Applicable Building and Design Codes for South Africa 1

[Chasvo]

I'm in the process of preparing the technical annex for an EPC contract to build a mill/plant in South Africa. Can some who has worked on projects in SA before advise which codes are typically used. I'm aware that SA has their own standards regulated by the South African Bureau of Standards but that is about all. I also assume they would generally rely on American steel and concrete codes and likely the UBC code but would appreciate some input to confirm.
Thanks
Charles

 

[MiketheEngineer]

You may need to enlist the "aid" of a local engineer or architect to get all you need. While governed by a "CODE" of some sort - often regional or even local rules come into play - just like in the good old USA

 

[francesca]

At the least you would need to be a licensed profession engineer (Pr. Eng.) so yes, you will need the aid of a local consulting firm who can answer your questions.

Start at the ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa), the SA Institute of Steel Construction and the Cement and Concrete Institute.

 

[Chasvo]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have sent the inquiry/request but until I hear back whether they (our partners) have someone already or intend to get someone on board, my deadline for issuing my portion of the annex would have been due. Mind you this is only a draft which means I can leave the code section open for now. I was just hoping someone can share their knowledge from having done a project there as oppose to suggesting the obvious.
Thanks just the same for offering to help.

 

[Debaser]

I was just hoping someone can share their knowledge from having done a project there as oppose to suggesting the obvious.

I believe Francesca is/was a Saffa (South African) so I would imagine she speaks with some experience.

 

[Chasvo]

I appologize if someone take offense to the comment. Not intended. Only pointing out that I don't have access to someone local to ask at this point otherwise I would have. Yes, having done EPC projects in Indonesia, Germany, Venezuela and Estonia I concur with the fact that a local design firm is a must even if only to sort out these local requirements. Again, I will make sure to use better wording in future as all and any help on this forum is appreciated.

 

[francesca]

Yes, I am a South African, but I am not a structural engineer and it's a while since my structures classes where we used the codes. I do remember a little handbook from the Cement & Concrete Institute and lying in the fetal position hugging myself and crying after reading the entire thing.