Unique technology ensures 'green-friendly' approach at new RB terminal

PILING FOR the new dry bulk terminal jetty at Richards Bay, part of the Third Export Route expansion project, has been constructed using technology unique in a South African marine application.
It involved the use of an environmentally friendly polymer drilling fluid which poses no threat to marine life as it disperses in sea water.
The R60million project took one year to complete and was carried out for Portnet in a joint venture comprising LTA Civil Engineering and Ground Engineering(GEL) together with partners Interbeton (Netherlands) and Development Construction International (DCI).
The work involved installing 124 piles, with diameters of both 1,8m and 1,2m, socketed into bedrock at depths of up to 72m from floating platforms in a water depth of 20m. The jetty, which extends 350m from the existing quay wall into the harbour, is 65m wide.
What made the contract particularly interesting was the international flavour in terms of personnel and equipment. Cranes, barges and other specialised equipment came from the Netherlands, barges and tugboats from Indonesia, polymer drilling fluids and pile load testing equipment from the United States. Cranes and drilling equipment were also brought in from Italy and diesel piling hammers from Germany. One of the larger barges was towed all the way from India.
International personnel on the project included the technical adviser and plant manager from Interbeton, the polymer control engineer from Portugal and various other specialists from the Netherlands, Thailand and USA.
The joint venture team was, however, staffed mainly by South Africans and headed up to site by the project manager and construction manager for LTA Civil Engineering East and GEL.