Steel Construction Journal readers
SAISC FEATURE
Some of our standout projects of those years included those multi-storey steel framed buildings the tallest of which was 29 storeys , the heavy engineering machines such as stacker-reclaimers , ship to shore container handling cranes , work on the aluminium smelter projects , work on the Richards Bay Minerals project , the cold rolling building at Columbus stainless steel which was about ½ a kilometre long . The most complicated by way of geometry bc ( before computerized 3D packages could deal with that complexity ) was the North end of the International Convention Centre in Durban .
My favourite project of all the years I was in construction was the 3 triangular nodes that we added to international departures at the then Johannesburg International Airport ( now OR Tambo ). These 200 tonne structures were assembled about 1 kilometre away from the current positions and towed onto site starting at 10.00pm .
A close second comes the work we did erecting the Saldanha steel continuous casting project where at times we had over 300 people on site .
Yes they were exciting times that I look back on with pride . It gives me a great kick to see some of our projects years after their completion , whether for the first time or one of many visits . Right around the corner from us in Jan Smuts Avenue is a bridge that Speedy erected one Good Friday morning .
In 2001 I came to the conclusion that life had to be worth more than 7 days and 5 nights a week working for a contractor . I left Girder Naco and joined a smaller contractor for a relatively short time , but it did not work for them or me . At about this time ( September 2001 ) I attended a breakfast gathering and found myself sitting next to and chatting to a lady I had not previously ( nor subsequently ) met . After a while she asked me for my business card and as soon as she realised I was a Professional Engineer ( registered in
Some farewell messages from our
Steel Construction Journal readers
Spencer has had a such a tremendous personal and professional impact on so many people . Here is a small selection of some of the messages sent in by Steel Construction Journal readers . Rest assured that all messages sent in will be passed on to Spencer , but for the sake of space , not all have been published here .
“ Spencer , since we first met as fellow GDE students in late 1970 ’ s you have been the first person that I have phoned to discuss or ask your advice relating to construct-ability of steel buildings . Your practical experience from the Speedy Welder days and your work with SAISC has given you deep insight and knowledge which you have always been happy to share with others – a rare attribute !! Your contribution to the engineering profession in South Africa through informative notes and lectures as well as at SAICE functions is legendary . Hopefully you will continue to take an interest in your passion for many years to come .” – Don Midgely , RMCE
“ It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you , your wealth of knowledge and the way that you have been willing to share it with all is to be highly commended , we wish you good health and happiness in the years ahead . You will be deeply missed .” – Tim Tasioulas , TASS Engineering
“ Thank you for your response to numerous questions over the years , for your overall contribution to the industry and in particular the SAISC initiated conferences and courses .” – Peter Gage , Jones & Wagener
“ Spencer is a double legend – both academically and practical .” – Anton van Dyk , Nako Group
“ Thank you very much for the practical advice you could give off the cuff ; it is wonderful to be able to trust advice unreservedly . Your retirement is the loss of the steel industry . Hope you will keep on writing technical articles for publication in the steel magazine .” – Dawie Malan
“ Sir you were and always will be a leader ( I know you will not sit back now )” – Leon Cotzee , TWProfile
“ Without doubt Spencer ’ s contribution to the education and training of structural steel designers will be missed . I look forward to continuing our friendship beyond steelwork !” – Rob Young , Young & Satharia
“ Thanks for everything Spencer , you are a legend in the structural engineering industry . I have appreciated your helpfulness and in depth knowledge and understanding of the industry . There are many young engineers who indeed owe you a debt . I suspect we have not seen the last of you .” – Bruce Saxby , BSi Steel
“ Your energy , wit , support , brilliance and tireless energy will be sorely missed in and out of our Association Board meetings . Wishing you a well-deserved rest in your retirement and enjoy smelling the roses and quaffing a glass or two of wine ! Best wishes .” – Dodds Pringle , ISF
“ Whether it was from behind your desk doing an article , a speaker at a course or teaching , you have done it to serve the industry and more importantly to serve the people of the industry by developing us .” – Roelf Lizemore , SAISC School of Draughting
“ Hard work , dedication and a positive attitude . Just some of the qualities you have shared with us each and every day . We are sad to see you go but you leave our industry in a better place thanks to your contribution .” – Ben Garrad , CEA
“ Whenever I needed to discuss a steel related issue Spencer would always be a great sound board and often gave an alternative view that was compelling . Thanks , dankie mille , grazie . I salute you as a man of steel !!!!” – Franco Mordini , ASTPM
“ A great mentor and friend ! I ’ d miss him except for the fact that I intend to keep him close .” – Amanuel Gebremeskel , SAISC
“ To have you as one ’ s colleague is to be empowered in the knowledge that one will always have able , loyal support .” – Hennie de Clerq , former SAISC CEO
“ Thank you for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for steel . The SAISC , its sub-associations and members are grateful for all the support they have received from you . We wish you a happy retirement and hope that you will stay close to us .“ – Paolo Trinchero , SAISC CEO
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