INTRODUCTION
IN 2012 Borecut were approached by International construction company Odebrecht (Brazil) to assist with the alteration of the port of Beira Key number 8. Odebrecht’s client (Vale) international resource giant (Brazil) needed this key cut back to allow freight ships to dock closer to their newly constructed rail system connecting their coal mines in Tete (Northern Mozambique) to the port (Key number 8) This involved cutting back the dock platform resting on piles embedded on the ocean floor. The cutting activity from Borecut involved cutting the slab and the load bearing beams to create a void on the platform. The use of diamond wire sawing seemed the quickest and safest method, as working and operating other cutting machines such as a floor saw too close to the edge of the platform would have proven to dangerous. Using a diamond wire saw ensured the operation to be safe and viable.
CUTTING THE BEAMS…
THE first activity, to remove the beams which each measured 1.8 meters x 800mm. These beams were cast with prestressed cables for strength. To ensure the cutting method complied with the national environmental act, BorecuSt needed to make sure no debri or Beam fell into the ocean. Each beam was slung with 2 slings and lifted away using a crane, proving this method successful.
WIRE SAWING EACH SECTION…
ADDITIONAL prestressed cables were installed externally which meant cutting them first by means of diamond wire. This concrete was cast in 1962 and being subjected to water for all those years, caused this concrete to harden above 50mpa. Special diamond wire was used for this application ensuring the cutting time to meet the clients deadline and proving to be safe and quick.
WIRE SAWING EACH SECTION
A total of 800 square meters by 400mm.deep slab was removed and a total of 60 beams removed to create a closer docking station for freight ships to load coal from the newly constructed rail system. BORECUT strongly adheres to health and safety on site, ensuring there are zero incidents on any site occupied. providing all possible safety mechanisms put in place, meant that wearing full PPE including a life vest and a safety line ensured that there were zero risks of a near miss. Since proving that Borecut can assist in any application in the cutting industry, Odebrecht have since been in contact with Borecut regarding future remedial works in the rehabilitation of Mozambique and its future construction plans.
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