The group has strong vertical integration with in-house crushing and concrete work operations to support its roadwork activities. H&I Engineering is established as one of the leading independent contractors operating throughout South Africa and has recently expanded market focus to include certain Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.
Road Upgrade: R61 Baziya to Mthatha
In recent years, the R61 Corridor has experienced a substantial increase in traffic volume, which has significantly impeded access to Mthatha Airport in the Eastern Cape. The upgrade of the R61 Corridor will assist in improving traffic flow and access to the airport. Numerous intersections have already been upgraded to improve traffic flow and ease turning into and out of the R61. Some access road intersections have also been re-gravelled or surfaced.
The R61 Corridor plays a key role in helping move people and freight around the region and beyond. An investment of R18,9-million from the project helped create about 160-200 job opportunities for local skilled and semi-skilled workers during the construction phase. Skills development and other training opportunities have been offered to those working on site.
The R61 will now be a vital link and catalyst for the development of the Wild Coast Special Economic Zone – which aims to create new jobs and stimulate industrial development in the Eastern Cape.
Challenges encountered
During the road upgrade project, several challenges emerged that could have impacted the efficiency and effectiveness of the grading work. One of the primary issues was the excessive banks on the road (hyper elevations), especially where curved sections met straight stretches. This made it extremely difficult to maintain a consistent level while operating the grader.
The previous system struggled to cut to design level and had a wave effect, forcing operators to use the grader machine in first gear. This significantly reduced operational speed, leading to several inefficiencies.
Furthermore, critical parts, such as the hydraulic system, experienced accelerated wear and frequent leakages, which increased maintenance costs.
H&I Engineering was looking for a more advanced and reliable solution to ensure consistent grading levels, reduce operational inefficiencies and minimise equipment wear. The introduction of the Leica iCON grade iGG3 Dual GNSS Grader solution addressed these specific issues, providing a high-precision, durable and user-friendly system to enhance the overall efficiency and accuracy of the grading work.
Why Leica Geosystems?
The system underwent a trial period for three months on one of H&I Engineering’s graders, rigorously tested during a contract for the Western Cape Government. Initially, the contractor used another solution, but the Leica Geosystems team proposed a trial for a solution supported by dedicated technical specialists.
The outcome exceeded expectations, revealing a streamlined solution that significantly enhanced on-site productivity and seamlessly unified design data. This integration maintained margin gains and drove profits effectively for H&I Engineering. Mr Scott of H&I Engineering notes that Leica Geosystems’ all-in-one machine control platform provided “a unique, intelligent and intuitive combination of hardware and software tailored precisely to project requirements”.
Findings during the project
Consistency in final product quality: The Leica Geosystems solution demonstrated a significantly higher level of consistency in the quality of the road than the previous system. The improvement ensured that each section met the required standards with minimal variation.
“The Leica Geosystems solution improved consistency, reduced operational errors and provided a seamless workflow for our projects,” says Scott.
User-friendliness: The Leica iCON iGG3 solution was notably more user-friendly compared to other systems. Its user-centric design facilitated easier operation, reducing the learning curve for new users and minimising the likelihood of operational errors. Enhanced user-friendliness also contributed to higher efficiency and productivity among the staff.
Durability: The durability of the Leica iCON iGG3 solution was superior, withstanding extensive use and harsh operational conditions without significant wear or frequent maintenance. This durability translated to reduced downtime, lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan for the equipment, providing a better return on investment.
Seamless integration: Seamless data transfer between the office and machines, via Leica ConX, provided remote communication, better fleet management, and earthmoving productivity analysis. This improved connectivity ensures that all project stakeholders are now working with the latest design data.
Future outlook
Since the success of the R61 Corridor project, H&I Engineering has invested in three more Leica iCON iGG3 solutions. Additionally, the company has acquired more Leica survey equipment, including total stations and GPS systems.
“Our investment in Leica Geosystems solution ensures we continue delivering high-quality, efficient and precise road construction solutions,” adds Scott.
The Leica iCON iGG3 grading system has greatly improved the way H&I Engineering handles dirt movement and fine grading. By bringing 3D design surfaces inside the cab, operators can work independently and accurately anywhere on the project, guided by a GNSS system or a robotic total station.
H&I Engineering’s forward-looking approach by investing in advanced machine control reflects the company’s dedication to driving progress and setting new benchmarks for excellence in the engineering and construction sector.
