Quarry Southern Africa May 2018 | Page 27

BENEFICIATION T preference among these contractors for hollow-core slabs versus rib-and-block technologies, also one of CoreSlab’s key competencies. “Certainly, this can be attributed to the rapid rate and ease at which hollow-core slabs can be installed compared to rib-and- block systems, which are also an effective means of accelerating these projects. We oversee the entire process, starting with the optimal design of the layout of the floor through to the installation, which includes levelling and grouting. This also ensures a high-quality flooring installation. Conversely, rib-and-block systems are installed by these builders who may not have the time to ensure a high-quality fitting,” De Bruin says. The hollow-core slabs are placed on top of thin mortar bedding that is placed on the load-bearing brick walls to complete the floor of the structure and, once levelled and grouted, the building contractor can commence almost immediately at that level. This is opposed to the extended periods associated with conventional in situ “It is an extremely competitive market in which survival depends on the ability to construct high quality structures swiftly to make available capacity for the next project in the order book.” he residential property market remains buoyant in and around Polokwane, in Limpopo province of South Africa. This is despite building activity having slowed down somewhat since 2014 when demand for housing in the Limpopo capital city was at its zenith. Based on the number of houses and living estates currently going up, there is still ample opportunity for many ‘bakkie builders’ to ply their trades in the largest urban centre north of Gauteng. It is an extremely competitive market in which survival depends on the ability to construct high quality structures swiftly to make available capacity for the next project in the order book. This ability is facilitated by incorporating the use of hollow- core slabs into the overall design of the structure, with about 80% of these precast concrete elements supplied and installed by CoreSlab, a Polokwane-based precast concrete specialist. The company’s managing director, Jaco de Bruin, says that he has also noted a A mini construction boom in Limpopo province has created opportunities for a number of concrete and construction companies. QUARRY SA | MAY/JUNE 2018 _ 25