MATLAPENG PRIMARY (SOSHANGUVE
PRIMARY SCHOOL)
REPORT ON THE
TECHNOLOGY USED
IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SCHOOL
1. BACKGROUND
The need to build this school was identified by the Gauteng Department of Education as a priority in 2011. The
main aim was to reduce the overcrowding at existing schools and increase learner access to quality education in
the area.
The implementation of the Soshanguve Primary School is part of the implementation of schools using alternative
construction methods (ACM). The Gauteng Department of Infrastructure entered into a tripartite agreement with
the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) and the Independent Development Trust (IDT) to implement the
construction of school using ACMs. The objective of this programme was to fast track delivery of school projects
using alternative construction technologies to ensure learners within the Province learn in a decent educational
environment.
Due to the widespread effect of climatic change, GDID, GDE and IDT took upon themselves to incorporate some
elements of green buildings during and in the construction of the Soshanguve Primary School. This was
undertaken to ensure the realisation of energy saving during the life of the school.
In order to ensure immediate occupation and utilisation of these educational facilities, the construction process
included the provision of further to the school.
2. PROJECT INFRORMATION
CLIENT
IMPLEMENTING AGENT
IMPLEMENTING AGENT
CONTRACTOR
SITE HANDOVER DATE
COMMENCEMENT DATE
ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION
COMPLETION DATE
CONSTRUCTION PERIOD
CONTRACT VALUE
TYPE OF CONTRACT
SITE LOCATION
WARD
GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE
DEVELOPMENT
INDEPENDENT DEVELOPMENT TRUST
TRANSGARIEP INFRA (Pty) Ltd
09 MAY 2012
09 MAY 2012
02 SEPTEMBER 2013
16 MONTHS
R45,635,896.42 (Incl. Professional fees)
JBCC 2007 following the state clauses
ERF 641; CORNER MOKHETLE STREET AND UMKHOBEZA
STREET
94
3. SCOPE OF WORKS
The scope of works involved the construction of a Primary School with the following facilities:

An Administration block

27 Classrooms (Note that the computer room in the admin block was converted in a classroom)

3 Grade R Classrooms

A Multipurpose classroom

A Computer room

A Library

A Canteen

A Guard house

Sports Facility building (with change rooms, bathrooms and toilets)

Soccer / Rugby ground

Combination courts (netball, tennis, basketball courts)

A steel palisade fence
The Soshanguve Primary School was constructed using the construction methodology called the UCO solid wall
system. This involves the erection of the razor build light weight steel frames structure, installation of solid boards
on both sides of the steel frames and pumping light concrete between the boards. The roof trusses are also
constructed from the light weight steel frames.
4. SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES
The significant milestones on these projects were as follows:

Site Handover date
:
09 May 2012

Project Completion
:
02 September 2013
5. TECHNOLOGY USED
The alternative construction method used at the Soshanguve Primary School is called the UCO solid-wall
system.
This building system comprises of light weight steel frames that are then clad with fibre cement boards and filled
with lightweight concrete mix. Fabrication of the steel superstructure is done entirely on site using locally trained
labour. This system is compliant to international building standards and meets the testing requirements of
SABS/SANS. This building system is Agre’ment certified, it is accredited by the NHBRC and it is a CIDB certified
Industrial Building System (IBS).
Materials required for the erection of wall are:



