Library  A free lending and reference library, making available to users the most comprehensive collection of material on concrete in southern Africa

Search the C&CI Library Database  The C&CI library's unique database is live and searchable on this website!

Publications  Created in response to customer demand, the 46 titles currently in print cover topics ranging from DIY to high-tech

Statistics  Current data on national demand for cementitious materials

Concrete Trends  A quarterly journal issued by the C&CI which covers all aspects of concrete and related matters. These include news, views, people, projects, new applications, and current cementitious demand.

Annual Review   A summary of cementitious usage for the preceding year, and commentary on construction and building activity. A look at prospects for the current year and a statistical history of cementitious demand.

Concrete Innovations  Highlights of interesting topics on the use of concrete and cementitious products, drawn from the library's extensive collection.

   

 The library makes available:  

• Over 45 000 pamphlets and technical reports 
• More than 4 000 books including the latest conference and symposia 
• 120 local and overseas periodicals 
• Collections of South African, British, American and European specifications 
• Information on forthcoming local and overseas seminars and symposia 

  

Search the C&CI library database  Click here to start a search

 

Library Acquisitions: A quarterly list containing information of new books, pamphlets and technical reports added to the library collection in the preceding quarter.  Click here to view the latest list.

 

Free contact information to manufacturers of concrete-related products, trade names and associated services  Click here for contacts list to discuss your specific needs

  

 Current Publications 2000 

  

	Free leaflets  Full descriptive list of titles and order form available here
	Books, booklets and videos  Full descriptive list of titles, prices and order form available here

 For additional information regarding this or statistics in general, contact the Marketing Manager at C&CI on: 
  

Telephone:	+27 (0) 11 315 0300
Fax:	+27 (0) 11 315 6647
e-mail:	johns@cnci.org.za

Cementitious sales statistics - January to April 2001 
                                   

 
 

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By launching "Concrete Trends" it is C&CI's intention to provide a medium that portrays the best in concrete, showing examples of the creative use of this material to meet construction needs and which will encourage a more imaginative approach to its use. The focus is largely Southern African, although significant projects involving concrete in other parts of the world are also featured.  

"Concrete Trends" is published by Jan de Beer and its circulation has reached in excess of 4 500, including all members of the Concrete Society of Southern Africa.  

Contacts:  

Editorial/advertising:	Jan de Beer
	Tel:  +27 11 849 8616
	Fax: +27 11 849 8669  E-mail: jandebeer@global.co.za
Add to mailing list:	Cement and Concrete Institute
	Tel:  +27 11 315 0300
	Fax: +27 11 315 0584
	E-mail: gill@cnci.org.za

  

Click here  
for the Cement and  
Concrete Review 2000 
     

To order a hard copy of the latest review e-mail your request to Marketing Services Manager at the following address: gill@cnci.org.za   or click here to view the contents online. 
 

  

Textile concrete offers new potential 

Textile Concrete is a relatively new concept, but is gradually gaining acceptance, not only here in South Africa, but also in other parts of the world – notably the USA and New Zealand. 

Development started with fluffy fibrous strands made by spinning a polypropylene staple fibre sheath onto a polypropylene stretched tape core. The fibres are bonded to the core so that under flex loading they cannot slide. The core can also be made of continuous multi-filaments and, in the case of ‘hi-tech’ strands, can be glass or carbon filaments, Kevlar (DuPont) or gel spun HDPE. 

The strands can be pre-stressed for use as is, cut in to fibres, woven or knitted into textiles – all for use in concrete, polymer concrete or gypsum plaster. 

The woven textile, which is locally developed and made on conventional looms, can be cut to shape, impregnated with a water-based matrix, cured at ambient temperatures to produce a hard strong and tough material which is difficult to corrode. 

The Textile is very receptive to cement slurry/mortar. It has an open weave through which the cement matrix can both flow and bond. The cement paste infiltrates the fibrous surface of the strands and, as hydration takes place, gel forms around the fine fibres creating a homogenous cement/fibre/textile composite. The cement mix can be applied by dipping, spraying or block brushing. 

It has the potential of taking cement as a matrix into a wide range of applications, the development of some having been already started. Examples of the possibilities are: 

          Curtain wall panels                                    Drainage channels 
          Amphorae                                                   Roof tiles 
          Flotation platforms                                     Floor tiles 
          Simulated rocks                                         Decorative tile and panels 
          Sculptures                                                   Wall cappings 
          Pipes                                                           Pond linings 
          Boat launching ramps                                Weatherproofing mud huts 
 

   

Textile concrete can replace glass-fibre resin for static applications, can be lighter, stronger and externally more durable than timber, and offers an alternative to aluminium for use at the coast, without the need for anodising or powder-coating. 

