Architectural, Building and Construction

Construction is the fastest growing sector of the South African economy. The industry is expected to double in size over the next six to seven years, presenting healthy opportunities for stainless steel. Redevelopment of former townships is on a similar growth curve.

The use of stainless in construction is increasing rapidly due to the material's properties, including aesthetics, durability, corrosion resistance, ease of maintenance and fire resistance. If appropriate grades and finishes are selected, there should be no need to replace stainless steel, even if a building's life spans hundreds of years.

When total life cycle costs are considered, stainless steel is often the least expensive material option available for architects, designers and quantity surveyors.

Maintenance costs are low, it is easily fabricated and its mechanical properties allow thinner sections to be used, reducing weight without compromising strength.

Stainless Steel is also used increasingly as a structural material in construction. Stainless anchors and fasteners help ensure that stone, masonry, slate and tiles reach their full service life potential. It is also used in remedial repairs of existing building stock.

The most versatile and common grades of stainless steel used in the Architectural, Building and Construction Sector (ABC) sector are the austenitic 300 series; types 304, 304L, 316 and 316L.

Aside from designed fabrications, Sassda's ABC sector represents thinner gauge fabricators who produce items such as balustrades, cladding for lifts, columns and buildings, light fittings, hinges, screws, nuts, bolts and countertops, among others.

The sector's primary role is to introduce Sassda members and their products to industry participants such as architects, quanitity surveyors, interior designers, property developers, parastatal bodies and students.

The industry provides products and services on a par with the best available. Sassda has initiated a competence evaluation programme as a means of aligning its members with best practices, and thereby reducing the risks involved in using non-certified fabricators.

Surface Finishes

The ABC Sector assists specifiers and end users in the correct selection of surface finishes and in critical areas such as post fabrication and installation treatments, handling, storage, cover protection, cleaning and maintenance.

Resource Centre

To gain information about stainless steel and the activities of Sassda members, Sassda offers the use of its Resource Centre to architects, quantity surveyors, designers and decorators as well as Sassda members.

The Resouce Centre houses a wealth of topical and up-to-date marketing and technical information from around the world, as well as world class products from local fabricators.

The Resource Centre opened its doors in April 2007, with the aim of promoting local stainless steel products to specifiers and other industry parties wishing to source information about stainless steel.

It is equipped with the latest reference materials, manuals, trade journals and other relevant publications - all focused on stainless steel. Along with written material, it also features display boards of members' products and promotional material for products and services offered.

The centre's computer is also loaded with the latest presentations which can be viewed, or downloaded.

The Resource Centre is considered to be a valuable asset insofar as dispelling the many misconceptions about the specification and fabrication of stainless steel products.

Individuals and companies such as project houses, architects, quantity surveyors, designers, students, property developers, DIY enthusiasts or engineers who are interested in learning about stainless steel are invited to spend time in the Resource Centre.

No appointment needs to be made, and interested parties are welcome to visit and browse the Resource Centre's offerings from Monday to Friday during office hours 08h30 - 16h30. Should commercial advice or technical information be required an appointment should be made.

For further information please contact Sassda on (011) 883 0119

Architectural Presentations
Amendments to Legislations
Possibilities in Eastern and Southern Africa from IDC
Preamble for Architects
Stainless Steel In Architecture
Street Furniture

For more information please contact General Enquiries or call (011) 883 0119