SEPHAKU CEMENT AND RAUBEX
Making use of Sephaku Cement SepROAD and under the competent management of Raubex Construction (PTY) LTD, the TRAC N4 Middleburg project has resumed and is progressing well. Despite the initiative’s timelines having to be extended due to the national Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, the project is on track to be completed by March 2022.
The contract forms part of Trans African Concessions (TRAC) network, also known as the Maputo Development Corridor (MDC), which consists of the concrete road sections on the N4 Section 3 and N4 Section 4. The N4 construction project aims to rehabilitate the concrete road sections from KM 30,22 to KM 41,76 on the N4 Section 3 and from KM 0,0 to KM 6,6 on N4 Section 4, respectively, which spans over the eMalahleni and Steve Tshwete local municipalities in the Nkangala district.
The 4-lane divided unreinforced concrete road was initially constructed in 1972 and later overlaid and rehabilitated in 2008. The rehabilitation and expansion of the contract is valued at approximately R380 million and includes the replacement of failing panels, where the existing concrete pavement has reached its lifespan and is in need of replacement, as well as adding passing lanes where required. Forming part of the panel replacement is the reinstatement of the supporting stabilised layers.
Scientifically formulated to stabilise any subbase, various road materials, and the modification of soil, Sephaku Cement SepROAD is used in a variety of building and civil construction projects. Reducing Plasticity Index (PI), unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of high clay soils, ensuring durability, stability, and strength, the longer setting times make it ideal to stabilise longer stretches of road.
In soil stabilisation the objective is to thoroughly mix carefully selected crushed stone or gravel with a stabilising agent, SepROAD, at an Optimum Moisture Content as tested in a laboratory ,to achieve the prime Unconfined Compressive Strength and the best durability for a stabilised subbase to receive the base layer and the final wearing surface.
While Raubex Construction (PTY) LTD, together with other stakeholders, is involved in various construction projects across the country, this TRAC N4 rehabilitation and expansion project has resulted in some 350 jobs, 80 of which are permanent posts. Several work opportunities for the local communities have been created, which include, the supply of plant, labour, transport, consumables, and sub-contracting elements of the project. In addition, Raubex Construction (PTY) LTD and TRAC are involved in various other Corporate Social Investment projects in the two local municipalities.
Over and above the rehabilitation and expansion of this project on the N4 Toll Route, Raubex Construction is also contracted to various other road construction projects throughout South Africa namely, the N4 Toll Route, the Bakwena N4 Toll Road, N3-TC route and various SANRAL managed routes. The Beit Bridge Border Post and several projects within the City of Tshwane and the City of Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) are also on our list of initiatives.
Perfectly placed for the modification of different soil types, Sephaku Cement SepROAD offers the ultimate versatility used in an extensive range of building and civil applications. Through projects such as these, we are proud to play a role in strengthening the heartbeat of the country by delivery of durability, stability and strength that builds up the longest stretches of road.