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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
JUNE
2016
A lack of product knowledge and
inadequate understanding of the
properties of different construc-
tion materials is further adding
to this challenge, with many contractors
starting to rely on consultants to meet skills
and delivery-related gaps. Thabiso Maloa,
technical consultant at PPC, argues that
closer partnerships with suppliers can lead to
better results and should thus be explored.
By simply refining spreading calculations and
exploring alternative application techniques
for example, contractors can not only improve
efficiency and quality but also positively
impact bottom line while constructing roads
that are built to last.
A critical enabler
Just one element in South Africa’s greater
transport system, our road infrastructure
remains a critical enabler across the country.
“Even though we continue to see improved
integration across various transport platforms
in line with global trends, our roads are still
our primary connectors – supported by rail,
ship and air transport infrastructure,” explains
Thabiso Maloa, technical consultant at PPC.
“Because of the significant investment a
road represents it’s important to ensure
that they’re not only built correctly, but also
appropriately maintained to ensure extended
lifespan. As new or ‘challenger’ construction
companies start moving into this oppor-
tunity space, there is a need for suppliers
and manufacturers of road materials and
solutions to step up and initiate value-adding
partnerships that ensure delivery objectives
can be met.”
Maloa notes that PPC’s experience in
the market shows that challenges in road
construction often occur at the very beginning
of the projects. “A lack of product knowledge
and inadequate understanding of mate-
rials’ properties can mean that projects are
compromised from the outset both from a
quality and cost perspective. There are addi-
tionally very few credible testing laboratories
across the country. As a result, a dispro-
portionate amount of time is often spent
retesting or trying to analyse soil samples
and develop mix designs – all of which have a
material cost in terms of time and money.”
Combination of solutions
With many regions across the country having
soil with high clay content (or plastic index),
contractors also often need to approach road
design in these areas using a combination of
solutions. “While the starting point is product
selection (i.e. using a product like PPC Sure-
road that has been extended with limestone),
project managers need to test throughout
construction to improve unconfined compres-
sive strength and indirect tensile strength of
the road.” These tests should include mate-
rials design testing, process control testing
(to ensure that constructed layers meet the
required standards) and comparative testing
– to determine whether two or more laborato-
ries obtain the same results.
PPC’s response to the above has been to
work with accredited laboratories to facilitate
testing and create custom designs based on
the needs of clients – at no additional cost.
“We also work closely with consulting engi-
neers throughout the project: from design to
final laying of the road.”
Maloa adds that something as simple
as bulk spreading can also make a massive
difference in the rollout, completion and
future maintenance of the road. “Here one’s
solution provider can prove invaluable from
the outset. We’ve found that by working with
project managers to understand spreading
calculations and designing the product mix
appropriately, and then facilitating strength
and moisture control tests, we can provide
a seamless bulk spreading solution. This
includes planning a delivery schedule so
that product arrives on time, communicating
with the site manager and, most importantly,
assigning a specific driver to a site to enable
project understanding and efficiency. Drivers
are briefed extensively to ensure proper
speed control throughout the bulk spreading
process – saving time and money both in the
short and long term, due to the ongoing focus
on quality.”
With the construction and maintenance
of roads set to remain a regional and national
priority well into the future, Maloa explains
that taking a solutions-driven approach with
suppliers can potentially give construction
companies an edge in the market: “Partner-
ships remain key to long term success both
for smaller and large scale projects.
By drawing on the expertise and cost
efficiencies suppliers can unlock in contracts,
road developers can ensure they not only
deliver on time and within budget, but
create and maintain roads that meet
the country’s needs.”
ROADS AND BRIDGES
CRITICAL
to ensure lasting
road design
As more and more South Africans invest in cars of their
own, our local road infrastructure continues to remain
under pressure both in terms of new road development
and existing road maintenance.
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