Brown Engineering Group, a prominent player in Zimbabwe’s construction landscape since the 1970s, is proud of a legacy rooted in its commitment to manufacturing innovative, high-quality products and providing exceptional after-sales service. With a well-established reputation and a strong regional presence in Southern Africa, the group has become a trusted name in the industry.
The Rank Wholesalers Warehouse
Brown Engineering Group is once again demonstrating its engineering prowess through the construction of the Rank Wholesalers warehouse in the Southerton Industrial Area. This new facility, strategically located along Hobbs Road off Simon Mazorodze Road, is not only a prime example of successful industrial property development but also a significant addition to Harare’s evolving skyline.
The Southerton industrial hub is currently undergoing a revitalization as major industrial players consolidate and upgrade their operations. The establishment of a warehouse by Rank Wholesalers, a leading stationery manufacturer and retailer, further solidifies Southerton’s position as a thriving industrial center.
Progress and highlights
Construction of the Rank Wholesalers warehouse commenced in June, starting with the foundation work. The project is scheduled to be completed by November 1, 2024, allowing the owner to lease the facility to tenants thereafter.
The warehouse shed occupies an area of 5,651 square meters and comprises six units. The actual floor area measures 4 by 450 square meters.
To ensure a stable foundation, reinforced concrete was used. The building features a specialized foundation with reinforced bases and ground beams. To address the challenges posed by the waterlogged site, flood channels were implemented, and ground beams of varying depths were employed.
The steel framework for the warehouse was prefabricated off-site by Brown Engineering and then assembled on the construction site. This process involved lifting and connecting steel beams, columns, and trusses using cranes and specialized equipment. Brown Engineering also fabricated and installed the frames and structural joints. The steel structure offers exceptional strength, durability, and a wide span capability.
Once the steel framework was in place, brick walls were constructed using mortar and reinforced steel bars. These walls are load-bearing, supporting the roof and other structural elements.
Throughout the construction process, Brown Engineering implemented stringent safety measures to protect workers and prevent accidents. As a matter of adherence, the warehouse is also being built in compliance with building codes and regulations to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Brown Engineering Group’s reputation for delivering high-quality projects within tight deadlines is well-deserved. The company’s expertise and capabilities enable it to efficiently and cost-effectively complete projects of any scale.
A closer look at the construction process
During a visit to the construction site by the Structure and Design Magazine team, roofing work had been completed. The installation of trusses, a critical component of the warehouse’s structural framework, was carried out by Brown Engineering. The trusses were expertly fabricated and installed by the local manufacturing company (Brown Engineering), ensuring precise positioning and securement.
Brown Engineering’s steelworks involved pouring a concrete blinding layer to create a solid foundation for the structural steel. This foundation steel is strategically placed to evenly distribute structural loads to the ground.
The team then proceeded to install steel reinforcement for the basements, including stutter piles for the step columns that support the upper structural steel. Concrete bases were poured, and the step columns were meticulously prepared to ensure the building’s structural integrity.
The structural steel components were prefabricated at Brown Engineering and transported to the site for installation. Bolts were set in place to secure the prefabricated steel, requiring precise linear and diagonal measurements to the millimeter. This meticulous attention to detail is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the entire building.
Brown Engineering’s involvement in the Rank Wholesalers warehouse project further solidifies its position as a leading engineering firm in Zimbabwe. The company’s commitment to quality, efficiency, and safety is evident in every aspect of the construction process. As the project nears completion, the Rank Wholesalers warehouse is set to become a landmark in Southerton industrial area’s landscape.
From: S&D ISSUE 69
