

Let’s get digital
AECOM now offers 3D models as standard across all of its projects, even though this is not, as yet, a contractual obligation in the local construction industry. “While the digital revolution is being driven largely by the engineering, design and consulting fraternity, with contractors perceived as ‘old school’ and being dragged along in their wake, AECOM is working closely with a number of contracting companies that have expressed interest in latest innovations. “The successful uptake of such cutting-edge technology by AECOM locally has even resulted in the South African team making a substantial contribution to the BIM modelling for large international projects. Not only do we have world-class engineers in South Africa, but our level of BIM knowledge and expertise is equally exceptional at the top level, to the point where we are receiving major international recognition,” says Howie. However, the uptick of adopting new technologies and methodologies is somewhat slow locally. “The roofing and construction industry have come from a very conservative background,” says JD Botha of Biligom International – the innovative business behind the patented process of using moist eucalyptus to produce structural timber. Botha says it was very difficult for Biligom to include a new structural timber technology into the market. After a lot of sweat and educating architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and governmental institutions, it must be said that we are now picking the fruits, he notes..Timber takes centre stage
Regarded by the timber industry as a sound and well performing resource in construction, the use of wood as a structural material adds various benefits to roof design and it is on the increase. Its availability, sustainable traits and workable nature turns timber into an efficient and attractive raw material of choice. Unlike steel and concrete, timber is a renewable resource in abundance in South Africa. He highlights that far more timber and roofing technologies have been adopted in the market compared to 10 years ago – a positive reality that will help to reshape the roofing sector. “The South African construction industry is still set on its old brick and mortar ways, but more timber frame housing is being built thanks to better workmanship, costs, timber preservatives and design technologies. – So yes, timber is revolutionising the roofing and construction sector as a whole,” says Botha. He notes that the timber roofing industry is quite competitive which lends itself to being sufficient where one can expect very competitive prices. “Roof truss designers must think out of the box when designing roofs to ensure their roofing quotes are more competitive. They should also make use of alternative technologies for this reason,” believes Botha. Botha notes that while hurdles remain, the timber roof industry is seeing several enlightening trends take shape. He notes that larger 900mm c/c truss spacings on concrete tile roofs is a major trend in certain locations in the country by making use of 38 x 38 battens. This is a huge cost saver on any roof, which is increasingly being used on low- and medium-cost housing projects, he highlights. “With the first Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) structures already built in the Western Cape, we foresee that CLT projects will be a standardised trend in architectural designs for large building projects in the future as it has already proved itself as a steel and concrete replacement in high-rise buildings in the EU, US and Canada. Testing of a stronger Biligom CLT is in the process,” notes Botha. Botha believes that due to South Africa’s crumbling economy, we will start to see smarter, greener and more cost-effective roof designs. “More eco-friendly projects – both private and governmental – are planned for the future, therefore sustainable roofing products will need to be used as architects receive green credits if specified. It’s tough out there for truss plants if buildings are not being constructed and therefore the smarter, educated and open-minded truss plant owners will reap the rewards.”Top trends to look out for:
- Self-healing concrete
- Air-cleaning materials
- Transparent wood
- Graphene
- Additive manufacturing
- 3D printing
- Building Information modelling (BIM)
- Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)