University building upgrade

Citi-Con was appointed by the Department of Architecture of the University of Pretoria to upgrade the roof of the iconic Boukunde building.

The repairs were completed to a very high specification to ensure that the roof was also ready to receive photovoltaic solar panels.

Working to a very tight deadline to minimise disruption on campus, the project was completed in only six weeks. However, undertaking these extensive repairs in an operational site posed its own unique challenges. Citi-Con had to ensure that it maintained the highest possible health and safety standards throughout the entire duration of the project.

The project entailed overhauling 3 900m² of roofing that had deteriorated over time. Citi-Con first removed the Masonite board and insulation that covered the concrete roof structure and then hoisted it down one side of the building for removal.

Rope access systems provided Citi-Con’s team of skilled and experienced workers with quick, efficient, safe and cost-effective entry to the working area. It is also a significantly less intrusive means of undertaking repairs in an operational area. These systems were also used by the company’s team when re-insulating and then covering the concrete roof with new Masonite boards. They were then waterproofed and sealed, and all roof expansion joints repaired.

Citi-Con also supervised the hoisting of a large water tank to the top of the three-storey building for installation by another contractor. This was one of the more complex undertakings on what can be described as a straightforward project for a specialist contractor.

The work scope also included coating one side of the building to protect it against the elements. A total of 800m² was covered on this aspect of the project.