Construction World July 2015

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PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

At the company’s Acid Division in Richards Bay, the phosphate rock is subsequently converted into phosphoric acid and phosphate-based granular fertilisers. Awarded the contract to upgrade the mine, consultants from MDM Engineering discovered that certain sections of the mine structure displayed insufficient concrete cover. To solve the problem, two top quality Sika products were specified; internationally approved Sika FerroGard-903+ and SikaTop Seal-107 ZA. Based on organic compounds, Sika FerroGard-903+ is a surface-applied mixed corrosion inhibitor specifically designed for use as an impregnation of steel-reinforced concrete. Having penetrated the concrete, it forms a protective monomolecular layer on the surface of the reinforcing steel. Sika FerroGard-903+ is supplied ready for use and its penetration depth into the concrete can be tested on-site using Sika’s Qualitative Analysis Test. This product does not alter the water vapour diffusion properties of concrete and it protects both the cathodic and anodic zones of the reinforcing steel. It can be applied where other repair or prevention options are not viable. SikaTop Seal-107 ZA is a two-part, polymer-modified cementitious water- proofing mortar slurry that is suitable for interior and exterior surfaces. It is particularly suitable for protection of concrete against ingress and moisture TOP QUALITY UPGRADE Sika’s concrete repair and protection system, which extends the service and maintenance life cycles of concrete by up to 15 years, was chosen recently for a mammoth upgrade project at Phalaborwa’s Foskor Mine in Limpopo. The largest open cast mine in the area, Foskor Phalaborwa mines millions of tons of phosphate rock per annum. >

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control. Easy to mix, with no water required, SikaTop Seal-107 ZA provides excellent adhesion and is non-corrosive to steel or iron. The application of this product at the Foskor mine completed Sika’s world-renowned Concrete Repair and Protection System. Working to a constrictive time schedule, contractor, Stefanutti Stocks applied vast quantities of the specified products to the mine infrastructure, which included numerous concrete columns. Although hampered by extremely hot temperatures, the ease of application of these economical, high quality Sika products allowed the contractor to complete the project within four months. Foskor’s Phalaborwa Mine has undoubtedly received the most durable and effective upgrade on the market.

machine requires a workforce of only six to eight people to operate, and produces a staggering 6 000 blocks per day,” says Nazlie Dickson, sales and marketing director for Hydraform.“It is a two chamber system, operated individually by two separate teams”. Hydraform’s second product – the conven- tional V4 hydraulic paving and block-making machine will only require two operators, which is significantly lower than Hydraform’s previous machines (excluding mixers and block carriers). A fully functional block yard can produce up to 9 600 blocks per day, depending on the type of block produced. The machine produces 120 drops per hour, and comprises a double vibration motor for high compaction and increased quality, a three-phase electric system fitted on a static frame and an integrated 300 litre pan mixer and skip chute mounted on a platform. Fitted with interchangeable moulds, the

machine is ideal for medium to large block yards. “We realised our machines could be improved to push block production for new markets and current clients,” says Dickson. “Both these machines have reduced labour requirements that ultimately result in a more cost-effective block being produced”. “The biggest challenge was to develop an automated machine that had the ability to work and be fixed in diverse locations – from major cities to rural areas,” says Dixon. “By roping in the experts on the automation and programming stages, we have managed to overcome these challenge and we now produce a simple, versatile block-making solution that – despite the use of automated technology – is easy to fix, even in remote locations,” Dixon continues. “In our markets, construction is a key compo-

nent to developing and improving the lives of people, communities and businesses. We are confident that our new products will enable this objective and make it easier for clients to deliver building solutions, wherever there is a need,” Dixon concludes.

The hydraulic paving and blockmaking machine.

CONSTRUCTION WORLD JULY 2015