Iem Journal 2011

THE JOURNAL OF THE
INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS
September 2011
THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS
Chief Editor: Dr D K Hurreeram Note from the Editors No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of information contained in the text, illustrations or advertisements. The opinions expressed in the articles are not necessarily those of the Editors or the publisher. Distributed free of charge to IEM members and available at Rs 200 to non-members. Front cover photograph: MCB Ebene Photovoltaic Courtesy: Mauritius Commercial Bank Ltd
Printed by: Cathay Printing Ltd. ISBN: 978-99949-32-67-2
CONTENTS
page Editorial Note - Dr Dinesh Kumar Hurreeram Use of Biomass from Municipal Solid Waste as a Source of Renewable Energy in Mauritius - Avinash Susty and Santaram Venkannah MAURICE ILE DURABLE - Nadia Daby Seesaram The LEED Process for the University of Mauritius Hall of Residence Dr Mahendra Gooroochurn
2 11
21
Post-tensioned Coffered Slab at Bagatelle Mall & Hotel - Moustaquim M Lalloo 24 Salient Features of the FIDIC 1999 Conditions of Contract for Construction 29
Changing Trend in Dispute Resolution in the Construction Industry: Dispute Adjudication Boards - Kailash Dabeesingh 35 Safety and Health in the Construction Industry - Claude Wong So Safety in the Construction Industry: Mauritian Perspective - H V Jadav Long-span Bridges in the World : General Review - Juhani VIROLA Addressing Finishing problems in Building Construction - Karl Dulaurent Views on Engineering Education for Developing Mauritius - K Bhujun Implications of Adopting Eurocode 7 for Geotechnical Design - A. Chan Chim Yuk 37 44 50 54 57
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THE THE JOURNAL JOURNAL OF THE OF THE INSTITUTION INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS MAURITIUS - 2011
Editorial Note
ngineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying , social, and practical knowledge, in order to and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and that safely realize improvements to the lives of people (Wikipedia). Another definition of the word is the creative application of scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, apparatus, or manufacturing processes, or works utilizing them singly or in combination; or to construct or operate the same with full cognizance of their design; or to forecast their behavior under specific operating conditions; all as respects an intended function, economics of operation and safety to life and property (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, US). Based on the above universally accepted definitions of the word, engineering curricula in universities around the world lay heavy emphasis on the design and build competencies of students. These competencies have also been the main pre-requisites for engineers to achieve professional status. So far, the use of the definition in its limited sense has been the norm and has well served the profession.
Professional Development (CPD) programmes for the benefit of the engineering community for building competencies in value analysis, safe practices and design for sustainability. Moreover, as Mauritius embarks on the ambitious government programme of creating more space for tertiary institutions, in engineering among others, it is vital to ensure that the engineering programmes offered by these institutions are aligned to the new norms. A good start would be accreditation of the programmes in line with the provisions of the Washington Accord, in contrast to the current system of accreditation. The papers presented in this issue specifically bring to light the experience of practicing engineers in the areas of sustainability, safety, good engineering practice and recent developments in the field. The issues raised are pertinent and confirm the need for a review of our engineering curriculum as presented above. We are thankful to the authors for their valuable contributions. We are glad that the IEM Journal has made its way as a professional publication for the engineering community. We hope it will continue to inspire our colleagues in the profession to share their experience with the rest of the world. To end, as we continue to provide the IEM Journal free of charge to IEM members, we wish to put on record our gratitude to the sponsors for their support. Dr Dinesh Kumar Hurreeram
The other required competencies of those who practice engineering namely ensuring economic value, safety and more recently sustainability (not specifically mentioned in the definitions) have unfortunately not been sufficiently addressed in engineering curricula. The engineering profession today calls for these competences as mandatory requirements of practicing engineers. Universities in the developed world namely those forming part of the Washington Accord have already reviewed their curriculum to address the past shortcomings. We expect our local institutions to follow suit. The above also calls upon the Institution of Engineers (Mauritius) to run Continuous
1 1
Use of Biomass from Municipal Solid Waste as a Source of Renewable Energy in Mauritius
Avinash Susty1 and Santaram Venkannah2*
2
Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius Associate Professor, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius *Corresponding Author: sv@uom.ac.mu
Abstract Anaerobic Digestion (AD) is an integrated approach that can be considered to solve three environmental concerns in Mauritius: renewable energy, waste management and global warming. AD uses organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) to produce bio-methane gas which can be used in a cogeneration unit to generate electricity and useful thermal energy. Simultaneously, AD will help to minimize the amount of waste disposed at the landfilling station at Mare-Chicose and will contribute to decrease the amount of methane gas emitted by the landfill. Methane gas is a greenhouse gas (GHG) which is 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2). The 2 main products of AD are the biogas and a semi-solid, known as the digestate. The latter can be treated aerobically at a temperature of 55 C to produce compost, which is a natural fertilizer, used for soil amendment. An anaerobic digester based on the Dranco technology, treating 100,000 tons of OFMSW annually, is considered. The AD facility is expected to produce 32 GWh of electricity yearly. 25% of the electrical power would be used on-site and the remaining 75% (24 GWh) would be sold on the local grid. The electricity generated by this facility will be able to supply 10,000 houses with electricity and is expected to produce 40.3 GWh of useful thermal energy. The facility would improve the local environmental conditions by generating electricity from a renewable source. The compost can be sold to cut down the imports on chemical fertilizers. This report shows that generation and sale of electricity to the local grid only will not be economically feasible. The project would be economically viable provided it is considered holistically. Keywords: Municipal Solid Waste, Bio Fuel, Anaerobic Digestion
1. Introduction
Energy is an essential aspect to the economic development of any country in the world and will continue to be an invaluable vector which will affect the economic and environmental sustainability (Republic of Mauritius, 2010). The depletion of fossil fuel reserves has prompted many countries to consider alternative renewable energy supplies for their survival. Mauritius imported 81% of the total energy required (Republic of Mauritius, 2010) in 2009 and the remaining 19% came from renewable resources, namely bagasse and hydro. Figure 1 shows the primary energy requirement in the past 10 years.
Figure 1: Primary energy requirement (CSO, 2009)
The rapid economic growth in Mauritius has caused an increase in the annual waste disposed in Mauritius reaching 1149 tons daily for a total population of 1.28 million in 2009. The number of tourists visiting the island reached 800, 000 in the same year. With the Governments vision of the achieving a target of 2 million tourists by 2015, the waste disposal is expected to increase even more. Being dependent on the tourism industry to maintain the economic growth, it is imperative that
everybody in Mauritius aims at protecting the environment and sustainable development. Waste disposal causes environmental and health problems. Landfills emit a liquid substrate, known as leachate, which pollutes nearby lakes and rivers (Peter Kjeldsen et al, 2002). Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is another pollutant which is emitted from landfills. It is responsible for the putrescible odour around landfills and affects the quality of the air (Electrigaz Technologies Inc, 2008). Landfills are also responsible for various health and social concerns. In 2008, the population living close to the landfill (Mare Chicose) has been relocated 20 km away from the Mare-Chicose (LExpress, 2011). On burning coal or other fossil fuels to generate electricity, carbon dioxide (CO2) which is the main source of greenhouse gas (GHG) in Mauritius, is emitted to the atmosphere and contributes to Global Warming. The latter, in turn, is hugely responsible for the climate change. Methane gas, generated from landfills, is a GHG which is 30 times more potent than CO2 (Electrigaz Technologies Inc, 2008). The higher the amount of waste disposed of in landfills, the greater is the methane emission. In 2007, the concept of Maurice Ile Durable (MID) was proposed by Pr. Joel de Rosnay. One of the objectives of MID was to cut down the dependence on fossil fuels and invest more on renewable resources. The aim of this concept is to achieve 65% of the total energy mix by renewable energy by 2028 (Republic of Mauritius, 2010). Various projects have been mentioned but due to other concerns and most importantly cost, these have not materialized up to now. This report deals with the feasibility study of setting up a waste processing plant to generate bio methane and compost. The benefits of such a plant to country will be; Production of methane to generate Reduction of waste disposed of in landfills Reduction of GHG emitted to the atmosphere Production of compost
2. Characteristics of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), commonly known as trash or garbage, includes all solid wastes that are generated from residential, industrial, institutional and commercial establishments. In 2009, about 420, 000 tons of solid wastes were disposed at the landfill station of Mare-Chicose (Republic of Mauritius, 2010). The latter has generated 10, 900 and 35, 600 tons of methane in 2007 and 2008 respectively. Since 1997, the methane gas emitted from the landfill station was vented out through reticulation pipes and was not used for energy generation (Republic of Mauritius, 2010). The composition of the MSW is shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Characterization of MSW (Romeela Mohee, 2002)
Each material has different natural moisture content (MC) and yields different amount of biogas through anaerobic digestion (RIS International Ltd, 2005).The volume of biogas generated by each material depends on the percentage of volatile solids (VS) present in each type of waste product. The VS fraction refers to the biodegradability of the solid content of each material, and varies from one waste product to the other (RIS International Ltd, 2005). From Figure 2, it is shown that yard and kitchen waste, which are organic, account for 70% of the waste stream. The MC of MSW in Mauritius is around 48% to 60% and the calorific value of the mixed wastes around 18 800 kJ/kg on a dry weight basis (Romeela Mohee, 2002). 10% of the total MSW in Mauritius is paper and the most probable treatment of paper waste is recycling. However, paper is a source of high amount of cellulose which has a relatively high digestibility since the manufacturing process removes a significant amount of lignin present in the initial wood (Humboldt Waste Management Authority, 2010). The more lignin present to
protect the cellulose from bacterial action, the less cellulose will be available for digestion (Humboldt Waste Management Authority, 2010). Wastes, with high moisture content, break down very rapidly to form toxic slurry known as leachate (Humboldt Waste Management Authority, 2010). The latter is a mixture of four groups of pollutants, namely dissolved organic matter, inorganic macro components, heavy metals and xenobiotic organic compounds. Excess rainfalls wash away the leachate which flows to nearby rivers and pollutes underground water, and surface water (Peter Kjeldsen et al, 2002). Biogas from organic fraction of municipal solid waste can be obtained by various industrial methods. A dry single-stage anaerobic digester, a Dranco process, treating 100,000 tons of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW), will be analyzed on a large scale basis.
oxygen to produce primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). AD occurs naturally in places where there is low-oxygen concentration such as marshes, wetlands, and landfills (California Integrated Waste Management Board, 2008). AD consists of four main steps, namely hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis and methanogenesis which are illustrated in Figure 3.
