Specifile

Construction

31 Mar 2021

Demolition is a critical part of the construction cycle

When a layperson considers ‘demolition’, it is automatically equated with ‘blowing up’ buildings. However, demolition is a highly structured and technically complex process from an engineering, logistical and health and safety perspective. As a critical part of the construction cycle, it is not only reserved for structures and facilities that have reached their end of...
24 Mar 2021

Smart cities promote best practice in urban sustainability

A ‘smart city’ is much more than a city that is digitally enabled and brimming with technology. It is a city that leverages innovation to achieve its desired outcomes – and here innovation does not necessarily mean only technology. This is the view of Carshif Talip, Expertise Leader, Urban Planning and Land Infrastructure at Zutari....
03 Mar 2021

10 Commandments for proper construction

With the pandemic having created a survival mode for much smaller and emerging building contractors, it is now more important than ever for site staff to have at least a basic knowledge of concrete behaviour and performance in construction, says John Roxburgh, senior lecturer at the School of Concrete Technology. Here Roxburgh deals with the...
22 Feb 2021

3D Concrete Printing: Korodur and CyBe's innovative construction methods create impressive projects all over the world

Multiple applications: from residential construction to the artificial reef – again and again, new application possibilities for specialized building material from Bavaria In Germany, 3D printing applied to houses still only plays a marginal role – worldwide, however, more and more projects are being carried out using this innovative method. Korodur, the specialized building materials...
19 Feb 2021

2020/21 Africa Property & Construction Cost Guide

AECOM has launched the 2020/21 edition of their highly-respected Africa Property & Construction Cost Guide. This is the 31st edition of the guide, published in conjunction with strategic partner, the Bureau of Economic Research (BER) at the University of Stellenbosch. The guide shares invaluable knowledge of Africa’s economy that can be leveraged to unlock investment...
15 Feb 2021

40th anniversary is cause for Hire It to celebrate the continued growth

From its humble beginnings as a construction equipment hire and repair business established in 1981, to the official launch of its tough, cost-effective Kwagga equipment range, this year sees Hire It (Natal) (Pty) Ltd. celebrate its 40th anniversary. Another milestone in 2021 is the 70th birthday of Doug Fraser, originally in charge of sales and...
03 Feb 2021

Bridging the gap between consultants and contractors

Diverse experience and skills among its workforce has resulted in Jet Demolition having a multifaceted team capable of cohesively and collaboratively addressing some of the most challenging and difficult projects. “We have a number of personnel who have worked in both the contracting and consulting fields. We also have a number of personnel who have...
02 Feb 2021

Building planks general design criteria

Nutec Building Plank provides an out of the ordinary solution for external and internal cladding. Usually installed in a ship lapped pattern, it is available in a plain and textured finish that gives the realistic look and feel of timber. Application possibilities range from facades for upmarket complexes to the external skin of timber-framed dwellings. Nutec...
18 Jan 2021

Black brick, off-shutter concrete and glass at 33 & 39 Commerce Crescent

Paragon Architects has established a long-standing relationship with developer Alchemy Properties. Seven buildings along Commerce Crescent in Kramerville Design District in Johannesburg. With a successful renovation project at 37 & 35 Commerce Crescent; Paragon Architects completed separate projects at 33 & 39 and is currently busy with construction for 31 Commerce Crescent. Building Development The...
21 Dec 2020

a.b.e. 'best practice' policy paying off

a.b.e. Construction Chemicals is making substantial progress on the ‘Best Practice’ policy it introduced to boost production and performance in 2019, says Rob Winter, General Manager of a.b.e., which is part of The Chryso S.A. Group. Winter says the first stage of the process and modernisation of production started in 2019 when the company felt...