Project Type
Location
Steel Profiles Used
  • Date of Steelwork Completion
    2021-11-15
  • Tonnage
    380
  • Hot Rolled Structural Sections
    Universal Beams (I Sections), Equal Angles
  • Plates
    High Strength and Special Structural Plates
Project Overview

To successfully complete the project al the height of the Covid 19 pandemic which impacted all project facets. Challenges were overcome by a highly motivated project team facing and conquering these challenged head on whist under severe duress to do so.

Structural framing relatively simplistic with primary objective to provide access to the various areas of the Biox plant as well as piping support system. Since 85% of piping was HDPE, a wide variety of additional structural supports were needed to compliment this fact. Having to incorporate these supports into the other structures whilst keeping weights to a minimum and ensuring and aesthetic pleasing final plant layout was challenging. The project entailed detailing, Fabricating and Constructing a Gold Processing Biox Plant in partnership between Metso: Outotec, ADP Marine & Modular, Lycopodium Group, and Betterect.

Betterect was the main SMPP contractor and were responsible for all detailing, fabrication and site installation of structural steel, platework piping and mechanical equipment

This was a technically challenging project due to the stringent NOT requirements and the quality level of the fabrication by Betterect was extremely high. Overall it was a successful project with the equipment currently in operation.

Project Details
The tanks in particular are of a specialised steel structure (SAF2304) to combat highly corrosive plant environment, as needed to achieve the 20 year plan life requirement. The Biox tanks (11.5m diameter x 13m high) were made from 5mm plate to stringent design criteria. • This plant is truly a showcase of Southern African Ingenuity and capabilities with the client being based in Zimbabwe, the technology provider M:O's technology originating from South Africa, the detailed design being done by ADP:Lycopodium's Cape Town office the stainless steel for the plant was all manufactured locally by Columbus and the detailing, fabrication and site installation being done by Betterect • The plant was installed during 2020 during the height of covid related challenges • This plant, once it reaches name plate capacity, will be the biggest gold plant in Zimbabwe • Steel material efficiency in terms of structural and platework weights - these were kept to a minimum to achieve very cost effective project for the end user, Riozim. The steelwork was pointed with and industrial three coat paint specification to withstand the grueling exposure to elements and operational requirements
Benefits of Steel in this Application

Steel was chosen due to the industrial nature of the project.

Constructing a building using steel requires less materials for its foundation than the same building would require if it were made of concrete.

Steel by its nature is a flexible material that can withstand high loads.

Economic efficiency. Steel construction requires 70% fewer working hours than concrete. The rapid work rate means that facilities can be commissioned faster. In addition, savings in materials themselves should also be noted. A steel structure is 30-60% lighter than a similar one made from concrete. As a result loads on the foundation are considerably lower.