Fibertex South Africa – specialists in the manufacture and supply of a comprehensive range of Geosynthetic products – plays an important role in civil engineering and construction projects in Africa, through collaborative partnerships.
The Fibertex exports team works closely with Nabaki Afrika Limited, one of Tanzania’s leading suppliers of building products and construction materials.
“As part of its service to its customers, Nabaki Afrika invited Fibertex – a key supplier – to deliver a technical presentation at the 11th International Institute of Engineers Conference in Arusha, Tanzania, at the end of last year,” says Meera Govender, Technical Sales Engineer for Fibertex South Africa, who presented the paper. “Our presentation – ‘Geosynthetics for road construction’ – covered an overview of Geosynthetics, with a focus on road design and construction. This topic tied in with the theme of the conference – ‘The role of engineers in addressing climate change and opportunities.
“Our presentation focused on various types of reinforcement Geosynthetic products, which can be used to improve the layerworks and ground conditions within paved and unpaved roads. These Geosynthetics can be implemented in the design for new roads, as well as rehabilitation of existing roads. We also highlighted the principles of geogrid reinforcement and design considerations, which should be assessed when specifying reinforcement Geosynthetics for a roads project.
“These design principles and considerations equip the engineer to conduct a cost benefit analysis, based on unique project requirements and how this can be translated into the construction phase. These design parameters should be uniquely evaluated as each project has varying technical requirements and site conditions. The best solution must be implemented to enhance the design and meet the needs of the client and particular project requirements.”
Due to climate change and heavy floods, roads in Tanzania have been washed away, creating difficulties for access and commuting. This crisis has encouraged the conversation to improve the road network system, where Fibertex has previously been involved, by providing technical support for the Arusha Bypass Road Project.
Geosynthetic road design and construction proposes an innovative approach to design methodology, when compared to traditional design methods. The benefits of this design process result in project cost savings, reduced construction time and a long-term reduction in maintenance costs and periods.
Fibertex UV stabilised virgin PP geotextiles are the only nonwoven geotextiles produced in Africa with certification for durability of over 100 years, in accordance with the latest EN standards.
This range of environmentally-friendly Geosynthetic materials encompasses nonwoven and woven geotextiles, gabions and mattresses, drainage pipes and fittings and erosion control and cellular confinement solutions. The company also supplies soil reinforcement and stabilisation products, including geogrids and geocells, as well as Geosynthetic clay liners (GCL) and geomembranes (GMB) that can be used as part of composite lining systems in waste containment solutions.
The Fibertex team of experts offers a technical advisory and support service throughout Africa, to ensure accurate specification of durable and safe materials for every project.