3. Anaerobic Digestion Process

AD technologies are being considered in many regions around the world. For instant, by the end of 2010, about 200 plants are expected to be operational in European countries and they should able to treat about 6 million tons/year of MSW and source separated bio-waste (Anaerobic Digestion of MSW In Europe, 2010). There are several ways to design an AD system. One of the main factors that must be first considered before designing a digester is the amount of waste to be digested. Although all microbial decompositions process in the same way, each plant is unique and should be designed according to its own input and economical parameters. AD process can be classified into three categories: single stage, multi-stage and batch. Taking into account the water content of waste to be treated, fermentation can be further categorized into dry and wet. Anaerobic digestion (AD) involves a series of processes to break down biodegradable organic materials by bacterial decomposition in the absence of oxygen. The reactions take place in an air-tight sealed cylindrical tank, known as an anaerobic digester. The latter provide an optimum environment for the microbial decomposition. The anaerobic microorganisms degrade the organic matter in the absence of
Figure 3: Flowchart of the four anaerobic stages (California Integrated Waste Management Board, 2008)
3.1 Products
The end products of Anaerobic Digestion (AD) of MSW are mainly biogas and digestate. The biogas predominately consists of bio-methane and carbon dioxide gas whereas the digestate is a humus-like semi solid material. The ratio of methane to carbon dioxide and the nature of the digestate depend on the feedstock used in the anaerobic digestion process (Karen Ostrem, 2004). The percentage of methane in the biogas is in the range 50-70% and depends on the substrate used in the process. It contains some traces of other gases, such as hydrogen sulphide and ammonia. Before it is used in boilers or in cogeneration plants as fuel, methane is cleaned by a process, known as Biogas to Biomethane, which removes impurities such as carbon dioxide, siloxanes and hydrogen sulphides (Electrigaz Technologies Inc, 2008). The digestate is a thick residual sludge with moisture content of about 80%. It has an
unpleasant smell due to the presence of hydrogen sulphides. To ensure pathogens destruction in the digestate, a retention time of at least 15 days is required (Karen Ostrem, 2004). At that time, resulting semi-solid has been degraded and stabilised. For further use of digestate, a process, known as curing, must be carried out in order to produce high quality compost. The latter is obtained from dewatering the residual semi-solid followed by the aerobic post-treatment. The solid obtained can be used fertilizers in agricultural lands as it contains ammonia which is a rich nutrient suitable for the fertility of the soil (Karen Ostrem, 2004). The liquid obtained from dewatering can, in turn, be recycled and used for waste pre-treatment or to adjust the moisture content in the reactor. It can also be used as liquid fertilizers for enrichment of the soil.
be sold on the grid and the surplus of thermal energy can be used to heat the equipment in the facility.
4.1.1 Electrical Power

The CHP plant is estimated to generate 35% (Charles Banks, 2009) of electricity from the total energy obtained from the total energy produced by the methane gas (Charles Banks, 2009). The total energy obtained from methane would be 93.1 GWh per year using a density of 0.717 m /kg and low heating value of 50 MJ/kg. The total electrical power generated by 100 000 tons of OFMSW is therefore 32.6 GWh. The facility will use 25% of the electricity it produces. The remaining is sold on the grid (Karen Ostrem, 2004). The surplus 24 GWh is sufficient to provide 10,000 houses with electricity throughout the year, assuming that on average, each house uses 200 kWh of electricity per month.
4. The Proposed System

The Dranco technology was developed by optimising the digestion process that occurs in landfills. The technology is a single-stage digestion technology that works on high-solids concentration and at thermophilic conditions (50 C -55 C), and can handle more than 40% total solids (Luc De Baere). It uses a retention time of 2 to 3 weeks to digest the OFMSW by a continuous process (Luc De Baere). A Dranco process produces 0.148 m3/kg of biogas which contains 55% of methane on average. The Dranco digestion process will be analysed and discussed by considering the E5 dimensions.
4.1.2 Thermal Energy

The cogeneration plant recuperates 50% of the total energy produced and uses it as thermal energy. The latter is used to heat equipment such as the digester and the composting hall. The reactor consumes a large amount of thermal energy to keep the substrate at a constant temperature of 55C. For this design, it is assumed that 1 ton of substrate occupies 1m3 by volume. 2862 MJ of thermal energy is required to heat 1600 m3 of substrate at a constant temperature 36.9 C for 1 hour (Jacques de Gunzbourg). Hence, amount of thermal energy required to heat 303 tons of fresh OFMSW per day is 5.3 MWh per day (1.78 GWh per year). The overall process produces 173.5 tons of digestate per day (refer to figure 4.0). The latter is aerobically heated at thermophilic temperature of 55C in a closed hall. Energy required heat the digester for 24 hours is 1.02 GWh per year. The mixture of 303 tons of substrate and 606 tons recyclate in the mixing is preheated at a temperature of about 33C and this process requires 3.20 GWh per year. There is an excess of 40.6 GWh per year. It is found that the composting hall and the
4.1 Energy
The Dranco facility is expected to produce 14.8 million m3 of biogas by treating 100,000 tons of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) annually. Based upon the 63.2 % (A. Susty, 2011) methane content obtained experimentally, annual methane production is estimated to be 9,353,600 m3. In this study, a cogeneration plant, also known as Combined Heat Power (CHP) will be considered in order to use methane on a large-scale basis. By using gas engines, the CHP plant will generate both electricity and useful thermal energy for its own consumption. The surplus of electricity can
reactor consume only 12.6% of the thermal energy generated by plant and it is assumed that the heat exchangers consume 13% of the total heat generated (E. Hugot, 1986). The remaining 74.4% can be used as a source of heat to provide air-conditioning of some parts in the facility, such as server rooms, offices and mess room by means of heat pumps. The surplus of heat can also be used for district air-conditioning. However, a high investment cost will be required for piping installations.
Direct cost includes cost of raw materials, labour and equipment. Indirect cost includes administrative salaries, production and distribution cost and inter-plant communication cost (MAX. S. PETERS and KLAUS. D. TIMMERHAUS). Table 1 shows the main costs for the AD plant. The tipping fee, also known as gate fee, is the charge levied per ton of waste being processed by the AD facility. The tipping fee is based on a proposed incinerator project (LExpress, 2011) which has been dropped due to environmental concern. The same tipping fee can be estimated for this project since it is dealing with a waste management program which will reduce the volume of waste in Mauritius.
4.2 Engineering
To achieve the mentioned electrical power and thermal energy, the plant should be equipped with the appropriate engineering equipment. Due to lack of information on the size of individual equipment of an AD facility, the sizing was done by calculating the mass balance of the plant. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the proposed AD facility which specifies the mass balance across the main equipment. The size of the digester is estimated to be 7000 m3. After the production of methane, the latter is stored temporarily in the biogas holder before it is used in the cogeneration plant where the gas is converted into electricity and thermal energy. It is shown by above calculations that the plants generate 32 GWh per year, that is, 4.04 MW per hour. 2 gas engines of 3MWh and 2MWh are needed to generate that amount of electrical power.
Table 1: The Cost and Expected Income
4.3 Economics
Before considering such a project, it is essential to work the cost benefit analysis to determine whether is viable or not. Due to lack of information and details on the individual cost of equipment used in an AD facility which treats 100,000 tons of waste per year, some of the equipment costs are estimated by scaling method (MAX. S. PETERS and KLAUS. D. TIMMERHAUS) and the rest are estimated from existing plants. When designing a plant, 2 main costs, namely direct and indirect costs, must be considered.
The average price of electricity in France is about 0.1215 per kWh (Rs. 5.10 per kWh) (Europes Energy Portal, 2010) and the price of electricity from biogas is estimated at 0.14 per kWh (Rs. 5.88 per kWh) (Christian, Coututrier). The price of electricity in Mauritius is Rs. 5.98 ( 0.142) per kWh. By extrapolation, the price of electricity from biogas can be estimated at Rs. 7.00 ( 0.17). The selling cost of compost is based on the average price of compost sold at different places in Mauritius.
Figure 4: Schematic diagram of the proposed AD plant
4.3.1 Payback Period

The payback period for three different scenarios has been considered and is summarized in Table 2 below. The tipping fee will greatly help in reducing the payback period but in all three cases the system will recover its cost sooner or later.
