SBS Tank’s 3.3 Mℓ Zincalume steel tank was recently proposed when the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) called for nominations for their prestigious Steel Awards 2013, the 32nd celebration of excellence in the use of structural steel by South African steelwork contractors.

Jim Martin from Martin & Associates Consulting Engineers answered the general call for nominations; a project nomination is accepted as an entry if it satisfies the criteria of Steel Awards. Martin nominated the 3.3 Mℓ liquid tank manufactured, supplied and installed by SBS Tanks. This tank has a diameter of 21.16 m and is9.39 m high. The wall panels and roof sheets of all SBS Tanks are made of steel that is hot dipped and coated with a molten alloy of 55% aluminium, 43.5% zinc and 1.5% silicon, commonly referred to by its trade name Zincalume. The alloy ensures SBS Tanks are highly resistant to corrosion.

“It is something out of the ordinary from normal steel structures and presented a whole new perspective to design for all the varying conditions. Although we are not the first to ever manufacture sheet steel tanks, we pushed the boundaries a bit, ”Martin explains.

Martin &Associates Consulting Engineers and SBS Tanks worked together on this project developing a range of tanks that have been engineered to withstand the harsh South African climate. Martin states: “Our main interest was to refine certain elements of design to maximise efficiency of production. It is a great challenge to comply with the design criteria for varying site conditions, different countries/regions, production requirements and transportation (containerisation).It was exciting to work on something new and different to the everyday building structures.

Reneé Pretorius, SAISC communications consultant and editor, explains the process and details of being nominated and wining an award:“The judges decide on the categories each year as we receive a different ‘mix’ of entries every year; however, we will always have a Light Steel Frame Building and a Tubular Structures category. To win a category award means that your project has satisfied the judges in terms of ‘showing excellence in the use of steel’ in a specific category. The judges have a long list of criteria and the project must excel in all of these (that are relevant to the category). A project will never win an award if there is a trace of poor workmanship, even if the project fairs well in the other criteria. Members of the team receive a certificate and there is a tremendous amount of media exposure and prestige among their peers.”

Delayne Gray, SBS Tanks managing director, feels honoured that the SBS Tank has been nominated for this award.“Although this is our first nomination for these awards, we hope it is not our last. We aspire to add value and provide products of quality and excellence into our industry. We are extremely proud of our product and know it is worthy of this nomination and look forward to attending the awards ceremony in celebration of this.”

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, which will be held at three venues – in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Western Cape – on the 19 September 2013. Martin &Associates Consulting Engineers and SBS Tanks will be attending the ceremony in KwaZulu-Natal and look forward to the evening, which is themed ‘Into Africa’.