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Construction Materials and Equipment

Sizeable land crane being launched in Netherlands

By: Halima Frost 2nd August 2024 The behemoth SK6000 land crane being manufactured by heavy lifting and transport specialists Mammoet at its Westdorpe facility in the Netherlands will be launched later this month. The company says the SK6000 ring crane will “redefine modular construction methodologies” across the heavy lifting... →

Construction materials group looks forward as it reaches 90-year legacy

By: Natasha Odendaal 2nd August 2024 As construction materials group AfriSam celebrates a legacy of 90 years, the group plans to continue innovating, reduce its carbon emissions and improve sustainability, boost skills, and drive technical performance and service as it looks forward to maintaining its role in iconic infrastructure... →

NINE DECADES The company has been involved in several iconic infrastructure projects, such as Johannesburg’s Mandela Bridge and the 50-storey Carlton Centre, as well as the Gautrain in the lead up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup, besides many others

Embrace tech but retain focus

2nd August 2024 Given the wave of technology and process innovation currently sweeping the construction industry, it is important to stay focused on the goal of all innovation, says original-equipment manufacturer Barloworld Equipment South Africa operations executive Bongani Miya. He explains these goals are to... →

Barloworld Equipment and CAT flags at the Katherine Street Barloworld Equipment Head Office

LOOKING UP The new technologies being developed globally must lift the construction sector

New loaders arrive in S Africa

By: Halima Frost 2nd August 2024 South African earthmoving equipment manufacturer and supplier Bell Equipment has successfully taken delivery of 55 new backhoe loaders, imported from multinational JC Bamford (JCB), in India, this month. Most of the JCB 3CX backhoe loaders have already been allocated to locally-based Bell... →

A JCB 3CX backhoe loader on a construction site pouring sand from its bucket

HIT THE GROUND RUNNING The new JCB 3CX backhoe loaders being imported by Bell Equipment have already proven popular with its clients in South Africa

Scientists develop sustainable alternative to traditional building materials

4th August 2023 Scientists have developed a way to grow building materials using knitted moulds and the root network of fungi as a potential alternative to traditional building material. The composite, called mycocrete, can potentially reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. The paper,... →

An image of the BioKnit prototype structure developed by the Living Textiles Research Group

BIO-KNIT PROTOTYPE STRUCTURE The complex freestanding dome is constructed in a single piece from a knitted fabric formwork and mycocrete

BELite Technologies

4th August 2023 BELite Technologies was established in 2009 by its holding company Battery Electric to assist with the need for more efficient lighting solutions for the underground mining industry. The company has since grown and expanded into various industries. BELite Technologies is an original local... →

OLI Electrical Vibrators

4th August 2023 It is our drive for innovation and industry service that forces us to evaluate our product offerings to all sectors on a continual basis. →

Concrete offers sustainability, resilience for road construction

4th August 2023 Sustainable and resilient concrete roads are critical in supporting sustainable infrastructure development. Building durable roads should be balanced with minimising the carbon emissions throughout the infrastructure’s entire lifecycle, with can be achieved using concrete, says industry body... →

An image of a slipform paver for concrete roads

DURABLE RESULTS Concrete offers more durability and minimises carbon emissions

Grader range meets various application requirements

By: Nadine Ramdass 4th August 2023 Heavy equipment manufacturer John Deere’s motor grader range encompasses a variety of models to suit customer requirements. The graders are designed to offer improved productivity and the company “constantly” integrates improvements that make a significant difference for customers, says John... →

An image of John Deere's 770G motor grader

EXTENSIVE RANGE John Deere offers tandem drive and Hydrostatic front wheel drive graders

The superiority of John Deere’s 770G/GP and 772G/GP motor graders

4th August 2023 When you think of high-quality construction equipment, one name that frequently tops the list is John Deere, a world-renowned brand that consistently delivers industry-leading innovation. Two models that stand out in their motor grader lineup are the 770G/GP and 772G/GP. These machines represent... →

Material ideal for sustainable, DIY construction

5th August 2022 Locally manufactured Fibertex Universal do-it-yourself (DIY) materials – from construction materials supplier Fibertex South Africa - provide sustainable solutions to multiple drainage, filtration, separation and containment issues in gardens, driveways, patios and ponds. Fibertex Universal... →

Soil compactor offers high value with efficiency

5th August 2022 One of South Africa’s largest compaction machine suppliers ELB Equipment offers clients the Ammann ARS 122 soil compactor, which is an industry leader in compaction efficiency. “The Ammann ARS 122 soil compactor – from Swiss manufacturer Ammann Group - provides outstanding productivity and... →

Strategy outlines constructive value of wood

By: Cameron Mackay 5th August 2022 The University of Pretoria (UP) has played a significant part in the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (DTIC’s) Promotion of Timber Construction Steering Committee, which aims to address the promotion of the forest sector’s role in the green economy, states UP senior lecturer Schalk... →