Scenario Price of electricity/Rs
1 2 3 7.00 ( 0.17) 5.00 ( 0.12) 7.00 ( 0.17) Tipping fee/Rs Payback/Years 1100 ( 26.20) 5.3 1100 ( 26.20) 6.4 0 8.7
carbon dioxide and it contributes largely to Global Warming (Martin Heimann, 2010). All the products of AD have precious end uses and there is no waste produced. The water quality is enhanced when the volume of waste in landfills is reduced. Landfills generate pollutants in the form of chlorinated solids, sulphides and ammonia which dissolves in leachate that can contaminates nearby rivers, lakes and reservoirs (Karen Ostrem, 2004). By adopting an AD facility, this problem will be reduced. The air quality also will be better when the volume of waste is shrunk. Putrescible waste emits a bad smell due to high concentration of hydrogen sulphide which affects people living in the nearby locality The odor emitted by the landfill attracts mosquitoes and rats which are considered as potential disease vectors. The electricity generated by the combustion of methane in the cogeneration plant is considered as green and no net carbon is emitted in the atmosphere. Coal produces 0.0856 kg of CO2 per 1 MJ of energy (Energy kids). Hence, the use of methane instead of coal as fuel to produce electrical and thermal energy would represent an
Table 2: Payback Period for Different Scenario
4.4 Environment
The strongest argument to adopt anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) is that it gives a solution to manage waste and to produce renewable energy simultaneously in Mauritius. By treating 100, 000 tons of OFMSW, an AD facility reduces the total waste disposed at Mare Chicose annually by approximately 25%. Therefore, there is less use of landfill and consequently the amount of methane emitted by the putrescible waste is reduced. Methane is considered as a greenhouse house gas (GHG) which is 30 times more potent than
annual reduction of about 28,720 tons of CO2 equivalent. Compared to fuel oil, the annual reduction of CO2 would be approximately 22,975 tons (Energy kids). The digestate which is the by-product of the AD is dried to form compost which is used as organic fertilizers. It also reduces the dependency on chemical fertilizers which causes eutrophication when washed away in rivers and lakes. Mauritius imports about 57,169 tons of fertilizers in 2009 (CSO, 2009).
5. Conclusions
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a proven technique and technology to treat municipal solid waste (MSW) to produce methane gas which generates a clean and green energy. AD will offer Mauritius the opportunity to take the lead in sustainable waste and energy management which will contribute in the concept of Maurice Ile Durable (MID) and will help to substitute fossil fuels by renewable resources. As waste is converted into usable products, AD plays an essential role in the reduce-reuse-recycle strategy. The priorities of waste management do not change with the adoption of AD. Prevention and reduction is still the primary focus. Only after these options have been exhausted should AD be considered in a way such that the plant is beneficial to the environment and community. By reducing the amount of waste, greenhouse methane gas is also reduced, thus contributing to minimize Global Warming. The carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere is considered as green which will not be at the detriment of the environment. Compost, which is a natural fertilizer, will reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers in agricultural lands and will maintain an ecological balance. Compared to other projects, like incineration MSW, this project does not produce toxins as by-products. Undesirable by-products like H2S, siloxanes and water vapor are treated or scrubbed. By treating 100,000 tons of OFMSW yearly, the AD facility would produce 9,353,600 m3 of methane gas which will generate 32 GWh of electricity and 40.6 GWh of heat annually. The AD plant will use approximately 25% of the electrical and thermal power it will produce. The remaining 24 GWh of electricity can be sold to the grid and the remaining 75% of the thermal energy can be used for air conditioning by using heat pumps. 32 GWh of electricity will substitute approximately 2,867 tons of fuel oil or 4,439 tons of coal annually. 24 GWh of electricity that would be sold on the grid would provide 10, 000 houses with electrical power per year. The project is economically viable provided that the AD technology is analyzed holistically. Composting plays an important role in the economic feasibility of the plant as it is the largest source of income of the whole process. Tipping fee also contributes to a certain extent to the
4.5 Ethics
The community relation is an important factor that must be considered before proceeding with a large scale plant. An AD facility will offer several benefits to the community. By decreasing approximately 25% of the total waste disposed, more land will be available for further use. For example, the space can be used to plant trees and flowers to improve the quality of air and to give a pleasant landscape view. The facility will create approximately 50 to 60 direct jobs which will give opportunities to people with different qualifications to get jobs. If the AD facility is designed with an eye to aesthetics, the place will attract tourists and local visitors who will be also beneficial to the locality. The plant might organize fun fairs, educational competitions and also might give scholarships to well-deserved students. The plant may organize tours to arise people awareness to sustainable development. The partnership of an AD facility is very important. Investors, workers, private and public sectors, and NGOs must establish a cooperative work in order for such a project to be successful.
economy of the plant. Without the tipping fee, the payback would be around 8.7 years. The fact that the AD facility will reduce the amount of waste in landfills, tipping fee must be considered. To conclude, an integrated approach, taking into account the political and socio-economic aspects together with environmental issues, will have to be adopted for the success of such a project in Mauritius. A Private Public Partnership (PPP) might be the key for the success of such a project. The anaerobic digestion of municipal solid waste will be one of the steps to achieve the MID objectives.
Humboldt Waste Management Authority, 2010. FOOD WASTE DIVERSION AND UTILIZATION IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY [online]. Available from: www.hwma.net/counter.php (Accessed on 15 January 2011) Jacques de Gunzbourg. Cogeneration applied to very high efficiency thermal seawater desalination plants [online]. Available from: www.desline.com/articoli/3759.pdf (20 March 2011) Karena Ostrem, 2004. Greening Waste: Anaerobic Digestion for treating fraction of Municipal Solid Waste. Thesis. Fu Foundation of School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University [online]. Available from: www.seas.columbia.edu/earth/vermathesis.pdf (Accessed on 10 October 2010) LExpress, 2011. Waste incinerator: A bonfire of contestation [online]. Mauritius, La Sentinelle. Available on: http://www.lexpress.mu/story/16997-waste-incinerator-abonfire-of-contestation.html (Accessed 23 March 2011) Luc De Baere. The Dranco Technology: A unique digestion technology for solid organic waste [online]. Available from: www.ows.be/.../The%20DRANCO%20technology%202010_ m&s.24479.pdf (Accessed on 19 February 2011) Martin Heimann, 2010. How Stable Is the Methane Cycle?[online]. Available on:10.1126/science.1187270 ( Accessed on 22 December 2010) MAX. S. PETERS and KLAUS. D. TIMMERHAUS. Plant design and economics for chemical engineers. Fourth edition. McGraw-Hill Chemical Engineering Series. McGraw-Hill, Inc. New York. ISBN 0-97-100871-3 Peter Kjeldsen, Morton A. Barlaz, Alix P. Rooker, Anders Baun, Anna Ledin and Thomas H. Christensen, 2002.Present and Long-Term Composition of MSW Landfill Leachate. Report. North Carolina State University [online]. Available on: http://people.engr.ncsu.edu/barlaz/resources/leachate_com position_review.pdf (Accessed on 14 January 2011) Republic of Mauritius, 2010. Mauritius Strategy for Implementation National Assessment Report, 2010 [online]. Available from: www.sidsnet.org/msi_5/docs/nars/AIMS/Mauritius-MSINAR2010.pdf (Accessed 14 January 2011) RIS International Ltd, 2005. Feasibility of Generating Green Power through Anaerobic Digestion of Garden Refuse from the Sacramento Area [online]. Available from: www.nerc.org/documents/sacramento_feasibility_study.pdf (Accessed on 19 October 2010) Romeela Mohee, 2002. Assessing the recovery potential of solid waste in Mauritius [online]. Mauritius. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_u di=B6VDX-458PB745&_user=10&_coverDate=07/31/2002&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high &_orig=search&_origin=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&vie w=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_user id=10&md5=6906347c665d22a8944a6f037358aa58&search type=a (Accessed on 14 January 2011)
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ANAEROBIC DIGESTION OF MSW IN EUROPE, 2010 [online]. Available from:http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_7471/is_201002/a i_n53078231/?tag=content;col1 (Accessed on 12 December 2010). California Integrated Waste Management Board, 2008. Current Anaerobic Digestion Technologies Used for Treatment of Municipal Organic Solid Waste [online]. Available from: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/publications/Organics/200801 1.pdf (Assessed 21 September 2010) Central Statistics Office, Republic of Mauritius (CSO, 2009). Energy and Water Statistics [online]. Available from: www.gov.mu/portal/goc/cso/report/natacc/energy09/ener gy09.pdf (Accessed on 24 October 2010) Charles Banks, 2009. Optimising anaerobic digestion [online]. U.K, University of Southampton. Available on: www.kingdombio.com/Optimising%20anaerobic%20digest ion.pdf (Accessed on 04 March 2011) Christian Coututrier. Overview of centralized biogas plants projects in France [online]. Available on: http://www.ramiran.net/doc07/Biogas%20III/Christian_Cout utrier.pdf (Accessed on 27 March 2011) E. Hugot, 1986. Handbook of Cane Sugar Engineering. Runion. Elsevier Science Publisher. ISBN 0-444-42438-5 (Vol.5) Electrigaz Technologies Inc, 2008. Feasibility Study Biogas upgrading and grid injection in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia [online]. Available on: www.lifesciencesbc.ca/files/PDF/feasibility_study_biogas.pd f (Accessed on 29 January 2011) Energy kids. Natural Gas basics [online]. U.S Energy Information Administration. Available at: http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=natural_gas _home-basics (Accessed on 21 March 2011 Europes Energy Portal. ELECTRICITY RATE FOR HOUSEHOLDS [online]. Available on: http://www.energy.eu/#Domestic (Accessed on 28 March 2011)
10
MAURICE ILE DURABLE

Nadia DABY SEESARAM, Ingnieur Environnement-ESIGEC, MIEM enviro-consult@intnet.mu
Avant-propos Le but de cet article nest pas dcrire un n-ime article sur le concept Maurice Ile Durable (MID) mais en priorit dinformer les lecteurs de ldition 2011 du Journal publi par lInstitution des Ingnieurs de Maurice (IEM) de lavancement du processus MID tel que certains de nos membres lont suivi ce jour. Cet article utilise volontairement le franais et langlais, symbole de la dualit linguistique de notre pays, car si le concept Maurice Ile Durable fur lanc en franais sur la base du Grenelle de lEnvironnement , les rapports subsquents furent rdigs en anglais du fait que la langue officielle de la Rpublique de Maurice est lAnglais.
plus efficace de notre nergie de manire gnrale, le concept MID slargit rapidement pour inclure tous les aspects du modle conomique, de la socit et de lenvironnement considrs comme tant le pivot de notre qute dune Ile Maurice durable.
