Rocla, the leading specialist in precast concrete infrastructural products and solutions in southern Africa, was awarded the contract to supply SATS culverts for the Kumani Mine Key Expansion Project and Postmasburg siding of the Sishen South railway upgrade project.
With its national footprint of factories, Rocla’s ability to produce high volumes met the customer’s demand for 100 tons of SATS culverts per day required for stormwater drainage beneath the railway line.
This contract was challenging for Rocla, specifically during the winter months where temperatures reach below zero degrees, and longer curing periods are required. Rocla added a nightshift team at their Karoo factory to meet the tight deadlines of the contract.
Andre Pienaar, Business Manager at Rocla explained, “The contract specified for culverts with a fill height between five to 10 metres and thicker deck and leg requirements. During the contract, there was an adjustment which influenced our planning in that different moulds had to be utilised. Due to Rocla’s flexibility to customise our products to suit customer’s needs, our various facilities were able to adjust the production schedule in order to meet the delivery demands.
“Teamwork played a crucial role in the success of this project as Rocla’s Virginia and Port Elizabeth plants collaborated with the De Aar facility to meet the tight targets and deadlines”.
About Sishen-Saldanha Iron-ore Line
The project involves the upgrade of the Sishen-Saldanha iron-ore line from the current 38-million-tons-a-year to 47-million tons a year by 2009/10, and a further expansion of the line from 47 million tons a year to 60 million tons a year by 2012. The rail upgrade plans include an increase in rolling stock, the upgrading of electricity infrastructure, the construction of loops and 36 km rail link to service the new Sishen South mine.
The single, heavy-haul railway line between Sishen, in the Northern Cape, and Saldanha, in the Western Cape, has been upgraded with double track lines at loops located at railway line intersections. This was done to reduce delays when trains have to cross each other and to relieve traffic blockages in parts of the railway line. The line is used to transport iron-ore for export and the project was undertaken by construction company Concor for State-owned rail transport enterprise Transnet Freight Rail. Concor built earthworks, trackworks and installed overhead track equipment as part of the upgrade. (Courtesy www.privateprojects.co.za)
More about Rocla
Rocla (Pty) Ltd, part of the Murray & Roberts group, is a leading manufacturer of precast concrete products for infrastructure, including pipes, culverts, manholes, poles and other related and customised products.
Rocla partners with customers to design and develop solutions for specific applications. With over 91 years of experience in precast concrete technology, Rocla provides extensive backup and technical expertise to its customer base. Rocla has an extensive network of factories throughout South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, and is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company.
Through the Rocla Academy, Rocla displays its ongoing commitment to Continuous Professional Development in the Construction industry. The Rocla Academy adds value by providing training to customers, contractors and engineering consultants. Being the only company that offers skills and competency training to external stakeholders, Rocla partners with its customers to add value and deliver service of a superior standard.
