SA: Multi-storey parkade for Durban Container Terminal
Transnet is the largest and most crucial part of the freight logistics chain that delivers goods to each and every South African. Transnet is fully owned by the South African Government but operates as a corporate entity aimed at both supporting and contributing to the country’s freight logistics network. Transnet Capital Projects, a specialist unit, is tasked with the implementation of a number of major capital projects which form part of Transnet’s over R80 billion capital investment programme.
One of the constraints preventing the Durban Container Terminal from achieving its designed throughput capacity is the less than optimum space available for the stacking of containers. In order to address the above constraint, various operational and staff facilities are being relocated to create the required space for container stacking. To accommodate some of the displaced staff facilities, a five-level parking garage off Langeberg Road on the southern side of the Port, was commissioned in 2008. Transnet Capital Projects formed the professional team and Stedone Mechanicos Building (Pty) Ltd was appointed as the main contractor.
With no fewer than ten separate contracts in progress, Durban Container Terminal is abuzz with development. An R80 million (US$ 10.75 million), multi-storey parking garage and staff facilities for Transnet will be one of the first of the larger contracts to be completed.
Nautical /Natural inspiration
With its main entrance flanked by two white, three-storey-high ‘sails’, the building is unashamedly nautical in inspiration. Painted and steel-clad feature panels on the long elevations carry the theme through, while the steel roof and cantilevered entrance canopy give the impression of ‘floating’ independently of the building. Steel-clad access stairs clipped onto the eastern elevation provide a bold reference point for motorists approaching the building from Langeberg Road. The South entrance to the building resembles an owl as a tribute to and celebration of the birdlife in the “Natural Heritage” site that flanks the entire west side of the building.
Maximum usability
To accommodate the cars currently jostling for parking in the area, the garage will provide a generous 26,000m2 of parking (580 parking bays) over five levels. An additional 4,000m2 of administrative and recreational facilities will be accommodated at ground and fifth level. Once complete, the ground floor will comprise a clinic, administration offices, post boxes, a security office, a clocking office, stores and electrical rooms. An auditorium, canteen, ablution facilities, kitchen and cold store will be located on the fifth level. Access is provided for by two lift shafts on either end of the building, and vehicle ramps on the south side.
Construction work began in June 2008 and is due for completion in December 2009. Post-tensioned slabs have been used for the decking and steel for the roof. To prevent corrosion in the harsh marine environment, the galvanized steel feature panels have been treated with heavy-duty paint, and high-grade stainless steel was specified for balustrades and handrails.
Meeting the challenge
No thanks to the high water table and sandy soil on site, extensive dewatering and piling were necessary. Maintaining the client’s stringent safety and quality standards has been another challenge – but one worth adhering to, judging from the contractors’ excellent safety record and the quality of the build.
“This is Stedone Mechanicos’s first contract for Transnet,” says Contracts Manager Sean Pederson. “We have subsequently commenced three other contracts for Transnet: a staff facility for Transnet Freight Rail; a staff facility for the Durban Container Terminal; and infrastructure associated with a pollution treatment plant and a re-fuelling facility.”
Expected benefits
The construction of the multi-storey parking garage in lieu of the current shade-cloth parking will create additional stacking space for containers in the terminal and thus contribute towards the terminal realising its original design capacity.
At the same time, the staff of Durban Container Terminal, who since the start of construction have been eagerly awaiting the completion of the facility, will be provided with a much more modern facility compared to the existing one.
Photos courtesy of Stedone Mechanicos Building (Pty) Ltd.
Client: Transnet Port Terminals, Durban Container Terminal
Professional Team: Transnet Capital Projects
