Construction World May 2021

we will definitely embrace digital offerings far more than any of our predecessors. The COVID-19 pandemic in particular has catapulted our services into the digital and virtual space. CONCRETEFiX the Series, technical hour-long webinars, have taken the place of physical seminars and have proved so successful that these are now becoming a feature in CSSA’s technical calendar. Can you briefly tell us about your personal duties as Business Development Manager? My role is to pursue strategic opportunities for CCSA, by cultivating partnerships and relationships with members and other stakeholders to identify new markets for cement and concrete in South Africa. How will the new CCSA membership model work? What are the main benefits of membership, who can join and at what cost? Will corporate membership cost more than that of an individual person? Will there be membership incentives for SMEs and emerging companies? The membership model was designed to make it very easy for potential members to select a category in line with the size of a particular business, offering various cost and benefits structures to suit their needs. The seven-ton EC75D compact excavator from Volvo Construction Equipment offers class-leading digging capacity, stability, serviceability and operator comfort in African and Middle Eastern markets The undercarriage of the EC75D from Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is wider and longer than those of its competitors, which ensures excellent stability and lifting capacity, together with high ground clearance and an extensive working range. Thanks to its larger size, the Volvo EC75D compact excavator can be used with a bigger bucket than similar machines in the same class, helping to increase productivity. The boom and arm are made from high strength steel for maximum durability and uptime and are fixed to the superstructure at the side of the cab for improved stability and visibility of the work area. The superior tractive force of the Volvo EC75D allows it to climb steep gradients with ease and travel over rough terrain. If specified with an optional dozer blade, backfilling

The model makes it convenient for SMEs to find appropriate levels of engagement. A special category for emerging contractors is included. Members will be entitled to many services either free of charge, or at member discounted rates. Free services for members services. Training in our School of Concrete Technology, consulting services, attendance at events and purchase of publications are available at special member discounted rates. CCSA’s focus on committees will ensure that all relevant business areas are addressed with expertise through consultation with the members of committees dealing with topics such as technical issues, marketing, education and training, standards, health and safety, etc. The committee structures will empower members to guide and shape many of the services and benefits. Will CCSA ensure that its members uphold ethical standards, and be selective in granting membership? Will you conduct audits and handle consumer complaints, for example? CCSAs membership in meant to be very inclusive. However, membership may be declined based on technical and quality concerns in the case of product and service providers. As a body that stands for unity, leadership and relevance, we cannot afford include access to the comprehensive Information Centre and free advisory and landscaping are also made easy. Meanwhile, the balance between the torque and swing speed permits fast and precise placement of the attachment, even when working on a slope. Safety and control The industry-leading Volvo cab offers operators a commanding view of the work area, thanks to large expanses of glass, combined with precise controls that together promote a high degree of safety on the

to support the substandard products and services I referred to earlier. Currently we do not have the mandate or the capacity to be the industry ombudsman. However, through our consulting service,

members can get expert, unbiased information and advice from our technical team.

Will the cement producers provide input and exercise a level of control in the running of CCSA? Who funds CCSA? Four cement produces, AfriSam, Lafarge, PPC and Sephaku have come on board as Partner members, providing a substantial percentage of the funding for CCSA. The rest of the funding will come from other memberships, publication sales, attendance of SCT courses, and other events and consulting service. What about the Concrete Society’s 2022 Fulton Awards – when will this now be held? The prestigious Fulton Awards will continue under the CCSA banner. Non-members are welcome to enter their projects. This prestigious event which was initially scheduled to take place this year was postponed till 2022 because of the limitations and restrictions of COVID-19 lockdown levels. We are all set to host the event next year to showcase and reward excellence in concrete, as has been done for decades. ▄ jobsite. For added safety, an alarm sounds to warn bystanders when the machine moves. The cab on the Volvo EC75D also encourages the operator to work productively, thanks to the spacious and comfortable environment, with easy-to-access controls, an efficient climate control system and vibration and noise isolation. A large I-ECU monitor clearly presents machine information and puts the operator firmly in control. The operator and service technician can make quick visual and diagnostic checks, increasing uptime and productivity further. EC75D, checks and maintenance are easy and quick. The machine features grouped service points and simple access to the engine compartment via the engine hood, which can be opened fully. The front step provides easy access to the main hydraulic check points. Tools and a grease gun can be stored inside a large toolbox located on the right front side of the machine. The hydraulic oil level can be seen from inside the cab. ▄ Servicing made simple When it comes to servicing the Volvo

Volvo CE launches EC75D compact excavator

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD MAY 2021