AI FOR SAFER STRUCTURES IN SOUTH AFRICA IS HERE
An IoT platform to make South Africa ’ s bridges , roads , and buildings safer has landed . Structural health monitoring ( SHM ) specialists , Move Solutions , has recently added the MyMove IoT platform to their stable of smart structural monitoring solutions .
To predict structural health issues before they become critical , MyMove uses artificial intelligence ( AI ) to transform vast and complex data into easily understandable information and uses machine learning to identify subtle changes or anomalies in structures .
“ This technology will enhance the safety and durability of structures , as well as reduce maintenance costs by addressing problems in the first stages ,” says Ambra Scotolati , Marketing Strategist for Move Solutions . “ It also allows for an understanding of the reasons behind certain issues and the immediate detection of anomalies for timely decision-making .”
Current technologies exhibit inefficiencies that are not as accurate in identifying these anomalies that may become critical . “ Real-time insights and anomaly detection have been a challenge that the broader building and construction industry in South Africa has faced . The integration of AI in structural health monitoring is a paradigm shift in how we approach the longevity and safety of infrastructure . We are excited to be introducing this cutting-edge technology to the South African market ,”
says Elton Murison , Director at TANDM , the local distributor for Move Solutions .
In addition , the real-time function of MyMove removes the time-consuming , costly , and sometimes inadequate manual and periodic inspections that the industry currently relies on . “ Presently , structural monitoring is still done in an outdated way , which involves on-site inspections without high quality technology . Traditional approaches often fail to provide timely insights that are crucial for preventive action . With the advent of AI and IoT technologies , we ’ re now able to achieve a level of precision that was previously unattainable ,” says Scotolati .
With the information the technology gleans from historical data , AI algorithms can accurately distinguish between normal fluctuations and genuine structural anomalies .
“ Reducing the rate of false positives ensures that alerts are meaningful and actionable . This level of accuracy will enable industries where structural integrity is key to prevent catastrophic failures and enhance public safety ,” says Scotolati . These include but are not limited to structures such as bridges , railways and high-rise buildings .
The MyMove IoT platform is available through its South African partner , TANDM . www . tandm . co . za
CONCRETE MASTERY TRANSFORMS WATERFALL CITY SKYLINE WITH DHL SERVICE CENTRE
The new DHL Express Service Centre in Waterfall City is a prime example of modern construction that harnesses the functionality and aesthetic appeal of concrete . This tenantdriven project , developed by SOM for Portimix and used by DHL Express , showcases a blend of office space and a substantial warehouse , strategically located to optimise logistics operations .
Designed by Empowered Spaces Architects , Abbeydale Building & Civils undertook the construction , while structural design was the forte of Struxit Projects . The project is distinguished by its innovative use of concrete , supplied by AfriSam , which was critical to meeting the high standards set by DHL .
Concrete played a pivotal role in this project , not just in terms of structure but also in aesthetics . The distinctive V-shaped columns were created using custom-designed steel shuttering , requiring a highly flowable concrete mix with a reduced aggregate size to achieve the desired finish . A strut and tie structural system design was implemented to accommodate the exaggerated angles on the slanted column façade . The strut and tie design concept uses the best properties of each structural material .
Compression forces are resisted and transferred using concrete , and the tension forces are transferred through the reinforcement steel . The combination of these two properties in the concrete and reinforcing steel enabled the elegant and durable slanted column design of the DHL façade . Slanted concrete columns , along with the external elements of the building , required meticulous planning and execution .
Less obvious , but equally impressive concrete structural element within the building are the book end concrete walls , cantilevering 5m from the building while still supporting floors from above . The large cantilevers could be achieved by using the mechanism of Vierendeel Action within the concrete wall . The concrete and steel used within these walls were carefully planned and detailed to activate the Vierendeel Action and produce the impressive cantilevering walls .
The structural design technique used within the mentioned concrete elements is not often used in conventional concrete building or designs , which makes the use of the concrete in this building truly exceptional and unique . www . afrisam . com
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