Supplier’s materials can contribute to secure railway structures

30th July 2021 Construction materials supplier Fibertex geotextiles are used to stabilise the foundations of railway structures, enabling them to withstand the dynamic loads of high speeds and great weights of modern trains. The Fibertex plant in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, manufactures high-performance... →

SUPPORTING STURDY RAILWAYS Fibertex geotextiles are suitable for stabilising the foundations of railway structures

Concrete pole achieves 8kN of force testing

By: Cameron Mackay 30th July 2021 Concrete products supplier Rocla subjected its 11 m concrete cast pole to 8 kN of force testing at its manufacturing plant, in Roodepoort, in May. Rocla’s cast concrete pole has become the preferred option for electrification and electric power line projects. →

Rocla's spun concrete poles for windfarm

INNOVATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE PRODUCTS Today these poles are used for electrification, telecom infrastructure, security and lighting

Equipment supplier distributes compaction range to local market

By: Cameron Mackay 30th July 2021 Compaction technology manufacturer Bomag has entrusted local equipment supplier Smith Power Equipment to distribute its light compaction equipment range in South Africa and selected cross-border markets, after the dealer agreement was signed at the end of 2019. Smith Power Equipment sales... →

Smith Power Equipment BOMAG equipment on construction site

ROBUST SUPPORT SERVICES The three-to-one warranty is unique locally, as three- to six-month warranties are normally offered for this kind of equipment

Manufacturer stresses need for quality materials during downturn

By: Cameron Mackay 30th July 2021 Amid strained economic conditions, contractors are opting to buy cheaper and lower-quality building materials, such as cement, to reduce costs, which cement manufacturer AfriSam cementitious executive Hannes Meyer argues is short-sighted and can lead to numerous issues. He emphasises the... →

AfriSam quality construction materials on site

APPETITE FOR CONSTRUCTION It is important or contractors to understand the composition of construction materials, which, in turn, will ensure quality of construction projects

OLI South Africa

27th July 2021 Making business simpler for customers, while going global with a first-class product, has proved successful in establishing industrial vibration technology company OLI as the world’s top-selling supplier of vibration equipment. The OLI product is distributed in Southern Africa by its subsidiary... →

Sector looks forward to working with govt

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 31st July 2020 Industry organisation, The Concrete Institute, is highly encouraged by the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (Sidssa) and looks forward to partnering with government to turn words and policies into actionable and investable projects as identified in Sidssa’s new... →

BRYAN PERRIE The South African cement sector is ready, willing and able to meet the infrastructure and build requirements of the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa

Construction rubble is functional, says demolition expert

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 31st July 2020 While a large proportion of demolition and construction rubble is allocated to registered landfill sites, it is critical to note that this material is often used to rehabilitate the landfill sites, says demolition solutions provider Jet Demolition contracts manager Kate Bester. She explains... →

GETTING IT SORTED The majority of construction materials can be sorted and cleaned mechanically either before or during demolition activities

Online courses upgrade skills in concrete technology

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 31st July 2020 The School of Concrete Technology is offering ten online courses to assist those in the concrete industry, and concrete-related industries, in upgrading their skills. The courses are offered on the school’s online platform and are supplemented with online lectures that are used to explain... →

UPSKILLED AND EDUCATED The courses are also designed to enable a student to advance in a staged approach to higher levels of education and knowledge in concrete technology

Steely resolve, innovation continue despite lockdown

By: Darren Parker 31st July 2020 Although production came to a halt over the past two months, light-steel-frame building materials supplier Etex South Africa – formerly known as Marley Building Systems – continued planning and innovating throughout the Covid-19 lockdown so that it would be well positioned to take advantage of... →

MULTIPLE USES Light-steel-frame buildings can be repurposed, modified or moved to a new location with relative ease

Hempcrete advantageous for construction

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 31st July 2020 Hempcrete provides several advantages when used for the construction of a building, says Cape Town-based architecture firm Wolf and Wolf Architecture founder and principal Wolf Wolf. Hempcrete is a fully biodegradable material that comprises hemp hurds – the woody core removed during processing... →

Photo by Wolf
SUPERIOR BENEFITS Hemp boasts several characteristics that make it superior from an ecological and economic perspective

Atlas Copco Compressor Technique

22nd October 2019 Atlas Copco Compressor Technique specialises in Smart Air Solutions that deliver accurate, quality air at point of use at the lowest possible cost to customers and end-users. Cutting-edge air, gas and vacuum compressor technology is applied across the business area’s extensive range of small,... →

Distributor remains positive, focusing on automation

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 11th October 2019 Statistics South Africa’s report on the construction industry last month shows a drop in activity related to nonresidential building, as well as construction work being constrained in the second quarter. “When comparing the construction industry of today to what it was five years ago, it is a... →

BETTER AND BETTER Automation in the construction industry will drive efficiency and performance

Company provides multiple new solutions

By: Simone Liedtke 11th October 2019 As part of its continuous drive to improve on its solutions offerings, diversified construction materials company AfriSam is developing multiple new solutions to provide more environment-friendly and cost-effective products for clients. Cost effectiveness is particularly important, considering... →