Le Droul du Processus MID Fvrier 2010 Une consultation nationale est lance en Fvrier 2010 avec pour double but llaboration du Green Paper qui dtaille et incarne les besoins et les aspirations des Mauriciens et le dveloppement dune vision partage du MID. Le Green Paper est soumis par le professeur Odendal en Avril 2011 et le Cabinet ministriel est mis au courant du contenu du rapport.
Introduction Le concept Maurice Ile Durable fut lanc en 2008 par le Premier Ministre de la Rpublique de Maurice, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, telle une vision longue terme pour le dveloppement durable de notre pays. Lobjectif principal du concept MID est de faire de la Rpublique de Maurice un modle mondial de dveloppement durable, et ce particulirement dans le contexte des petit tats insulaires en voie de dveloppement (SIDS: Small Island Developing States). Si la force motrice initiale tait axe sur lnergie vers une minimisation de la dpense nergtique de Maurice en ressources fossiles par le biais dnergies renouvelables et vers une utilisation
Avril 2011 Un Draft National MID Vision est rdig, valid par le comit de pilotage (Steering Committee) et les avis de la socit civile recherchs. Monsieur Claude WONG SO, Fellow Member de lInstitution des Ingnieurs a le privilge de siger sur ce comit. Le gouvernement souhaite dvelopper une politique concrte du MID, une stratgie dcennale du MID et un plan daction dtaill du MID pour ouvrir la voie un dveloppement durable du pays.
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Juin-Juillet 2011 Premire phase consacre au dialogue et llaboration des propositions au sein des groupes Sur le modle du Grenelle de lEnvironnement, six groupes de travail ont t mis sur pied; ils sont constitus de reprsentants des collges qui avaient pour vocation de reprsenter les acteurs du dveloppement durable : les Ministres, les Corps paratatiques, le secteur publique, la socit civile ainsi que dautres associations. Les six groupes de travail ont pour thme : WG1 : Energie
Aot 2011 Les rapports compils par les rapporteurs des diffrents groupes de travail sont complts et rendus. Lavis gnral des groupes de travail dans lesquels IEM est intervenu est que notre pays dispose du cadre lgal relativement adquate pour la mise en application de nombreuses recommandations du MID mais lapplication des lois fait dfaut et doit tre renforce. Les cinq secteurs cls abords lors des ateliers de travail, pour mmoire Energie, Environnement, Emploi, Education et Equit sont fortement interconnects et lvolution des uns ne va pas sans celui des autres. Il ressort aussi de ces ateliers de travail que Maurice Ile Durable devrait se lire Maurice Iles Durables afin de prendre en compte la spcifi de la Rpublique de Maurice constitue des ses diffrentes les.
WG2 : Environnement : Prservation de la Biodiversit et des ressources naturelles WG3 : Environnement : Pollution, dchets et environnement WG4 WG5 WG6 : Emploi : Education : Equit
Au-del LInstitution des Ingnieurs est appele par le Ministre de lEnvironnement et le Dveloppement Durable participer aux groupes de travail WG1, WG2 et WG3 et nomme M. Aboo Bakar PEERMAMODE, ingnieur lectrique, lEnergie et Mlle Nadia DABY SEESARAM, ingnieur Environnement, lEnvironnement. Les groupes de travail se runiront quatre fois deux semaines dintervalle pour dbattre des problmatiques lies leurs thmes spcifiques. Appel est ensuite fait aux membres pour participer des runions supplmentaires vers la fin du processus afin de contribuer validation du rapport. Lobjectif des groupes de travail est didentifier les voies et moyens datteindre la vision partage du MID et dnoncer des recommandations concrtes sur chacun des thmes dfinis pour alimenter le processus de formulation dune politique, dune stratgie et dun plan daction du MID. Les groupes de travail ont eu leur disposition les documents de base telles que le Green Paper , le Mauritius Environmental Outlook Report ainsi que les politiques et stratgies sectorielles pour entamer leur rflexion. Il appartient maintenant aux consultants nomms sur processus dappel doffre formuler une politique et stratgie du MID qui seront valids par le Steering Committee et par les groupes de travail, qui seront rappels la tche en Novembre 2011. Lobjectif ultime est la mise en application du plan daction dcennal MID en Mars 2012 pour la priode Mars 2012-Mars 2022. LInstitution des Ingnieurs de Maurice continuera participer au processus du MID et tiendra ses membres informs du droul travers son site internet : et travers ses parutions. Retrouvez toutes les informations sur le processus Maurice Ile Durable sur le site officiel :
Les rsums du Green Paper et du Mauritius Environmental Outlook Report sont annexs cet article. Les documents complets peuvent tre tlchargs entre autre du site officiel du MID :
http://www.mid.gov.mu
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PRSENTATION DU GRENELLE ENVIRONNEMENT
lemploi et la comptitivit : il aborde les questions de recherche, innovation, emploi, fiscalit cologique, publicit responsable Ces groupes de travail ont remis leurs propositions le 27 septembre 2007. > Fin septembre - mi octobre 2007 : consultation du public Le public a t consult via des runions publiques, des forums internet. :

Partant du constat que la France traversait une crise climatique et cologique de grande ampleur, le Prsident de la Rpublique, Nicolas Sarkozy, a initi le Grenelle Environnement, ds le 21 mai 2007. Le Grenelle Environnement runit pour la premire fois, lEtat et les reprsentants de la socit civile afin de dfinir une feuille de route en faveur de lcologie, du dveloppement et de lamnagement durables. Le droul du Grenelle Environnement > Du 16 juillet fin septembre 2007 : premire phase consacre au dialogue et llaboration des propositions au sein des groupes Les 6 groupes de travail ont t constitus de reprsentants de 5 collges qui avaient pour vocation de reprsenter les acteurs du dveloppement durable : ltat, les collectivits locales, les ONG, les employeurs et les salaris.
14 000 contributions sur Internet ont t recenses
300 000 internautes sont intervenus sur le forum du Grenelle 15 000 personnes ont t prsentes au cours des 19 runions rgionales organises.
> Mercredi 24 et jeudi 25 octobre 2007, tables rondes et annonces des conclusions du Grenelle Environnement A la suite des tables rondes organises autour de quatre demi-journes de travail, le Prsident de la Rpublique, Nicolas Sarkozy a annonc les conclusions du Grenelle Environnement. Le Grenelle Environnement permet daboutir 268 engagements en faveur de lenvironnement. > En dcembre 2007, lancement des 34 comits oprationnels Le Ministre dtat a lanc 34 comits oprationnels, pilots par un parlementaire ou une personnalit reconnue, dont la mission tait de proposer des actions concrtes pour la mise en uvre des engagements. Les travaux se sont, pour la plupart, achevs en mai 2008 pour laisser la place au temps du Parlement . > Entre 2008 et 2010, les lois Grenelle Le Parlement a adopt les textes ncessaires la traduction lgislative des engagements du Grenelle Environnement.
groupe lutter contre les changements climatiques et matriser la demande dnergie : il sintresse aux transports, lamnagement, la construction, lhabitat et lnergie ; groupe prserver la biodiversit et les ressources naturelles : il traite de leau, des espaces protgs, et inclura la pche et les ressources halieutiques ; groupe instaurer un environnement respectueux de la sant : il analyse les enjeux lis la sant : qualit de lalimentation, pollutions, dchets, qualit de lair .
groupe adopter des modes de production et de consommation durables : il travaille sur lagriculture, lagroalimentaire, la pche, la fort, la distribution et le dveloppement durable des territoires ; groupe construire une dmocratie cologique : il sattache dbattre dune rforme des institutions pour prendre en compte le pilier environnemental du dveloppement durable, comment amliorer laccs linformation.

