082 310 5039
A CONTINENT
OF CONCRETE EXPERIENCE
In February 2024 we supported a multi-national effort to transport immense
transport loads through Guinea’s rural interior to enable a major mine expansion.
33 concrete bridges across hundres of kilometers were evaluated in two phases.
These structures, located in a country with a unique environment and far-ranging engineering
and logistical challenges demanded specialised, broad expertise and highly efficient planning.
OUR WORK
The Proceq
GP8000
GROUND
PENETRATING
RADAR
ON-SITE
VISUAL INSPECTION
CONCRETE
CARBONATION TESTING
Precise identification of reinforcement bar (rebar) details including spacing, cover depth, and alignment, to determine the structural adequacy of the bridges.
Ground Penetrating Radar
Cover
Meter
Document all cracking, spalling and other signs of material wear and identify areas requiring further investigation and targeted analysis.
Assess the penetration of carbonation and its potential impact on rebar corrosion and evaluate the durability and long-term performance risks of the concrete.
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity
Ultrasonic Pulse Echo
Schmidt
Hammer
Corrosion Potential
CHALLENGES
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Variations in materials and techniques necessitated a diverse inventory and dataset.
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Fluctuating temperatures and high humidity could accelerate concrete degradation.
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International regulation required tailored assessments and reporting.
GEORGE COLLAPSE
In May 2024,
a dive-storey building
under construction in George,
Western Cape, collapsed in one of the most
devastating structural failures in South African history.
Our role was to conduct specialised concrete and structural forensics to assist in determining the sequence
and causes of failure.
SCCS was tasked with the extraction, analysis, and interpretation of concrete samples, reinforcement layout verification, and structural integrity assessments.
Our work forms part of a broader technical inquiry into the incident and will contribute to determiningthe factors that led to the collapse — including material performance
and design compliance.
The results of this investigation are expected to inform national conversations around construction accountability and regulatory standards in the months ahead.
SHONDANI COLLIERY
At Sasol's Shondani Colliery, SCCS performed advanced Ultrasonic Pulse Echo (UPE) testing on concrete seals to assess internal quality and compliance with design standards.
The primary focus was verifying concrete cover over reinforcement and identifying potential voids.
The investigation revealed adequate cover across most sections, with reduced protection at starter bars and localized voiding in specific bands.
Based on these findings, SCCS provided remedial and monitoring recommendations to maintain seal performance under demanding underground conditions.
The Pundit
PD8050
31 Ebony Road, Primrose,
Germiston, Gauteng
082 310 5039
084 510 8726