Construction World May 2015

FORMWORK AND SCAFFOLDING

system components, and can be quickly assembled or adapted by means of stand- ardized bolted connections. Supplementing the VARIOKIT formwork carriage construc- tion is a PERI UP working scaffold. This has been optimally adapted to match the cross-sectional geometry of the arch and ensures the rapid and safe execu- tion of the waterproofing and reinforcement work in advance of the tunnel formwork carriage. The VARIOKIT modular concept VARIOKIT is designed to accommodate the known load combinations of the tunnel, bridge and high-rise building construction. With standardised, rentable system compo- nents and site-compliant connection means, supporting formwork can be cost-effec- tively realized and geometrically adapted to suit the structure. For the construction of traffic-related structures with low usage, in particular, the rapid availability of mate- rials as well as the quick and easy assembly results in enormous time and cost savings. Moreover, PERI VARIOKIT project solutions together with the corresponding equipment options can be tailored to fulfil the respec- tive project requirements. Historical challenge Currently, the African metro project includes the construction of the twin-track tunnel along with the development of two metro stations. To the north of the Tafourah end station, located close to the palatial Grand Post Office, Line 1 is being extended by a total of 1,7 km with the addition of the Ali Boumendjel station (Emir Abdelkader Place) and the Place des Martyrs station. Construc- tion work is being carried out within the city centre which features numerous mosques and palaces as well as under the historic old town (Kasbah) which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This has presented a major challenge for all project participants. Comprehensive tunnel formwork solutions The formwork and scaffolding solution for the entire construction project was devel- oped by a team of PERI engineers from Algeria, Portugal, Spain and Germany. Four tunnel formwork carriages are being used: in addition to the VARIOKIT formwork carriage construction for the ‘Place des Martyrs, a second project formwork carriage with a 9,3 m radius is being utilized for the reali- sation of the Ali Boumendjel intermediate station. Two other project-specific tunnel formwork carriages are being used for the construction of the 1 450 m long tunnel with its 4,5 m radius. This means that almost 10 m reinforced concrete tubes are being formed and concreted using mining techniques on a daily basis.

GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Johannesburg Scaffolding has gone fromstrength to strength in prov iding innovat ive working at height solutions over the past 15 years.

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It focuses on material rental and labour contracts as well as sales and design in both steel and

aluminium modular and system scaf- folding. “Our contracts range from large scale façade and engineered load bearing steel kwik-stage scaffolding, to ultra-light- weight aluminium hang scaffolds and preassembled working platforms,” explains says Nardus van Vuuren, the general manager. “Our materials are of the highest quality and conform to South African, British and European standards.” He continues: “In our experience, each working at height requirement has its own challenges. We identify these challenges during a site inspection and consultation session with the prospective client. Once the site specific require- ments are determined, we enter into computer aided designwhere our qualified designers apply world-class, state of the art design software.” From an operation perspective the company’s product knowledge, working at height training, experience and good standard practice result in the safe, timeous delivery of a tailored working at height solution. “In addition to conventional steel scaffolding we implement a range of modular, pre-assembled and system scaf- fold in high grade aluminium in an attempt to utilise resources more efficiently and speed up turnaround time on projects,” says Van Vuuren. Their in-house safety department ensures compliance with relevant legis- lation such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2003 and the recent Construction Regulation of 2014. The company conducts internal safety audits to ensure safety standard are upheld. “When considering the vast array of working at height solutions on offer it is imperative for our business that our foot- print in the industry grows accordingly. We are in the fortunate position to have operations in the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo which allow us to take care of your needs country wide. Furthermore we have had the pleasure of working in Sub-Saharan and Northern Africa with great success. Our vision of the future is set on safe effi- cient service delivery at height,” concludes Van Vuuren.

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD MAY 2015