In a groundbreaking upgrade of the N3 highway, AfriSam’s high quality readymix concrete together with the innovative construction methods used by Rumdel Construction set a new standard in South African road building.
Announced as the winner in the Civil Engineering Contractors category in Construction World’s Best Projects 2024, the entry also secured a Highly Commended in the Specialist Contractors or Suppliers Award, and a Highly Commended in the AfriSam Innovation Award got Sustainable Construction.
The 4,6-km project between Ashburton and Lynnfield Park highlights the critical role AfriSam’s high quality construction materials played in delivering a durable future-ready infrastructure solution, setting new standards in road building for South Africa.
A cornerstone of the project was the use of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology on a large scale, coupled with labour-enhanced methods to bolster local employment. AfriSam’s ability to supply over 50 000 m³ of readymix concrete from its Umlaas Road batching plant near Pietermaritzburg proved instrumental in achieving the project’s ambitious quality and durability goals. The concrete mix was specifically designed to meet stringent standards, ensuring the road’s resilience and longevity under the new Committee of Transport Officials (COTO) specifications.
This upgrade from jointed concrete pavement (JCP) to CRCP required not only a complete overhaul of existing structures but also the highest levels of material reliability and performance. AfriSam delivered on this need with consistency, ensuring each batch met rigorous standards for compressive and flexural strength. The readymix contained AfriSam’s 42.5R composite cement, which also adheres to the project’s environmental targets by integrating recycled content and optimising water usage. AfriSam’s commitment to sustainability was further evident in its recycling of on-site concrete, used as an interlayer beneath the CRCP, minimising material waste and reducing the environmental footprint.
In addition to high quality materials, AfriSam implemented extensive quality control measures. These included the use of chilled water for concrete mixing during high ambient temperatures, ensuring that the material retained its workability and strength. AfriSam’s early-warning testing system provided continuous monitoring, reinforcing the company’s dedication to quality and risk management.
The project also brought substantial social benefits to the community. By incorporating labour-intensive methods in the CRCP placement, the project provided employment for over 680 local workers, with five subcontractors dedicated to the CRCP work alone.
The N3 highway project stands as a testament to how quality construction materials, combined with community-focused practices, can achieve outstanding results. Through AfriSam’s leading-edge readymix solutions and sustainable practices, the project serves as a model for South Africa’s road infrastructure development, balancing technical excellence with environmental and social responsibility.