Fibre cement boards
Metal studs
Light weight concrete
5.1 Properties of the UCO Solid wall System
i.
Fire Rated
Up to 4 hours according to British Standard (BS 476: Part 22)
ii.
Lightweight
Weight of walls is approximately 3 times lighter compared to brick walls. Density is 750-850 kg/m3.
iii.
Fast track construction
Easily and rapidly constructed, cutting down construction time and cost compared to traditional wall
construction.
iv.
High quality wall finishing
Wall is straight with smooth surfaces.
v.
Surface finish versatility
Readily accepts a wide range of surface finishes, e.g. acrylic and emulsion paint, wall paper, ceramic
tiles, marble, etc.
vi.
Strong Anchorage capacity
Conform to BS 5234 : Part 2 requirements.
vii.
Cleaner and safer construction
Reduces messiness and thereafter easy to clean up at site. Also minimizes inconvenience to other
trades compared to the labour-intensive conventional trade.
viii.
Impact Resistant
Scuff-resistant, offering superior impact and abrasion resistance.
ix.
Durable
Immune to permanent water damage and impervious to high humidity/moisture. Also does not warp,
crack or split easily.
x.
Thermal insulation
R value = 0.169 m2 K/W
xi.
Sound Insulation
Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating e.g. 104mm thick wall is 46 decibels.
5.2 Comparison between UCO Solidwall system and Brickwalls
DESCRIPTION
BRICKWALL
UCO SOLIDWALL SYSTEM
Weight at 3 metre height
750kg/m or 2.5kN/m2
250kg/m or 0.833kN/m2
Productivity
4 -7 m2/man day (installation and
18 – 23 m2/man day (installation, joint
plastering)
treatment and skim coat)
Non-combustibility (BS 476: Pt 4)
Deemed to satisfy
Deemed to satisfy
Fire rating (BS 476: Pt 20)
120 minutes
240 minutes
6. MATERIALS USED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SCHOOL
Below are materials installed on the project.
ELEMENT
Sub-structure
Superstructure
Roofing
Carpentry
Ironmongery and Joinery
Metalwork
Plumbing and Sanitation
MATERIALS
Concrete; Reinforcement
Light steel frames (metal studs); fibre boards, light weight concrete; nails
Chromadeck roof sheets
Pigeon holes, cupboards, doors
Three lever locksets, indicator bolts, toilet paper roll holders
Door frames, aluminum window frames
PVC pipes, Wash hand basins, vandal proof water closets, copper piping, water
taps
7. JOB CREATION
The total number of people from the local community who worked on the project are as follows:

Male
:
31

Female
:
51

Youth
:
151

People with disability
:
0

Total
233
8. GREEN INITIATIVES
The following green initiatives were incorporated on the project.
8.1 Roof insulation
A single layer of ‘Alucushion’ was placed directly under the roof sheeting and a 100mm layer of
insulation laid on top of the battens supporting the ceiling. A total R value in excess of 3.3 is achievable.
.
8.2 Glazing
All glazing is 6,38 laminated safety glass which has triple the insulating R value of standard 3mm glass.
It is also shatterproof and therefore much safer.
8.3 Lighting
All lights were installed in accordance with Eskom’s energy saving policy by installing T5 lights which
uses about half the power of the old standard fluorescent lights. Perimeter night security lighting uses
energy efficient light bulbs
8.4 Light Switching
The lights are controlled with a movement sensitive proximity switches attached to the ceiling of all
rooms and classrooms so that when people leave the room the lights switch off automatically. An override switch was provided to be able to switch off the lights if required. Perimeter lighting is switched
using day night sensors.
8.5 Solar Water Heating
All hot water requirements for showers and basins are powered by solar direct geysers. Circulation
pumps to these geysers are powered by Photo Voltaic (PV) solar panels mounted next to the geyser
solar panels. The geysers are not connected to the Electrical system. All piping is lagged and pipe runs
are limited.
8.6 Solar Photo Voltaic’ Off-Grid’ power system
The school is off the municipality grid and will have electricity supply from solar energy. The solar
energy system will also save the school a lot of operational cost in terms of savings on the electricity bill
in future.
8.7 Mechanical Ventilation
All mechanical ventilation and HVAC were not included in the project. All rooms and roof spaces are
naturally ventilated.
8.8 Rainwater Harvesting System
A storm water retaining structure was provided for irrigation of the sports fields in lieu of the individual
grey water system tanks provided. Most of the surface storm water will flow into this retaining structure
which can then be used for irrigation of the sports fields. In dry periods and/or dry seasons the retaining
structure will be filled up with Council water. A complete control system has been installed in order to fill
up the retaining structure during dry periods and a complete pump system has been installed to ensure
that sufficient water can be pumped for irrigation purposes.
8.9 Planting Lawn and Trees
Lawn and tress have been planted on the school yard. The picture below shows some of the trees that
have been planted on the school.
8.10 Sewer Treatment Plant
All the sewerage flows from the school will be collected at one point on the school site and will be
treated and purified on site for irrigation usage. The treated and purified water will be pumped into the
storm water retaining structure; and will be used with the collected storm water for irrigation of the sports
field.
9. STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION (in pictures)
Picture 1 below: shows the construction of the concrete slab on the raft foundation.
Picture 2 below: metal studs or light weight steel frames being erected.
Picture 3 below: shows fibre boards being installed
Picture 4 below: shows light weight concrete mix being pumbed between the boards
Picture 5 below: shows the finished school project
Picture 6 below: shows solar panels for the supply of electricity
Picture 7 below: shows the sewer treatment plant