Retrouvez toutes les informations sur le Grenelle de lEnvironnement sur le site officiel http://www.legrenelle-environnement.fr/
groupe promouvoir des modes de dveloppement cologiques favorables
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MAURICE ILE DURABLE - GREEN PAPER TOWARDS A NATIONAL POLICY FOR A SUSTAINABLE MAURITIUS Executive Summary 1. Never before has it been as necessary and as urgent for Mauritius to review the directions in which the country is moving. Profound and far-reaching changes are sweeping across the globe, some of them forerunners of future shocks that will dramatically impact on the quality of life. Intense unfavourable impacts are already being felt at the local level in many countries and Mauritius should by no means consider itself immune. Resource depletion, climate change, overpopulation, diminishing conventional energy source, deforestation, pollution on land and sea, rising poverty world-wide, and political instability, are only some of the factors that we now need to confront, and hopefully can overcome. 2. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Mauritius is exceptionally vulnerable. It faces similar threats to its survival as other SIDS, which include, inter alia, a strong reliance on a depleting natural resource base, loss of biodiversity and degradation of essential components of the ecosystem, and a heavy dependency on fossil fuels and other imported commodities that support society. Climate change, the long distances that separate Mauritius from Africa and Asia, coupled with rising fuel costs exacerbate the situation considerably. Unless substantial and effective interventions are put in place soonest, the current and future generations may not be able to meet their needs. 3. Mauritius is responding to the global and national challenge of achieving sustainable development through the implementation of the Maurice Ile Durable concept that was brought to the nation by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, Dr. The Hon. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, GCSK, in 2008, as a long term vision for the sustainable development of our country. However, it was soon realised that, in order to formalise a coherent and coordinated response to the formidable challenges that we face, a comprehensive and overarching National Policy for a Sustainable Mauritius will be required, a policy that is accompanied by a MID Strategy and MID Action Plan. 4. The formulation of the policy comes at the right time. The comprehensive National Environmental Strategies for the Republic of Mauritius: National Environmental Action Plan for the Next Decade was published in 1999. In the subsequent decade our country has seen unprecedented economic growth, bringing benefits to many people while at the same time putting additional strain on our resources. While there are many plans and policies that govern our development, there exists not a single document that addresses all pillars of sustainable development in the same integrated manner that the current policy will aim to do, and none that will have the same solid grounding in public consultation and expert opinion. 5. True to our democratic tradition that evolved since Independence, and in line with the principles of good governance, a policy formulation process was designed with the involvement of a range of parties, including civil society, the private sector, Government bodies, NGOs and Special Interest Groups. The aim of the policy, together with the strategy and action plan would be to attain a situation in which the needs of the present generation are met, without jeopardising the chances of future generations to meet theirs. The policy process was endorsed by Cabinet in 2009, and the nation participated enthusiastically in the short time made available before the oncoming 2010 elections called for a recess in public consultation. 6. The Green Paper comes at the end of Phase 1, and summarises the policy formulation process up to this point, in particular the results of the national consultations that were launched in February 2010. Ministries, Special Interest Groups and civil society at large were consulted through a variety of methods, including a National Youth Summit that was held in April 2010. The national consultations yielded rich results, summarised in section 6, which is testimony of a society that has a good grasp of what the pursuit of a Sustainable Mauritius would entail. Input can now be examined in depth during thematic workshops to be held in Phase 2 of the policy process, while a Draft National Vision may function as a guiding light on the road that lies ahead. 7. A wide range of issues were identified that relate to the conventional three dimensions of sustainability, namely the economy, environment, and social issues. Most significantly, and rather
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unexpectedly, a fourth one dimension, namely governance, was identified in the classification of issues: Proportion of views expressed by the population classified into the four categories 8. The four dimensions of sustainable development can be further divided into thirty-six themes, out of which eighteen were identified as priority themes after analysis. They are all deemed important and worthy of in-depth exploration, especially when it comes to identifying discrete actions and programmes for the MID Action Plan. The breakdown of input into the priority themes is shown in the figure below (note again the high percentage attributed to governance issues): Breakdown of input into the priority themes 9. One message that clearly stands out from Phase 1 is that the needs and aspirations of the people, and their National Vision, do not differ significantly from how Government views sustainability and how the Ministries see their mandates in relation to sustainable pursuits. Coordination, transparency and integrated governance are at the top of the list of good governance indicators that were discussed. Without integrated governance it will be very difficult if not impossible to balance the needs and mandates of different sectors which, when viewed on their own, all have valid reasons to take priority. Finding the balance and solutions will require an overarching, coordinating and legal and integrated framework, which is what may be expected from the National Policy for a Sustainable Mauritius. 10. Institutional analysis and legal review can greatly improve the efficacy of the Government machinery. Without better mechanisms of coordination and cooperative decision making, integrated development planning or devolution of powers to lower tiers of governments, will remain difficult. Fortunately, achieving higher levels of good governance should not be too difficult in a country that has the
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highest scores for governance in Africa. Thorough institutional analysis and legal review ought to reveal what adjustments, additions and potential institutional reforms (they are expected to be small but nonetheless very important) may be necessary to make Government stronger in pursuing integrated solutions and in making decisions that will achieve better balances when economic, social and environmental, and even cultural issues are at play. 11. A Draft National Vision emanated from the National Youth Summit (see section 9). There is also a longer Draft Combined National Vision that is made up from all the draft visions from the different meetings. It is proposed that the two visions are published in the press for further comment. This will confirm that all Mauritians had a chance to contribute to the National Vision. Visioning exercises must continue with the further consultations proposed in section 10. When all comments and draft visions have been collected the Draft National Vision can be further refined. It will then be included in the Draft White Paper, which effectively is the Draft Policy. When the White Paper is endorsed by Cabinet as the National Policy for a Sustainable Mauritius, the National Vision will be embedded in it. 12. A gap analysis of the policy formulation process up until the Green Paper reveals suggestions that may be usefully applied to the implementation of Phase 2. The Policy will relate strongly to governance issues and overall directions, while the Strategy may be expected to define discreet areas of intervention, and an Action Plan with budget that will describe actions and indicate how much investment will be needed in the coming years to achieve a Sustainable Mauritius. 13. It is stressed that the policy process as approved by Cabinet must be strictly adhered to, up to the point where the White Paper is endorsed as the National Policy for a Sustainable Mauritius. The necessary institutional analyses and legal review should not wait until the policy is already in an advanced stage; all consultations have pointed very clearly to the need for a legal review and improved institutional relationships that will lead to higher levels of integrated governance. Deviations and ad hoc alterations to the process, including pre-determined thematic workshops that do not strongly correlate with the input of the people (see also section 11.3) must be avoided. Deviations can lead to suboptimal results and may inadvertently damage the integrity of a landmark process that can rightly be described as a remarkable example of Government planning with the people. All gaps in the consultation process as initially planned should be filled. Only then can ownership be fully shared by all Mauritians, and will this be a policy that belongs to all of us. Mauritius Environmental Outlook Report Key Messages for Decision-Makers The environmental assets of Mauritius are the key to present and future socio-economic progress and it is time to realise that development should not take place at the expense of the environment. For national development to be meaningful and beneficial, actions should be taken to reduce the impacts of drivers of environmental change and to devote resources to implement existing policies and strategies. Key questions arising from the Mauritius Environment Outlook Report How is the environment important for social and economic development and how can we make better use of the value of our environmental resources? How is the environment changing and what threats and opportunities does that pose for progress? What can be done to reduce the operation of adverse drivers and pressures on natural resources and enhance the potential of the environment by improving prevention, adaptation and rehabilitation? What special hotspots need immediate attention to halt disasters or irremediable damage? How will fresh polices and better implementation enhance opportunities and promote better results and what resources are required? What must be done now and in the next twenty years to ensure that by 2030 environmental quality is enhanced to support social and economic development?
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Air Emissions from industries and vehicles are causing localised air pollution problems, which must be addressed urgently. The future air quality management process should adopt an integrated approach including air quality monitoring methods and standards as well as air improvement targets in different sectors. Emerging issues such as indoor air quality, environment workplace risks and the impact of acid rain should be investigated. Freshwater Mauritius is a water-stressed country, faces water scarcity problems during dry seasons and water quality continues to be at risk of being impacted by effluents and solid waste generated from domestic, industrial and agricultural activities. To reduce potential pollution from effluents, efforts should strive to meet the aim of connecting 80% of the population to the sewerage network by 2033. Given that water demand is expected to rise with future development and that water scarcity problems may aggravate with climate change, it is imperative to increase water collection, storage and reduce water losses through the distribution system to 25% by 2030. Land Over the next ten years at least 12,200 hectares of land will be needed for urban, business and infrastructural development. The transition towards sustainable land management will require reforms in planning guidelines to include emerging issues such as additional requirements for space for housing, hotel development and infrastructure, waste disposal and the impacts of sea level rise. Enforcement of planning guidelines and the framework legislation on land use planning should be strengthened. Waste Management Taking into account the projected growth in number of residents and tourists as well as increasing patterns of consumption and production, it is expected that total waste generation will increase by about 50% by 2030.
There is an urgent need to adopt an integrated waste management strategy and legislation to promote waste reduction, reuse, sorting and recycling. Coastal and Marine Resources The coastal belt is already under stress. Careful exploitation of the coastal zone is essential to maintain the integrity of valuable coastal and marine resources. Enhancing the quality of coastal and marine resources entails stricter enforcement of regulations and adherence of coastal development to planning guidelines. Recommendations of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Framework and the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Study should be implemented with emphasis on the six pressure zones: Grand Baie, Ile DAmbre, Le Morne, Belle Mare, South Coast of Mauritius and East Coast of Rodrigues. Inland Biodiversity Ecosystems provide numerous goods and services like climate balance, regeneration of soils, catchment protection through forests, rivers and wetlands, carbon sequestration and food security. Mauritius has the third most endangered terrestrial flora in the world and invasive alien species are among the most serious threats to native biodiversity. More investment and collaborative efforts should be made to conserve native biodiversity. Energy Currently, around 80% of energy is derived from imported fossil fuels. The prospect of two million tourists by 2015 and major economic investment programmes will place additional demands for energy. The challenge is to remove structural barriers impeding further development of renewable energy and increase the share of renewable energy to 35% or more by 2025. The use of innovative and clean technologies should also be explored and promoted across all sectors. Energy efficiency and conservation programmes should be further promoted across all sectors.
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Climate Change Climate change effects are already evident in Mauritius with increases in average temperatures, declining rainfall, sea level rise and more extreme weather events in the subregion. Coastal resources, biodiversity, water resources, agriculture and fisheries are already under stress and highly vulnerable to climate change. Human wellbeing and security of livelihoods are also at risk. Climate change must be mainstreamed into core development policies, strategies and plans. In addition, National Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies and Action Plans should be developed and implemented. Offshore Islets The 49 offshore islets surrounding Mauritius harbour many endangered endemic species and have great conservation potential due to their unique native flora and fauna. Necessary resources should be allocated for the implementation of the Islets National Park Strategic Plan and islet-specific management plans to restore, conserve and sustain the integrity and natural biodiversity of islets. Leasing of islets should be done in a transparent manner. Lessees should also participate in islets conservation and protection for long term sustainability.
