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News
COMPLEX HVAC INSTALLATION AT EASTGATE MALL
Complex HVAC projects often involve a large number of other contractors that RACA Journal rarely features . This article looks at the interaction between general contractor and HVAC contractors .
Working in a live trading environment at Eastgate
Shopping Centre in Bedfordview , Johannesburg , leading black-owned contractor Concor is enabling an important upgrade of the centre ’ s heating , ventilation and air conditioning ( HVAC ) facilities . The project includes strengthening the roof top base to carry these heavy units , while ensuring the highest levels of safety .
To allow Eastgate Shopping Centre in Gauteng to upgrade its heating , ventilation and air conditioning ( HVAC ) facilities for greater energy and water efficiency , Concor is carefully strengthening the structure on which the heavy new chillers will rest .
Concor Contract Manager Martin Muller explains that the HVAC system is located on top of a building on the centre ’ s roof parking area , in which tenants are active – and who need to continue trading during the renovation . Aside from the technical elements of the contract , clear and ongoing communication with the client and the tenants is a crucial aspect of success .
“ The construction work includes the demolition of an existing roof , walls and slab above tenants ,” says Muller . “ The structure will then be strengthened to ensure it can safely carry the seven 10 tonne HVAC chillers which are to be installed on the roof top building .”
Due to the presence of a tenant running a call centre in the adjacent building , demolition can only take place outside of normal working hours . He highlights the importance of Concor ’ s safety culture in ensuring safe working practices at night .
What is important is for the considerable load of the new installation to be effectively transferred into the centre ’ s existing concrete columns under the roof parking – and hence down into the foundations . This is being done through the construction of interlinking stub columns which will create a grid to support the chillers . These columns are being cast systematically , working in a direction of priority for the HVAC specialists – so they can start their installations on the network of support steelwork and grating that Concor will provide .
The new structure will also include a transformer room , and a perimeter louvre closure around the HVAC area . At about 3.5m high , the louvre will improve the roof top aesthetics by concealing the installation from view . Concor ’ s team and subcontractors receive working-at-height training and work strictly according to safety protocols – especially since the HVAC rooms are 8.5m above ground on one side of the structure and 20m high on the other . Completing the project will be a steel roof , louvres to allow fresh air to cool the installation , access doors and a steel staircase .
Image supplied by Concor
The HVAC facilities at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Gauteng are being upgraded to ensure greater energy and water efficiency .
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RACA Journal I February 2024 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za