This project was declared an emergency; therefore, it was critical for Rail Network Construction (RNC) to commence the work as soon as practically possible - to ensure Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) does not incur further and preventable income losses due to the damage to their rail network.

The images below showcase formation repair and embankment stabilisation. 

The project scope of work was primarily rail formation repair, embankment stabilisation and culvert installations to rehabilitate the rail and prevent future washaways.

The quantity surveyor, engineer, engineering technician, engineering manager, safety officer and the client had a site visit, walking the site from Mast Pole (MP)88/940 to MP82/6. By use of a measuring wheel and a measuring tape, the scope of work was identified, and the length and width of the affected areas were measured. Using eyeball estimating, a rough estimate of the height was taken. This is a very critical foundation for the quantity estimating process.

A debriefing session was held after the site walk. Project technical aspects were discussed regarding stockpile areas, working spaces for the sites and excavated face retaining angles, etc.

The site surveyor and his team measured the embankment levels, and this increased the accuracy from the eyeball estimate to theodolite precision. This data was then sent to the design office for the purpose of project designs as well.

The quantity surveyor, engineer, engineering technician, engineering manager and safety officer conducted a project execution plan where all aspects of the project were coordinated, including a procurement plan where the quantities were discussed and finalised for procurement purposes. All factors such as wastage, bulking, etc. were agreed upon and provisioned for.

The quantity surveyor in consultation with the project execution plan, method statements, standard systems, COLTO, SANS1200, the model preamble of trade and specification for railway earthworks S410, the site measurements and data were transferred to the calc-sheets. The dimensions were as far as practically possible given in the sequence of horizontal at right angles to the line of sight, horizontal parallel to the line of sight and vertical, respectively and were interpreted that way in the bill quantity calculation report sheets. 

The quantity surveying function did cost control, cash-flow forecast, material procurement and claims throughout the execution of the project.

Shallcross – Burlington Wash Away Restoration was an emergency project. RNC prioritised commencing the works as soon as possible to minimise further losses for Transnet Freight Rail. RNC and TFR representatives did a site visit to identify the scope and plan for the project. RNC prepared project documents according to best practice. The bulk of the scope of works was earthwork, which is a trade with a lot of variances and normally a provisional item on a bill of quantities.

However, RNC took the risk as the contractor and committed to the deliverable of the measured project scope, budget, and duration. Despite the fundamental nature of constraints, RNC successfully achieved all three-dimensional goals of the project.

This annual project supports quantile one, two and three school learners with career guidance, motivational talks and university applications.

The images below showcase junior secondary school achievers going on a short inspirational trip, matric learners conducting their university applications and class career guidance talk.

This initiative focuses on supporting school learners from underprivileged backgrounds with career guidance, with a focus on exhibiting careers that they may not be familiar with. Grade 12 learners are assisted with their university application onsite and provided with a practical talk on our to structure their studies and how to prepare for their examination.