It is imperative to establish a chemical profile for Mauritius and improve management of chemicals. Hazardous waste Hazardous wastes pose a risk to the environment and human health. Thus, a stricter control regime is required. A comprehensive strategy encompassing all hazardous waste types and a storage facility are essential for better management of hazardous waste. Rodrigues Sustainable management of solid waste, coastal and marine resources, land, agriculture and water is primordial for the economic and social progress of Rodrigues. Recycling rates have to be increased and can be done mainly through composting. The physical development strategy and the local plan must be implemented to control land use. Soil erosion needs to be further controlled as this is affecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Water storage, distribution and management need to be improved urgently. Legislation needs to be strengthened and effectively enforced for better protection of marine resources. Agalega and St. Brandon There are still major improvements to be made to protect the natural resources of Agalega and St. Brandon. The 2004 Blueprint for St. Brandon should be implemented. Land, biodiversity, solid waste and wastewater management plans should be developed for the Outer Islands. The opportunities for sustainable development on the Outer Islands are immense and should be fully tapped.
Tourism and Environment Tourism development will continue to depend on coastal resources. The annual target of two million tourists by 2015 challenges the future of the already fragile coastal zone. As a result, future development should be done in due respect of the environment. The tourism industry should be encouraged to establish Environment Management Systems and adopt carbon-offset programmes to reduce their impacts on the environment. Chemicals and Hazardous Waste Chemicals Chemicals pose a threat to human health and the environment. However, data on chemicals use and their impacts is lacking.
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The LEED Process for the University of Mauritius Hall of Residence

Dr Mahendra Gooroochurn LEED AP BD+C MIET Head of Sustainability, Prodesign sustainability@prodesignltd.com
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a green building rating system devised by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) [1], and currently operated by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) [2]. It provides third-party validation for the greenness of a building, and gives a much-needed objective definition of how sustainable a project is. The LEED rating system has been around since March 2000, and it has since been modified and extended to address the specific sustainability goals of a broad range of projects, including new constructions and major renovations, schools, homes, core and shell buildings, tenant fit-outs, neighbourhood development and operation and maintenance of existing premises. The rating system currently awards a maximum of 100 points for credits grouped into five categories (Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources and Indoor Environmental Quality) with an additional 10 bonus points available for Innovation in Design and Regional Priority categories. The possible certification levels are: LEED Certified (40-49 points), LEED Silver (50-59 points), LEED Gold (6079 points) and LEED Platinum (80 points and above). LEED has been gaining international recognition, with the USGBC reporting LEED projects registered/certified in 41 countries [1]. Mauritius is in the process of having its first LEED certified project, which is the Hall of Residence of the University of Mauritius, targeting a LEED Gold rating. The project consists of student rooms, visitor rooms and an administrative area as well as
common rooms, laundry, kitchens and toilet facilities. The project has successfully cleared the design review phase with 54 points plus a potential of 27 points to be reviewed and awarded at the end of the construction phase. The key to sustainable design and development is an integrated approach within the project team, right at the outset [3]. To show this difference in approach over the conventional way of managing projects, LEED calls for an integrated approach in the design, called the pre-design stage. This stage offers a unique opportunity for the project team to set sustainability goals and coordinate the work of all the design team members, so that the building operates optimally. Even if this may seem an additional workload for the team, the fact that these various early coordination meetings would have identified and sorted all the issues pertaining to conflicts between the works of the different professionals, the subsequent stages have a greater likelihood to progress smoothly compared to the conventional case. An added motivation is that this synergy has the potential to reduce the upfront costs of equipment and the recurring operating costs, for instance, a reduced envelope gain leads to a smaller HVAC plant, thus less initial investment as well as less energy consumption for cooling. The same applies to minimising the installed lighting power density. The savings are assessed by lifecycle costing analyses early in the project to guide the project team in their decision making. This integrated approach was found to be a very effective way to promote seamless integration of
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the building elements for the UoM Hall of Residence project. The efforts expended during the pre-design phase paid dividend as the solutions engineered during the concept and detailed design phases were highly optimised and cross-disciplinary. The targeted certification level is a LEED Gold, with a LEED Platinum deemed to be possible with additional effort at construction stage for credits pertaining to construction waste management and procurement of materials to foster recycling, reuse, rapidly renewable materials, certified wood and regional materials. This shall be monitored by on site clerk of works and hopefully secured with the collaboration of the main contractor. Among the different categories of LEED, Energy and Atmosphere (EA) gets the biggest share of points, which shows the high importance attributed to designing the building energy systems to operate efficiently for reducing energy consumption and for curtailing the negative impact of greenhouse and ozone depleting gases. The latter requirement was fully considered by using a lithium bromide/water mix for acting as the refrigerant of the absorption chiller. The application of building energy modelling as an analysis tool throughout the design process was a highlight of this project; the early building energy and dynamic simulations were used to determine the building layout and orientation as well as design architectural features e.g. details of overhangs at relevant locations and type of glazing and construction for different segments of the building, all in an effort to reduce fabric heat gains An ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Appendix G performance rating simulation [4] was run and an 18% improvement over the baseline was obtained. Additionally, a measurement and verification (M&V) plan [5] would be devised for the building, which coupled with the energy monitoring devices included in the design, would provide to facilities management an effective means to constantly track energy use and quickly take corrective measures when appropriate. The same strategy has been implemented for water use. The selected water fixtures resulted in 40% improvement in indoor water use over the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 baseline.
Rainwater harvesting and on-site wastewater treatment helped achieve the water efficient landscaping and innovative wastewater technologies, with exemplary performance obtained in the latter. Based on the credits achieved, a case was made for the obtention of four bonus points for regional priority, which were awarded for the Water Efficient Landscaping, Innovative Wastewater Technologies, Water Use Reduction and Optimize Energy Performance credits. The certification process thus far has involved numerous discussions with the GBCI, both for customising the sustainability measures formulated in the different credits to the local context and to ensure the alignment of the proposed sustainability measures with the intent of these credits. Lack of data has been one of the difficulties in the design and documentation of certain credits. In this regard, further work is being done with the GBCI to find out alternatives for compliance and successful documentation of these credits both to help earn the associated points for the UoM project and in view not to penalising future projects aiming for LEED certification. One of the credits where this problem was faced was for the SSc6.1 Stormwater Design Quantity Control credit [3], where data for 1- and 2-year 24-hour design storms are required but not currently available for Mauritius; extrapolations was needed on longer periods available data to determine these values. It is felt that interesting research projects can be devised with the goal to collect or generate the missing data for enabling accurate design of sustainability measures, both within the context of LEED or any other certification scheme, if not for a general sustainability framework. Soil thermal properties for groundcoupled geothermal systems design and wind and solar maps are other examples of useful data that would contribute to better green designs. A summary of the sustainability features incorporated in the UoM Hall of Residence project is as follows: The orientation of the building has been optimized so as to minimise heat gains and consequently the cooling capacity of the HVAC system. External solar shading devices and double glazing windows have
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been specified over specific area of the building faade to further minimise the cooling load. An absorption chiller system has been proposed for the air conditioning requirements of the office area and the visitor rooms. The hot water requirement for the absorption chiller and domestic purposes would be met by solar water heating systems. The student rooms have been engineered to be naturally ventilated spaces using a stack effect and windoperated roof ventilator. Lighting requirements (internal and external) have been met by using energy efficient fixtures, controlled by lighting controllers to provide lighting when required. Water efficient fixtures have been specified for flush and flow appliances so as to reduce the potable water demand. Rainwater harvesting has been implemented in the project, both as a means to manage storm water to reduce run-off from the site and to fully satisfy the irrigation requirements for the landscape. The landscape would be composed of native/adapted plants to promote biodiversity and reduce irrigation demand. An on-site Sewer Treatment Plant (STP) has been designed to treat 100% of the sewer and wastewater generated to tertiary standards, thus relaxing the burden on the sewer network. The reclaimed wastewater would be used to fully satisfy the water requirements for toilet and urinal flushing. The hardscape and roof materials have been specified to have high Solar Reflective Index (SRI). The pedestrian and parking areas would be constructed of inter-locking blocks to promote infiltration of storm water thereby reducing the quantity and rate of run-off.
Conclusion The reliance on fossil fuels for the production of energy has been the predominant cause of abnormal levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, which has been described as a harbinger of serious threats calamities, both in terms of natural and human tribulations; the disappearance of Maldives in less than 100 years due to a rising sea level is the ultimate example to testify for the adverse effect of global warming. This calls for each and everyone to do his/her share to reduce the negative impacts, if not reverse this trend of increasing carbon dioxide concentrations. The building sector has much to do in this regard as it accounts for as much as half of carbon emissions [3]. This can be achieved by designing green, with an underpinning integrated approach as this has been proven to lead to reduced energy consumption and even better occupant comfort. This integrated approach can be made possible only by the participation of all the professionals concerned at the outset, so that highly optimised and synergistic solutions can be engineered. The LEED rating system is one of the frameworks of green building principles which a project team can adopt as guidance to incorporate sustainability measures and achieve third-party validation of the greenness of the project. The contribution of the USGBC is acknowledged on a number of issues to make LEED adaptable and more easily applicable to the Mauritian context, which has seen their successful implementation in the UoM Hall of Residence project. The work with USGBC will continue on other issues that would make the framework easier to apply and documented for the local context.