AMIT DAWNEERANGEN One should rather think about the benefits of products in terms of durability, sustainability and the environment

Supplier aims to meet demands through tech

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 11th October 2019 Owing to lower commodity prices and higher input costs, construction equipment supplier Hitachi Construction Machinery Africa’s diverse business units have enabled it to adapt to the huge shift by the construction and mining industry to assist customers. This was achieved by reducing operating... →

Technicrete celebrating half century this year

12th October 2018 Leading S African precast concrete provider turns 50 this year. Over the last 50 years, Technicrete has grown operationally as well as through its product offering. From small beginnings to the construction of Technicrete’s first major plant at Randfontein, the establishment of nine other... →

HITTING THE DECK Deckwerk blocks and paving are one of Technicretes longest standing offerings

New bitumen binding application introduced

By: Halima Frost 12th October 2018 Transport infrastructure specialists Bouygues Group’s South African subsidiary Colas has introduced Colbifibre – its latest bitumen binding process – for use on deteriorating roadways. Colbifibre is a new process aimed at road surfaces that have suffered significant wear and tear. It combines its... →

PAVING THE WAY The single truck needed to apply the Colbifibre

Company offers new range of equipment

By: Halima Frost 12th October 2018 Power equipment and tool supply company Hire It launched its locally assembled range of small plant construction equipment, called Kwagga, following a need for cheaper and more readily available equipment by industry. Launched in August, Hire It sales director Richard Fraser says stock to the... →

EARNING ITS STRIPES The Kwagga range of industrial-grade heavy duty equipment

Cranes used for heavy lifting on N2 upgrade

12th October 2018 Midrand-based crane rental agency Concord Cranes deployed equipment manufacturer Liebherr’s 440T mobile cranes to the N2 Mtunzini-to-Empangeni upgrade project in KwaZulu-Natal for main client the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral). According to Sanral, this has been acknowledged... →

HIGHER FOR HIRE Concord’s cranes helped erect the 30-metre-long 52 t bridge

Industry 4.0 in readymix industry still a way off, says association

By: Halima Frost 12th October 2018 The construction materials industry can improve its customer-supplier interface if it takes up Industry 4.0, notes South African ReadyMix Association (Sarma) director Johan van Wyk. “The current economic climate impacts on construction materials in the same way as the construction industry, for... →

CHUTING FOR PERFECTION A high-grade mix is poured into the foundation through a chute system attached to the readymix truck

New pop rivet tool for construction sector

12th October 2018 Powertool manufacturer Milwaukee’s new M12 BPRT pop rivet system, is available locally through construction fastener distributor Upat South Africa. Considering the sheer number of rivets needed during prefabrication, assembly and field installation work, particularly in the construction sector,... →

RIVETING PRODUCT The new pop rivet tool alleviates problems commonly experienced with hand-held rivets

Hilti

12th October 2018 Founded in 1941 in Schaan, Lichtenstein, Hilti is a family owned company with a long and proud tradition of providing system solutions for the construction industry, and as a world leader in fastening and demolition technology. For over 75 years, the company focuses on creating enthusiastic... →

Foam-based spray prevents spread of fire

By: Halima Frost 12th October 2018 Since the launch of construction industry services and technology provider Hilti South Africa’s Firestop façade joint coating earlier this year, the product – which has been well received by engineers and architects – will be used in its first large construction project in Bedfordview, Gauteng,... →

AT FAÇADE VALUE The easily sprayable coating is applied to gaps left in the façade

Buried utility locating facility essential for accurate information

By: Simone Liedtke 13th October 2017 Utility management company Bosch Munitech’s specialised Underground Services Location (USL) facility encompasses advanced utility detection and mapping services, which are essential for providing accurate information on buried utility infrastructure layouts, says Bosch Munitech underground and... →

NECESSARY SERVICE The Underground Services Location facility helps with the planning of new pipe designs, utility diversions and new construction

Supplier aims to change industry mindset

By: Simone Liedtke 13th October 2017 Industrial equipment supplier Smith Power Equipment (SPE) – a division of Smith Mining Equipment – is aiming to change the “bigger is better” mindset of the construction materials and equipment market in South Africa by offering construction equipment developer Kubota’s 3 t Kubota U30-6 mini... →

COMPACT EXCAVATOR The 3 t Kubota U30-6 mini excavator from Smith Power Equipment a compact machine

Product range to expand to construction industry

By: Simone Liedtke 13th October 2017 Owing to the risk posed by utility pipes, and electrical lines and cables in the ground, industrial product supplier Actum Industrial – part of the Actum Group – is targeting the construction, municipal, and oil and gas industry with its Ridgid range of tooling equipment – such as the SR-20 and... →

BUILDING ON THE PAST The SR-24 utility line locating instrument builds on the SR-20 feature set, adding a global positioning system and wireless communication

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