Construction World October 2015

Through its partnership with CLF, AfriSam is pioneering some of the latest trends in concrete technology such as a patented seamless concrete flooring system.

bilities for its customers by providing conven- ient, one-stop concrete solutions including the development of fit-for-purpose mix designs, testing the quality of raw materials, propor- tionally mixing the material, slump testing and delivery to site. “Contractors can focus on their core business being construction, while having peace of mind that the experts in concrete technology are taking care of their concrete solution requirements,” Tomes says AfriSam has built a solid reputation of working collaboratively with the industry to provide sustainable concrete solutions. AfriSam’s Centre of Product Excellence is actively involved in day-to-day customer interactions assisting with technical queries and providing ongoing support. The support function is performed by a team of skilled and experienced individuals who fully understand the science of the materials and how these perform, and also have an appreciation of the finished product as well as the challenges contractors face in handling and applying the product on site. AfriSam is considered one of the leaders in Durability Index testing in South Africa and offers durability testing to its customers. These tests include water sorptivity, chloride conductivity and oxygen permeability, all of which are designed to assess the working life of the structures being built with AfriSam’s concrete products. Enhanced durability mixes are easier to place and generate less heat of hydration which prevents thermal cracking while reducing the carbon footprint. Another function of the Centre of Product Excellence is ongoing product development. AfriSam produces a number of bespoke products and is also involved in customising mixes that are perfectly suited to the custom- er’s specific application requirements. “This process starts with a comprehensive under- standing of the customer needs and require- ments and is followed by an in-depth test programme in the Centre’s laboratory. The end product is guaranteed to have the neces- sary integrity and meet the most stringent quality requirements. We therefore regard our product laboratory as an important part of customer support, providing substantial benefit to our customers.” “These developments form part of our strategy to be truly customer focused in order to unlock value for customers through innova- tive concrete solutions. The response across the industry has been extremely favourable and is proof that we’re making headway on our journey to delivering a whole new level of service to our customers,” Tomes concludes.

AfriSam’s Centre of Product Excellence conducts ongoing product development and is actively involved in day-to-day customer interactions assisting with technical queries and providing ongoing support.

AfriSam has strategically and systemat- ically increased its readymix capacity to ensure that contractors have access to consistent quality concrete solutions for major projects. AfriSam recently com- missioned what is deemed to be their single largest stationary readymix plant in operation in South Africa, at beginning of April, at its Jukskei operation.

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AfriSam’s size, scale and experience as well as its innovative approach to partnerships and concrete technology enables the company to create concrete possibilities for its customers.

CONSTRUCTION WORLD OCTOBER 2015