Construction World June 2019

40 years of QUALITY and TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE The year 2019 marks Terraforce’s 40 th anniversary of being involved in the earth retaining and erosion control industry. Initially as a supplier and installer of wire mesh gabions, the company soon switched to the more sustainable concrete block method of their own design.

I t proved a good choice, and with only one competitor from Europe in this sector, business grew steadily and is now represented by dedicated licensees on all continents. Says Holger Rust, Founder and Member, Terraforce: “From the word go, we knew that robust research, testing, and design guidelines was indispensable, not only as a service to our customers, but also to keep the free-riders that invariably pop up at bay. Over the years several laboratory tests (crushing resistance, inter-block sliding resistance, block – geogrid connectivity tests and block – geogrid shear resistance), three design manuals and a wealth of supplementary information were conducted and published. In 2004 our first design software was launched, and soon many of our clients requested the introduction of a design service. Subsequently Terrasafe (a professional design service for exclusively for Terraforce walls) was launched in 2011 and in 2018 we launched a state-of-the-art design software, Maxiwall – another design tool for experienced professionals. “Currently we are completing a comprehensive design course for gravity and composite retaining walls, in compliance with SANS 207 - based largely on BS 8006. This necessitated the verification of some of the findings of the aforementioned tests conducted in 1991 and 1995 (in South Africa and Canada). To achieve this, we commissioned Curtin University in Perth, Australia, under the guidance of Johan Joubert of Wave International, to conduct shear strength tests between closed-face Terraforce blocks and geo-grids in accordance with ASTM-D6916-18, which is a performance test based on the strength between segmental concrete units (with and without geosynthetic reinforcement) used in design of reinforced soil retaining walls. The report conclusively re-confirmed shear strength between the blocks and geo-grid material. Going forward, we plan to unfailingly re-affirm our position as an ethical business by practicing fair competition, truthful representation and honest advertising. Above all, we will continue developing our knowledge base and skill to the highest level of excellence. Considering this commitment, we are also currently looking into achieving a green certification from a reputable authority.” 

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD JUNE 2019