Project details

 

 

Project Goals

The client, a high-end residential estate,required a robustinfrastructure solution to mitigate the impact offlooding. The main objective was to construct a gabion wallthat could serve as a barrierto absorb and deflect the force of water,thereby protecting nearby structures and infrastructure from potential flood damage.

 

Project Overview

Client: Balgowan Estate, Sandton
Location: Sandton,Johannesburg, South Africa
Project Duration: 5 weeks
Completion Date: July 2023

 

Scope of Work

The project involved

1. Site Analysis: Understanding the landscape and flood patterns.
2. Design: Creating a customized gabion wall design to meet specific flood mitigation requirements.
3. Construction: Building the gabion wall using high-quality materials to ensure longevity and effectiveness.
4. Testing and Evaluation: Ensuring the wall met all safety and functionality criteria.

Execution

Site Analysis – We began by conducting an in-depth analysis of the site

• Topographical surveys to understand the terrain.
• Hydrological studies to predict waterflow and flood patterns.
• Soiltesting to determine the bestfoundation for the gabion wall.

Design and Planning – Following the site analysis, our engineering team developed a bespoke design tailored to the unique requirements of Balgowan Estate

• Height and Length: Calculating dimensions to adequately absorb waterforce.
• Material Selection: Choosing the best stone and mesh materials for maximum durability and water resistance.
• Aesthetic Considerations: Ensuring the wall blended seamlessly with the estate’s landscape.

Construction – The construction phase involved

• Foundation Work: Laying a stable base to supportthe gabion structure.
• Gabion Assembly: Filling metal cages with stones and systematically placing them to form the wall.
• Layering: Ensuring each layer was interlinked for structural integrity.
• Drainage Solutions: Incorporating drainage systems to prevent water buildup behind the wall.

Quality Assurance and Testing

Once the wall was constructed,rigorous testing ensured the structure’s integrity:

• Hydraulic Testing: Simulating flood conditions to test wall performance.
• Structural Analysis: Checking for any weaknesses or faults.
• Final Inspection: Ensuring that all design specifications and safety standards were met.

 

Outcome

The completed gabion wall not only meets but exceeds the client’s expectations, providing a durable solution for flood mitigation. The wall blends into the natural landscape, enhancing both safety and aesthetic appeal at Balgowan Estate.

 

Client Feedback

The client expressed immense satisfaction with the quality, professionalism, and timely completion of the project. The gabion wall has provided peace of mind to the residents by significantly reducing the risk of flood-related damages.

 

Conclusion

The Balgowan Estate gabion wall project stands as a testamentto Psaltis Civils’ expertise in delivering high-quality, custom-engineered flood mitigation solutions. By combining thorough analysis, innovative design, andmeticulous construction practices, we successfully metthe client’s needs and enhanced the safety of the estate.