ERI is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of formwork and scaffolding systems. With international solutions stemming from the company’s German origin, the South African branch has been actively building South Africa’s infrastructure and industries with the knowledge that they are participating in economic growth and providing sustainable support to the construction industry.
There is a real sense that the widely spoken about infrastructure projects, will start receiving funding from government soon. Among these, water storage could be at the forefront as communities find it harder to manage with current reservoir space. As experienced in the Wester Cape in the recent drought.
PERI has been involved in a number of projects pertaining to water storage. These projects showcase real examples of how PERI both addressed and overcame challenges through well-grounded engineering-based solutions.
The Polihali diversion tunnels in Lesotho formed part of the second phase of construction of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (PHWP II). It builds on the successfully completed first phase of the project where Katse Dam was the main focus.
The project’s main driver is to increase the current supply rate of 780 million m³ per year to 1.27 billion m³. Lesotho also makes use of the Highlands water scheme to generate hydropower. The 2.3 billion m³ Polihali Dam forms part of three sites that have been identified as hydropower sites. Phase two will further add to their generating capacity as they have identified this as their preferred method of supplying their own independent source of electricity.
The construction industry is key to promoting economic recovery and growth in South Africa. By leveraging local and global skills, and supply chains, PERI recognises the importance of partnership and collaboration to deliver successful and sustainable projects that will uplift people, communities and the economy.
PERI Infrastructure strategy is developing positively, providing our customers with efficient, cost effective solutions.
Polihali Diversion Tunnels
Client: SCLC JV (Webuild, CMC di Ravenna, CMI Infrastructure & LSP Construction)
Location: Mapolaneng, Lesotho
Background:
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2(PHWP II) builds on the already successfully completed Phase one projects of which Katse dam was the main focus. The projects main driver is to increase the current supply rate of 780 million m³ a year to 1.27 billion m³.
Lesotho also makes use of the Highlands water scheme to generate hydropower. Phase 2 will further add to their generating capacity as they have identified this as their preferred method of supplying their own independent source of electricity.
The 2.3 billion m³ Polihali Dam forms part of 3 sites that has been identified as hydropower sites.
PERI Solution:
PERI provided a load bearing tunnel formwork carriage that catered for both the 7m and 9m diameter sections.
Through innovative design PERI was the only company that could offer 1 system to be used on both diameters. Peri came up with a concept to design and manufacture the circular walers for the larger diameter structure. Sections of these walers could then be removed and the balance of the walers re-assembled and packed to create the 7m diameter section
The tunnel formwork was supported and moved on a purpose build VARIOKIT Traveler.
Further to the design of the system PERI’s on-site support team assisted in the assembly of the traveler and formwork as well as with the reconfiguration from 7m to 9m.
The client is currently achieving a 5 day pour cycle and both tunnels will be completed at the end of January 2021.
- Email info@peri.co.za or visit peri.co.za for more on projects and products.