The textile was first used in the local market for the manufacturing of roofing for low-cost houses. This was followed by commercialisation and supply of mine-drainage channels for the gold mines. 

Visible examples of textile concrete work can be seen around Johannesburg - including décor mouldings on the new casino at Gold reef City, fascia panels on the west office block in Sandton Square and a floating model of Robben island at Wemmer Pan.   

Large complex shapes can be made without the need for a mould, as well as 3-dimensional hollow mouldings such as large vases or Amphorae. 
 

   

Tilt-up construction - some new projects 

Tilt-up construction seems destined to attain new status in South Africa after recent decisions to use this special form of precast concrete construction. Old Mutual Properties have chosen the tilt-up method for the external facades of the new Gateway Shoppertainment World at Umhlanga Rocks, in KwaZulu-Natal for its "high quality finish and attractive look". 

In addition to the 125 000 sq.m Gateway complex, tilt-up is also the preferred method of construction for a 35 000 sq.m new central warehouse for the Clicks organisation in Midrand, Gauteng. 

  
  View of Clicks' new warehouse under construction     Panel at Gateway at tilt-up stage 

But what is Tilt-up?  

By definition, tilt-up is a special form of precast concrete construction. The method is basically jobsite prefabrication, during which the walls of the structure are cast in a horizontal position, tilted to a vertical position and then set in place. 

The main advantages of tilt-up construction are: 

ECONOMY - In most cases, tilt-up results in the lowest first cost. Ready-mixed concrete, which is locally available, is used and no special labour skills are required. 

SPEED OF CONSTRUCTION - Panels are formed and cast on the construction site. With the use of high capacity mobile cranes, the panels can be quickly tilted, lifted, set in place and braced. In this way, large buildings can be constructed in a short period of time. 

MINIMUM MAINTENANCE - The concrete surfaces can be left unpainted. The wall panels resist daily contact damage and are easy to keep clean. 

ARCHITECTURAL APPEARANCE - Unlimited design freedom is made possible by surface colours and textures. Small changes in the shape of the panels can enhance the appearance of an entire building. 

'FLEXIBILITY' - Walls can be designed for easy removal and relocation for futre additions. 

FIRE SAFETY - Tilt-up concrete walls are fire resistant and allow closer spacing of buildings. This can result in a reduction in fire insurance premiums. 

OTHER SAFETY FEATURES - Vandalism and theft are discouraged because concrete is difficult to penetrate. Concrete walls are also effective radiation shields. 

SIMPLIFICATION OR ELIMINATION OF FORMWORK - The contractor can do away with the need of formwork or scaffolding. 

REDUCED HEATING AND COOLING COSTS - Heating and air-conditioning costs are lower than for metal buildings. 

For more information on Tilt-up construction contact the C&CI Library, or TILT UP SYSTEMS on: 
                                Tel: +44 31 767 3684 
                                E-mail: tiltup@iafrica.com 
 
 
Architectural concrete cladding 

If you see concrete cladding as a grey and boring option, your'e stuck in a time warp.  The Y2K truth is that that this construction solution provides the designer with true freedom of choice in terms of form, texture and appearance. 

Precast cladding panels in the form of reconstructed rock can look like any natural stone, but have lower absorbency, and consequently greater durability. 

Precast concrete cladding panels accommodate the reproduction of past styles and inspire the creation of imaginative buildings for the future.  An almost limitless variety of finishes is available as concrete can be cast against patterned or textured formwork, its surface can be modified by tooling, or it can be faced wtih natural stone or ceramic tiles.  

  
(The Port Elizabeth Post Office building. Clad with exposed agggregate panels a decade ago, the facade of this imposing building near the waters of Algoa Bay is still showing no sign of weathering - despite the close proximity of corrosive climatic conditions). 

There are five main categories for the range of finishes that can be produced on precast cladding. 

• Surfaces cast directly from a mould
• Surfaces textured by shaping
• Aggregate exposed before concrete hardens
• Aggregate exposed after concrete hardens
• Applied finishes

Concrete has a number of inherent capabilities, which can be utilised to provide additional economic benefit to the overall design. 

• It has excellent fire resistance
• Its acoustic properties can help to block traffic and industrial noise
• It has good thermal insulation properties and can provide shading elements to reduce glare and heat, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning

For more information on concrete surface finishes contact our library staff.