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Koeberg Nuclear Powerstation was a turnkey contract awarded by Eskom to a French group of 4 contractors:
- Managing Contractor: Framateg
- Civil Contractor: Spie Batignolles
- Nuclear Contractor: Framatome
- M & E Contractor: Alstom
Spie Batignolles formed a JV with local contractors LTA and Murray & Stewart to execute the civil works. (SB 40%, LTA 30%, M&S 30%)
As Methods & Planning Engineer,I was responsible for solving of all constraction related problems experienced by the works department during construction for which they were unable to find an acceptable solution. I was assisted in this regard by 3 to 4 technical /formwork designers.
My major achievements were:
- Tubine hall operating floor construction using suspended beam forms which kept the basement clear for installation of M&E equipment and saved about 6 months on completion of this level, compared with the original method which was to use table forms.
- Acceleration of Reactor building internal structure 1 construction by 9 months after it had fallen behind programme by 4 months during the first 8 months. The order of construction was changed and the structure was completed 5 months before the milestone date.
- Lifting and handling planning for installation of dome 2 in an extremely congested section of the site. The main tower crane serving the civil works in the area had to be moved to allow access for the special rig used for lifting of the dome. The subject was discussed at 3 successive turnkey meetings before the minutes of a meeting passed over my desk. I solved all the problems related to the operation within 3 days and shortened the time required by a month.
- A proposal to precast the main workshop building frame saved 4 months on the postulated plan.