A Western Cape based waste-to-energy plant was recognised as one of the best civil engineering projects for 2016 in the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Awards which recently took place in Johannesburg.

The New Horizons Energy Project which focuses on converting organic waste into useable bio-methane secured first place in the branch programme at the awards.

One of the contractors involved in the project was JG Afrika. The company said: “This project showcases the important role that engineers play in overcoming complex challenges, further motivating the decision to award it the overall winner of the Western Cape branch programme.”

JG Afrika’s team of engineers and environmental consultants undertook site-development planning, traffic and transportation, and the civil and structural contract and design elements of the waste-management project.

It also undertook essential stormwater and effluent-management planning and was the lead consultant in the mechanical, electrical, IT, and ventilation and fire teams.

The company’s residential property development at 145 Kloof Road in Clifton was also runner-up in second place.

This project entailed the design of a reinforced-concrete box comprising internal tension anchors to resist horizontal forces and vertical piles to intercept the slip-circle plane to excavate a three-level basement for the structure.

The company said the excavation method was adapted to implement a shored excavation using a three-dimensional structural steel girder system.

“This system replaced conventional anchored-wall stabilisation methods, which were not possible due to boundary restrictions and the close proximity of neighbouring high-value properties,” JG Afrika said.

“The 5 000 m³ excavation was undertaken at the foot of Lions Head, characterised by sensitive ground conditions, requiring thorough co-ordination of construction activities and ongoing slope monitoring during the two-year construction phase.”

These achievements coincided with JG Afrika’s 95^th anniversary this year. The company said it believes that both projects demonstrated its ongoing evolution, innovative ability and technical excellence, as employs its best efforts to keep up with fluctuations in demand, the industry and customer requirements.