Ensuring the right aggregate for specific applications is key to successful projects, says construction materials supplier AfriSam.

“The value of the right aggregate for the task cannot be overstated, as it affects all aspects of project success – from safety and longevity to cost-effectiveness and reputational risk,” says AfriSam GM sales and product technical Amit Dawneerangen.

The company notes that its product technical department ensures that all facilities and products comply with the necessary standards and quality specifications. Standard quality control testing is conducted regularly on each aggregate stockpile at every operation, and annual testing is also conducted by independent SANAS-accredited laboratories.

“This is all vital to assuring the customer that our aggregate helps them to meet the design engineer’s specifications for their contract,” says Dawneerangen. “Without these quality systems and processes, the construction value chain can be compromised and cause various negative impacts for stakeholders down the line.”

AfriSam GM construction materials operation aggregates Glenn Johnson highlights that ongoing planning and investment ensures that the company’s quarry reserves are in place for future sustainability.

“There can be no quality aggregate supplied if there are not well-planned and compliant quarries to mine,” he says. “We have therefore invested extensively in finding, licensing and establishing quarries with suitable geology and mineralogy; of course, these must also be close to markets – hence our wide national footprint.”

The company can provide consulting engineers and contractors for specific project requirements, meeting the demands of Committee of Transport Officials and South African National Standards specifications.

“By applying the ISO 9001-2015 standards framework internally, and by applying our various quality systems at all our operations, we give customers peace of mind in terms of compliance and best practice,” says AfriSam regional sales manager Shaughn Smit. “We can provide this regardless of whether the aggregate application is in road building, readymix, concrete product manufacturing or asphalt production.”

Dawneerangen says AfriSam’s depth of expertise and experience has made it a valuable partner to the consulting engineering sector, as it shares its knowledge and insights on the application of aggregate.