Western Cape Regional Report Back
Western Cape Regional Report Back
The Department of Education is redeveloping numerous schools in the Western Cape and while the geotechnical investigations are not complex they have revealed a redevelopment idea that is relatively novel. In many cases the buildings are so old and run down, and often they are precast buildings that are essentially rotting, that the schools need to be rebuilt. Rather than demolish the buildings and then start redevelopment they approach is to build new structures in vacant areas of the school grounds. Many investigations have therefore been on the sports fields and play grounds, resulting in some strange layer works being discovered. In some cases, existing foundation investigations were also performed to add additional levels to existing buildings that are, structurally, still sound. Once new buildings have been constructed the plan is to demolish the old buildings and develop new sports grounds in those areas. Overall this development approach optimizes the use of the existing buildings without disrupting classes. Some good work by the department’s architectural team!
In the city a recent investigation for a large building basement revealed a 3.5m thick layer of concrete at a depth of approximately 9m below surface. Further studies have been requested to identify the nature and extent of the structure but it appears to be a relic of an old industrial facility once on that site. On this same site a borehole has been sunk to depths well below the basement level and tested as a water supply borehole. This is due to a now common water-wise way of thinking where developers are concerned with the supply of water for drinking, domestic waste and cooling systems. If successful the borehole, which will be within the basement footprint, will supply water to the building and assist in dewatering the basement. The borehole pump testing caused some potentially negative social media trouble when a self-proclaimed water warrior snapped a photo of the water, quality unknown at that stage, being discharged to a storm-water drain and posted it on an online platform with a question on the suitability of the “wasteful” activity. Fortunately, some educated people commented on the actual wisdom behind the borehole testing and long-term savings that the borehole will, hopefully, generate.
