A major advantage of the Peikko pre-cast system of interconnecting pre-cast beams, slabs and columns is time saving and the element of accuracy, compared with conventional on-site concrete or steel construction. This \u00a0proved to be the case at a warehouse extension contract recently completed by the company in Roodepoort, north of Johannesburg.<\/p>\n
Peikko\u2019s\u00a0slim floor structures and connection technology for precast and cast-in-situ applications offers innovative solutions, which are a faster, safer, and a more efficient way to design and build. So explains Winston Visser, Project Engineer at Peikko South Africa, who shares his experience at the Pasedena project \u2013 a warehouse extension of 1\u00a0000m2<\/sup> coupled to a 660m2<\/sup> office extension for a specialised manufacturer.<\/p>\n \u201cThe original architect\u2019s design \u2013 which involved adding an additional storey to the client\u2019s existing warehouse and an additional floor to the office accommodation \u2013 was conceived as a structural steel project, but due to steel procurement issues and time pressures, we were able to convince the client that by opting for the Peikko system of interconnected pre-cast elements, tight deadlines and budget targets could be met, with the bonus of a more aesthetically pleasing design\u201d explained Visser.<\/p>\n The warehouse extension involved the creation of a new 1\u00a0000m2<\/sup> mezzanine floor above the existing warehouse space, and that meant raising the roof to create a total storage and manufacturing space of 3\u00a0600m2<\/sup>. \u00a0\u201cThe client\u2019s manufacturing operations involved the strategic placement of machines, which necessitated the roof support beams allowing an uninterrupted span of 11,9m, utilised with a 765mm precast beam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdding an additional 660m2<\/sup> floor to the existing office building proved to more challenging as substantial ground work was involved to provide addition column support for the pre-cast floor slab,\u201d adds Visser.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile the construction of the stub column concrete foundations was being undertaken, the other elements of the second floor design were taking place concurrently, with our patented bolted connection system being used to connect pre-cast columns to the stubs and the adjacent retaining wall.<\/p>\n \u201cAs the design and manufacture of the Peikko system of beams, columns and slabs takes place completely off- site, accuracy was paramount to tie in the new office extension with the old and with the new enlarged warehouse\u2019s, manufacturing mezzanine,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n Visser points out that it was perhaps the speed of construction that amazed both the client and neighbouring building owners: \u201cOne day there was nothing, the next was a completed structure!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy reducing construction time from a likely 45 days to just five, provided the client substantial cost advantages as expanded production facilities could start producing much earlier that first envisaged. So satisfied is the client with the end result, that we have been entrusted with a new contract at a different site,\u201d enthused Visser.<\/p>\n \n About Peikko Group:<\/strong><\/p>\n Peikko Group Corporation is a leading global supplier of slim floor structures, wind energy applications and connection technology for precast and cast-in-situ. Peikko\u2019s innovative solutions offer a faster, safer, and more efficient way to design and build. Peikko has sales offices in over 30 countries in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and North America, with manufacturing operations in eleven countries. Peikko generated a turnover of EUR 230 million in 2019. Peikko is a family-owned and managed company that employs over 1,800 professionals. Peikko was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Lahti, Finland. Further information: www.peikko.com<\/a><\/p>\n \nMedia Contact:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Brin Naidoo, Account Manager<\/p>\n Tel. +27 84\u00a0566 7459<\/p>\n