References
[1] www.usgbc.org [2] www.gbci.org [3] LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction, 2009 Edition [4] ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, ISSN 1041-2336 [5] International Performance Measurement & Verification Protocol, Concepts and Options for Determining Energy Savings in New Construction, Volume III, April 2003
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Post-tensioned Coffered Slab at Bagatelle Mall & Hotel
Moustaquim M Lalloo, Senior Site Engineer, Rehm Grinaker mlalloo@rehmgrinaker.intnet.mu
Outline on Post-Tensioning Post-tensioning is a method of prestressing concrete to overcome its natural weakness in tension by reinforcing the material with high strength steel strands, commonly known as tendons. This method of construction exists in two main types, namely bonded and unbonded post-tensioned concrete. At Bagatelle Mall and Hotel Project, 15.2mm P.E. coated unbonded tendons with characteristic strength 1862N/mm2 have been used to post-tension 530mm thick coffered slabs. The tendon in itself consists of an assembly of anchorages, gripping wedges and the strand. Strict quality control is the basis for posttensioning works and the need for specialized equipments and skills are required to carry out such activity. However, the principle is simple. Imagine a series of vertically standing books that needs to be lifted. While positioning the hands at the right location and by applying a compressive force through pressing tightly against the books at the extreme edges, one can lift them. Hence post-tensioning is a construction method where compression stresses are intentionally induced to balance tensile stresses by tensioning the tendons with hydraulic jacks that push against the concrete at end anchorages. Rehm Grinakers involvement in Posttensioning Works Throughout its 20 years of existence, Rehm Grinaker Construction Company has continuously endeavored to promote use of
latest construction techniques with respect to projects requirements. In the field of posttensioning, Rehm Grinaker has acquired significant experience for its involvement during the years on projects where such technique was necessitated. Manhattan shopping complex, Ebene fly-overs and most recently Port Louis Ring Road bridge decks are a few examples where Rehm Grinaker has carried out post tensioning works. Though specialized knowledge and expertise are required, post-tension construction method has been adopted for coffered slabs at Bagatelle Mall and Hotel Project as it is known for its multiple advantages. With the support of Amsteele Systems (Pty) Ltd, which are licensed suppliers of CCL Stressing Systems, approximately 13000m2 out of 15000m2 of post-tensioned coffered slabs have to-date been cast at Bagatelle Mall and Hotel. The Concept of Post-tensioning for Bagatelle The surface area of Bagatelle Mall and Hotel amounts to 45000m2 of concrete slab. At tender stage, it seemed quite unrealistic to cover such area with in-situ conventional concrete slabs within 10 months. In this context, Mr. Rajen Gopaul, Contracts Manager at Bagatelle, brought forward the concept of post-tensioned coffered slab in order to meet this tight schedule. Hence, the total surface coverage of slab was divided into in-situ, precast and post-tensioned coffered slabs. Persuaded for the gain in time and decrease in cost of operation and resources, post-tensioning concept was approved by the client and consultants. This method has impacted positively on the program of works, as a result of which
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ongoing extensions have been designed to allow for about 3000m2 additional posttensioned coffered slabs. Sequence of Activities 1.0 Construction Drawings Approved Amsteele Systems Drawings that include rebars and tendons details are issued for construction. Coffer layout of a particular slab from approved Amsteele Systems Drawings is verified against structural roof layout and any other relevant drawings under consideration, and discrepancies (if any) are notified and henceforth corrected. Once receipt and verification of construction drawings are acknowledged, the following is implemented: Cutting schedule of tendons Rebar cutting and bending schedule 2.0 Materials Preparation Tendons are cut as per cutting schedule and pre-blocked with dead end anchors using open-throat hydraulic jack. An extra length of 300mm to 500mm is added to the cutting length of each individual tendon for stressing operation. This extra length projects out of concrete edge at live anchors to allow for SS200 stressing jack to properly hold the tendon with its wedge gripping mechanism. Once pre-blocking is done, each tendon is individually rolled for ease of transfer. Rebar are cut and bent as per schedules. It is however to be noted that some reinforcement are cut and bend on the spot to account for slight site adjustments. 3.0 Deck Preparation Bi-directional reference lines of coffers are set out as per coffer layout where dimensional accuracy of column heads and support beams are respected for links and other reinforcement to fit in as specified and as shown in relevant construction drawings. Construction joint (if any) is considered during staging phase where deck platform is extended at least 5.0m beyond stop end. This platform is used to unroll the tendons. Access platform of not less than 1.0m wide
must be provided all along periphery of slab, guardrail and toe boards are to be placed for safety. Access platform should actually be kept until stressing of tendons and grouting of live end anchors are completed. Note that at this stage, actual extension of tendons must satisfy corresponding allowable calculated extension so that projection of tendons could be cut. Location of dead and live anchors to be checked and side shutters to be placed under the following conditions: At dead anchor, side shutters can be placed either before or after reinforcement is fixed in place with respect to site conditions. At live anchor, however, timber or plywood or any other material, that can be drilled to allow for projection of tendons, should be placed as side shutters. Generally, dead and live anchors are fixed at neutral axis depth. This factor should be considered prior to shuttering. At construction joint, stop ends should have slots to allow for tendons to run through at varied heights with respect to tendon profiles. Location of stop ends should be in line with center of coffer and not along rib. Coffer boxes and deck must be cleaned and lubricated prior to steel fixing. 4.0 Reinforcement and tendon fixing Prior to fixing of rebars and tendons, all M&E features to be clearly marked. Where such features proposed locations lie along tendon alignment, an alternative measure should be sought to relocate them. It should be noted that fixing of electrical boxing, etc. on top of coffer boxes is discouraged since concrete cover requirements could be hindered. All M&E features respect the specified concrete cover to any rebar and tendon and they should not be tied and/or fixed to tendons. Profiling of tendons start following fixing of bottom bars and links to ribs and beams. Tendons generally run across compression zones. Dead and live anchors must be properly tied together with bursting reinforcement.
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5.0 Post concreting procedures Following removal of side shutters, live anchors must be cleaned and prepared for stressing. A minimum of 12Nos concrete cubes to be cast for each pour for cube crushing test to be carried out as follows: Day 3 or 4 testing minimum of 3nos cubes to be tested to check for minimum strength of 18MPa. Day 7 testing minimum of 3nos cubes to be tested to monitor strength Day 28 testing minimum of 3nos cubes to be tested to confirm characteristic strength of concrete With a minimum concrete characteristic strength of 18MPa, stressing of tendons can proceed. This is done with the use of SS200 hydraulic jack at slab edge or with the openthroat jack for intermediate stressing at construction joints. Once extension of each individual tendon is found satisfactory, projection of tendons are cut and live anchors are epoxy grouted. 6.0 Safety requirements Safety requirements are to be strictly adhered to during the whole process for post tensioned coffered slab. No drilling and/or breaking of concrete to ribs and beams are allowed. It must be ensured that the deck is safe for access after application of demoulding agent and appropriate warning signs must be displayed at appropriate locations. While untying tendon coil on deck, the area should be cleared. No activity must be carried out and no person should be present in the line of a tendon being stressed and restricted access enforced within stressing zone. 7.0 Special precautions Concrete must be properly placed and compacted to achieve sound and free from void concrete around the anchors. Rebars and tendons must be maintained in their respective correct position before and during concreting.
No displacement must be brought to tendons while using poker vibrator during casting. The slab must be free from loading before post-tensioning. The Contractor should ensure that no tendon including the P.E. coating is damaged during formwork striking and hacking of concrete at construction joints. Props along construction joint must be maintained until the succeeding pour is stressed. The specified cover must be respected at bottom, side of coffers and edge shutters, and top of slab. Before concreting, all tendons must be measured and lengths recorded. Location of dead anchors should be marked for postcasting re-localisation in the event of tendon re-measurement for stress data computation and analysis. ADVANTAGES OF POST-TENSIONED COFFERED SLAB Post-tensioned coffered slab has a direct implication on design of large areas of slabs for Bagatelle Mall and Hotel. Records have shown significant savings in terms of time, materials, resources and operations. From the construction point of view, the followings factors illustrate the various advantages encounter with the use of post-tensioning at Bagatelle. Casting of large surface area of slab can be achieved. The maximum effective area of coffered slab cast at one pour was of 900m2. Continuous span over 52m long from one end to the other was achieved. In structural terms, this is much more efficient than having slab spanning from one column to the next. Longer clear spans can be reached. For instance slab spanning continuously on 13m between support columns was attained. Decrease in dead load due to a reduction in concrete volume. A 530mm thick coffered slab can be equated to a flat slab 350mm thick. Thus 0.27m3/m2 of concrete used for the post tensioned coffered slab as compared to 0.35m3/m2 of concrete for an equivalent 350mm thick flat slab resulted in about 23% of overall concrete saving.
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The maximum weight of steel, including reinforced mesh, used in post-tensioned coffered slab has been under 15Kg/ m2 as compared to the 350mm thick flat slab where reinforcement ranges between 40 to 50Kg/ m2. Reduction in slab weight and achievement of longer clear spans significantly decrease the number of foundations and support columns. Reduction in materials handling and operations as the lighter the structure, the lesser support works are required. This also provided a reduction of man-power as compared to that of a conventional slab. Support beams had been omitted, thereby eliminating shuttering and steel fixing operations. There has been a significant decrease in construction time with respect to the actual area of coffered slab. With the use of Quick Beam System, coffer boxes were removed two days after concreting the slab. This allowed their use in an uninterrupted manner. The slabs are stressed at day 4 after casting provided that the minimum cube strength
reaches 18MPa. Once extensions of tendons are found satisfactory, all support works could be removed. Thus the staging materials, support works and coffers could be recuperated immediately after, thereby significantly reducing the standing time of those materials. This method proves to be environmental friendly through a minimised use of timber, shutter boards, equipments and overall concrete and steel. Conclusion Post-tensioning provides an alternative to construction works that would otherwise be impractical due to various factors such as time constraints, site conditions and architectural requirements. This technology has been widely used for high rise buildings, bridges, parking structures, stadiums, etc. There is a wide range of possibilities where this method can be applied. Post-tensioning is not a new concept, though not common in the local construction industry. With the various advantages it can offer, posttensioning could be a prospective tool for future constructions in Mauritius.
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Salient Features of the FIDIC 1999 Conditions of Contract for Construction

Ram Bahadoor, MBA CEng FICE FCIWEM FCIArb FIEM rambahadoor@gibb.intnet.mu
Ram Bahadoor is a Past President of the Institution of Engineers Mauritius. He is presently the Country Representative for Mauritius of the Institution of Civil Engineers of UK, and is a member of the Managing Committee of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Mauritius Branch). He is an Accredited Mediator, Adjudicator and Arbitrator specializing in construction disputes.
