Steel building solutions provider Cousins Steel International (CSI) completed a value project in Mobeni, Durban, which entailed supplying the structural steel for and constructing a “highly functional” warehousing facility in September for property development company Shree Property Holdings, CSI structural engineer Adam Oldfield says.

“A tilt-up system was used for the walls to expedite rigging time. The steel frame spans more than 100 m, with two internal columns, while the roof covers just over 10 000 m²,” he explains.

Oldfield says a team of CSI engineers designed the project, adding that forwarding and clearing services company Heneways Freight Management became the first tenant of the premises when it took occupation in November.

The spacious premises are suitable for Heneways. “With a minimum height clearance of 9 m inside the warehouse, and columns at 30 m and 13 m across the span and length respectively, the general warehouse area has no supports across 960 m2 zones,” he explains.

He adds that the building also has a 1 000 m² undercover loading area to add to the eight-dock levellers for optimal logistics, as well as loading and off loading options.

Oldfield says another interesting aspect of the construction was using Voidcon composite decking in the slab to build the office area, “which significantly reduced construction time while keeping within the design and the architectural parameters”.

The engineering team was responsible for the design, detail, fabrication, supply and erection of the superstructure, as well as all the cladding, doors and louvres, he says.

Oldfield adds that, along with the scope of work, the CSI team handled all the required design for concrete and stormwater works as an added benefit to the client. CSI is a member of the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction and offers engineering design, supply, fabrication and the erection of economical steel structures, which can be adapted to a wide range of uses in the sectors of commerce, industry and agriculture, says Oldfield.

He notes that the buildings that CSI erects can be used as factories, warehouses, cold storage facilities, workshops, sport centres, shopping and distribution centres, aircraft hangars and farm sheds.

“The structures are easily erected and are both cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. We offer an extensive choice of steel sizes and specifications, which enables architects, engineers and builders to enjoy almost limitless freedom in building design and function. . . ”

He adds that, as part of a customised service, CSI offers a wide range of specifications for all aspects of steel structure and its components. The company’s scope of work includes roller shutter doors and a customised sliding door design, “perfected through in-house research”.

There are also a variety of different ventilation options, including the customised CSI monitor, which was developed to increase ventilation and natural light.

Oldfield adds that all types of insulation – from standardised bubble foil to closed-cell high-density, rigid, extruded polystyrene, and cold storage insulation – are also available.

“All types of roof sheeting in several different profiles and materials to suit any application are also available. We also have positive fix and concealed fixing systems available, which are corrosion protected to suit site-specific requirements,” concludes Oldfield.