Building Services
CALEDON PRISON
ENGINEERING PERSPECTIVE
Structural engineering provides a platform for all the other engineering disciplines to thrive. Whether it be elevated towers or water retaining walls for reservoirs, foundations and plinths to support machines, electrical cables and panels, or columns and beams to carry roofs, all structures are devised to bear a specific load. Therefore, structural engineering always forms part of the multi-disciplinary built environment projects.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Hand calculations remain a cornerstone of structural engineering. To stimulate conceptual thinking and increase confidence in design, Virtual Consulting Engineers strives to make use of simple design principles before engaging specialist software. Where complex structures require iterative calculations, we use Prokon Structural Analysis and Design for dynamic load analysis, design and detailing of:
- Frame and finite element analysis
- Steel member and connection design
- Reinforced and prestressed concrete design
- Post tensioning of multi-storey floor slabs
- Timber member design
- Masonry design
Our structural Analysis and Design modules support appropriate design codes in a single family of software tools. Prokon allows detailing of reinforcement directly in AutoCAD, which we link with AutoCAD 3D and Revit models for integration of civil, mechanical, electrical and structural design.
PROJECTS
George, Knysna, Ladismith and Uniondale Prisons (2015)
Department of Public Works / Correctional Services
The earth wall dam at Zonstraal border line base was rehabilitated after it was found at risk of breaching. The work included repair and recompacting of the wall, creating stone pitched wave protection and construction of a new concrete spillway. A water abstraction tower with subsoil drain was constructed for bulk water supply.
Knysna Paediatric Hospital (2017)
National Department of Health / Western Cape Province
Through the in-kind grant of the National Department of Health, the Knysna Hospital was upgraded to the state of the art. Material covering floors was replaced with vinyl sheeting, ventilation was improved, ceilings replaced, windows were repaired for improved natural lighting, medical gas and wet services were upgraded to comply with requirements.
Goodwood Prison (2019)
Department of Public Works / Correctional Services
In response to the persistent drought in the Western Cape, water saving devices were fitted to showers, taps and toilets, in cells and in all service areas. A standby reservoir was disinfected and recommissioned without any water loss. The work also included general renovation of building elements and services.
De Rust Clinic (2019)
National Department of Health / Western Cape Province
The National Health Insurance maintenance and upgrade programme, funded by the National Department of Health, resulted in De Rust Clinic in Western Cape Province obtaining “Ideal Clinic Platinum Status”. The work included upgrade of the clinic’s waiting area, dispensaries, consultation rooms, including implementing a new fresh air policy.
Swellendam and Caledon Prisons (2019)
Department of Public Works / Correctional Services
Dilapidated asbestos and steel roofs at the Swellendam Buffeljags and Caledon prisons were replaced with environmentally accepted and more durable sheeting. Buildings were renovated to improve electrical services, wet services and structural elements. The visitor’s facilities were upgraded to improve relations between inmates and their families.