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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
JULY
2015
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
>
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
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.
>
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-
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.
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.
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