Construction World October 2024

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Innovative evaluation techniques to overhaul SA’S INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK South Africa’s infrastructure is ranked among the top 50 in the world, offering a solid framework for further development. But, to meet government’s development goals and support a growing population, we must also carefully evaluate our current infrastructure, including roads, railways, water systems, and wastewater facilities. The goal is to ensure that our current networks can effectively provide the necessary services, and are appropriate to the changing needs of modern society.

R oelof van den Berg, CEO of the Gap Infrastructure Company (GIC) notes, “There’s no growth without infrastructure development. Infrastructure is the silent driver of economies, creating suitable spaces for essential human and business activities. So, when key structures underperform or don’t function well, this has a ripple effect, disrupting other industries, businesses, and value chains, and affecting thousands of people’s lives. “We’re fortunate that South Africa’s core infrastructure is generally of a fairly high standard. But infrastructure inevitably becomes less reliable over time, largely due to high usage and prolonged exposure to the elements. This, in turn, requires maintenance and restoration, which may involve major repairs, upgrades, or modernisation.” So, as the country announces ambitious plans for infrastructure-led growth, van den Berg states that one of the first steps must be a critical assessment of existing infrastructure networks, noting any weaknesses or challenges, and considering how best to bridge the gaps and resolve any issues to improve service delivery.

To ensure the viability and success of such a complex project, Van den Berg suggests five innovative approaches. Real-time infrastructure monitoring A national network of sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) capable devices could provide real-time data on the health and performance of key infrastructure elements. This system could monitor factors like traffic flow, structural integrity, and water quality, providing early warnings about potential failures or inefficiencies. For this, current infrastructure, such as older pump systems, will need to be upgraded to support these kinds of devices, making the overall system future ready. Furthermore, drones can access hard-to-reach areas like tall bridges, rooftops, or remote locations, capturing data on structural integrity, material wear, and potential hazards. Advanced drones can also be equipped with thermal imaging to detect problems like water leaks or electrical faults, providing accurate and comprehensive assessments. By leveraging big data analytics and AI, this information

10 CONSTRUCTION WORLD OCTOBER 2024