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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAfriSam\u2019s Product Technical Team Leader, Mduduzi Ndlovu, explains that the concrete mix was developed with a high proportion of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to reduce the heat generated during curing. \u201cThe base mix comprised 70% ground granulated blastfurnace slag (GGBS) and 30% AfriSam High Strength Cement, reducing the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) content to just 20%,\u201d says Ndlovu. \u201cDespite the low OPC content, the mix exceeded expectations – achieving the target strength of 51 MPa was achieved in only 28 days in relation to the designed 56 day requirement. \u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The construction process placed high demands on the readymix in terms of both slump control and delivery precision. With over 210 kg of rebar per cubic metre in some sections, AfriSam developed a high slump pump mix for vertical pours, while limiting slump to 130 mm for slanted sections to avoid concrete sliding off shuttering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sheldon Temlett, Contracts Manager at M&D Construction, highlights the importance of this mix performance. \u201cWith such dense steel and complex geometry, AfriSam\u2019s mix gave us the workability we needed without compromising quality. Their team worked closely with us to adjust slump levels and plan deliveries around our 12 m\u00b3\/hour pour rate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n AfriSam Territory Manager Toni Williams adds that logistics were carefully aligned with construction progress to avoid delays or idle time on site. \u201cCoordination was key to supporting M&D\u2019s controlled rise rate of 1 metre per hour, especially as the concrete had to partially set before each formwork lift could proceed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Construction of the Main Reef water tower began in September 2024 and is scheduled for completion in April 2026. Once commissioned, it will provide essential water infrastructure to approximately 20,000 homes in the Goudrand housing development – a major project spearheaded by the Gauteng Department of Housing, the City of Johannesburg and Blue Print Housing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AfriSam is playing a pivotal role in the construction of one of Gauteng\u2019s largest and most technically complex water towers, supplying specially designed readymix concrete to meet both structural and seismic performance requirements. Located near Main Reef Road south of Johannesburg, the 43 metre high water tower will store 3,2 mega litres of water to … Continue reading AFRISAM CONCRETE SUPPORTS COMPLEX WATER TOWER PROJECT IN GAUTENG<\/span> <\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a>