comprised surface slabs adjoining the three sides of the structure, with multiple plinths to accommo- date the mechanical installations. Krugel says one of the challenges on all concrete works undertaken in the area was the extreme fluctuations in temperature.

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MAY 2016