1. Introduction In March 2011 the Procurement Policy Office (PPO) issued a second edition of its Standard Bidding Documents (SBD) for large and complex works [1]. For such works, this new edition will be the only version acceptable for procurement exercises launched from October 2011onwards, allowing for a transition period till then for bid exercises already initiated using the previous version of the SBD. The latest version of the SBD includes the FIDIC 1999 Conditions of Contract for Construction [2], meant for the procurement of building and engineering works designed by the Employer. It is indeed a welcome move that the PPO has at last endorsed, in the wake of this new SBD, the FIDIC 1999 Conditions of Contract for Construction. 2. Use of FIDIC 1999 Conditions of Contract for Construction According to the PPO the new SBD is intended for all works above Rs 400 million, or for complex works irrespective of the contract amount, following prequalification. However, the PPO has indicated that it will accept use of this document for lesser value works if the Employer considers it more appropriate to use the FIDIC 1999 Conditions for such works. With the advent of this new SBD and PPOs declared flexibility regarding use of the associated FIDIC Conditions, it is expected that the FIDIC 1999 Conditions of Contract will be adopted increasingly for local construction works. It is thus imperative, for effective contract administration, that construction industry professionals using the FIDIC 1999 Conditions become fully conversant with all its provisions and the underlying
philosophy. 3. Prevalence of FIDIC Conditions of Contract Unfortunately the abovementioned FIDIC 1999 Conditions are still relatively unknown in Mauritius, even though they have been in existence for more than a decade. Although such Conditions of Contract have been adopted locally on a few recent projects, they have yet to gain popular acceptance. On the other hand the 4th Edition (1987) of the FIDIC Conditions of Contract for Works of Civil Engineering Construction [3], which was reprinted in 1988 and again in 1992 with certain editorial amendments, has been widely used over the past two decades. The 1987 FIDIC Conditions are thus better known in the local construction industry. This paper will highlight some of the main features that distinguish the FIDIC 1999 Conditions from the previous 4th Edition of the FIDIC Conditions. The 4th Edition FIDIC Conditions and the FIDIC 1999 Conditions of Contract for Construction will be referred to herein as the Red Book and New Red Book respectively. 4. Shifting from the Red Book to the New Red Book There are excellent published papers [4] and books on the FIDIC 1999 Conditions of Contract. The interested reader would be well advised to refer to such publications for a detailed analysis of the New Red Book and for guidance on its use. Nevertheless the issues discussed here would provide a brief introduction to those who may not be familiar with the New Red Book provisions. In particular, those who are considering a shift from the Red Book to the New Red Book should
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find the salient features discussed below to be of some interest. 5. Structure of the New Red Book The Red Book was published as two separately bound volumes, comprising a Part I - General Conditions, as well as a Part II - Conditions of Particular Application with Guidelines for the preparation of Part II Clauses. The New Red Book, on the other hand, consists of a single document. This document comprises three parts as follows: 1) General Conditions 2) Guidance for the Preparation of the Particular Conditions 3) Letter of Tender, Contract Agreement and Dispute Adjudication Agreement The 72 Clauses comprising the General Conditions of the Red Book have now been reduced to 20 Clauses in the New Red Book, which makes it difficult to compare individual Sub-Clauses. Some of the Sub-Clauses are identical but have been rearranged within different Clauses and are hence renumbered accordingly. Sub-Clauses have also been added which comprise new requirements altogether. Some of the Red Book Sub-Clauses have been retained, but with minor changes in wording to make their intended meaning clearer. It is thus advisable to scrutinize carefully all the provisions of the New Red Book rather than attempting any direct comparison with the corresponding provisions of the Red Book. Relying upon such a comparison could actually be dangerous for the unsuspecting drafter trying to customize the Conditions for a specific project. One may indeed be tempted, when preparing the Conditions of Particular Application for the New Red Book and discovering provisions apparently missing in the General Conditions, to copy some of the provisions that were previously used for the Part II Conditions of the Red Book. But it would be unwise to do so, as many such apparent omissions have in fact been catered for in one or other of the renumbered and rearranged SubClauses of the New Red Book. 6. Drafting Principles adopted by FIDIC The FIDIC Committee responsible for drafting of the New Red Book sought to facilitate the preparation of Conditions of Contract by ensuring that the final document was both flexible and
user-friendly. Flexibility was introduced by anticipating alternative arrangements, and by stating in the General Conditions which provisions are subject to what is stated in the Particular Conditions. User-friendliness was achieved by: (a) Maximizing the General Conditions so as to minimize Particular Conditions (b) Identifying one location for contract-specific data essential
(c) Making reference, in the relevant Sub-Clauses where further non-technical data is required, that this data is as stated in the Appendix to Tender When preparing the appropriate particular conditions for a specific project, it is advisable to keep in mind the abovementioned principles and to refer to the guidance given in the New Red Book. Special care must be exercised, when adding or amending any Sub-Clauses to suit the Employers requirements. The allocation of risks reflected in the General Conditions must not be unduly distorted, for instance, by deleting certain Sub-Clauses altogether or introducing new provisions that may conflict with existing SubClauses. Otherwise, contractual complications and disputes are likely to occur, which could in turn hamper successful completion of the project. A careful study of each of the Sub-Clauses is obviously a must for anyone planning to use the New Red Book for the first time. Prior experience and familiarity with the Red Book is not necessarily an advantage when it comes to shifting to the New Red Book. Some of the important features of the New Red Book are discussed in the sections below. 7. Revised Definitions A number of new or improved definitions are given in Sub-Clause 1.1 of the New Red Book. A few noteworthy changes, as far as definitions are concerned, include the following: (a) The Defects Liability Period of the Red Book has now become the Defects Notification Period in the New Red Book, which is a more accurate description since liability in its legal sense goes well beyond the usual one year period for the remedying of defects.
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(b) The Defects Liability Certificate of the Red Book is now the Performance Certificate in the New Red Book. (c) A clear distinction is now made between the amount mentioned in the Letter of Acceptance as the Accepted Contract Amount, and the Contract Price which is the amount inclusive of all adjustments in accordance with the Contract. (d) The term Engineers Representative is no longer defined in the New Red Book, although there is a reference under Sub-Clause 3.2 to deployment of a possible resident engineer with delegated powers. (e) The Employers Personnel is now defined and comprises, besides the employees of the Employer, the Engineer as well as any assistants to whom powers may have been delegated by the latter. (f ) Cost is now defined as all expenditure reasonably incurred rather than properly incurred .. as in the Red Book. 8. Employers Financial Arrangements Under Sub-Clause 2.4 of the New Red Book the Contractor may request evidence from the Employer that financial arrangements have been made or are being made to ensure that the latter is able to effect payments due under the Contract. The Employers failure to comply with this SubClause entitles the Contractor to give 21 days notice to suspend work or to reduce the rate of work under Sub-Clause 16.1. If he still does not receive reasonable evidence within 42 days after giving such notice, the Contractor is entitled to terminate the Contract under Sub-Clause 16.2. 9. Change in the Role of the Engineer There is a significant change as far as the role of the Engineer is concerned. Under the New Red Book, the Engineer is no longer required to be impartial. He is deemed to act for the Employer under Sub-Clause 3.1(a) whenever he carries out his duties under the Contract, which is consistent with him being deemed part of the Employers Personnel. But the Engineer is nevertheless required to be fair whenever he is called upon to make any determinations under Sub-Clause 3.5.
10. Time Limit for Employer to effect Interim Payments The Employer is now required, under Sub-Clause 14.7(b) of the New Red Book, to effect interim payments within 56 days after the Engineer receives the Contractors statement and supporting documents. This is different from the corresponding Red Book provision under SubClause 60.10 where the payment is required to be made within 28 days from the date of the Employers receipt of the Engineers interim payment certificate. On account of this changed requirement in the New Red Book, the Engineer cannot get away lightly with any delay in certifying interim payments. If he takes longer than the 28 days allowed for him to issue a certificate, that delay will correspondingly reduce the 28 days time limit for the Employer to effect payment. If this happens, the Employer would no doubt take the Engineer to task. 11. Contractors Claims In the Red Book, extension of time could only be awarded under Sub-Clause 44 whereas entitlement to costs could arise under several distinct Sub-Clauses depending on the nature of the event giving rise to the claim. However, the New Red Book provisions are different in that Sub-Clause 20.1 sets out a single claims procedure, for the Contractors extension of time and additional payment claims. If he intends to pursue such claims, the Contractor is required to give notice to the Engineer as soon as practicable and not later than 28 days after he became aware, or should have become aware, of the event or circumstance. If he fails to comply with this notice requirement, the Contractor loses his entitlement to any extension of time or additional payment, and the Employer is discharged from all liability in connection with the claim. This onerous notice requirement will result in the Contractor submitting notices at the slightest opportunity, lest he loses his entitlement, even though he may subsequently decide not to pursue some of the claims. Sub-Clause 20.1 also sets time limits for the Contractor to submit particulars of his claim. The Engineer is given a deadline as well to respond thereafter with his approval or disapproval of
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the claim, prior to make a determination under Sub-Clause 3.5. 12. Dispute Adjudication Board As a consequence of the Engineers requirement to act for the Employer, the provision for the Engineers Decision under Sub-Clause 67.1 of the Red Book has been removed in the New Red Book. In lieu of the reference to the Engineer for a decision, the New Red Book provides under SubClauses 20.2, 20.3 and 20.4 for disputes arising between the parties to the Contract to be adjudicated by a Dispute Adjudication Board (DAB). This DAB mechanism for dispute resolution is a major innovation of the New Red Book. The DAB may comprise either a sole member, for small to medium sized contracts, or three members for larger or more complex contracts. For a three member DAB, each party nominates one member for the approval of the other party. The parties then consult both these members and agree upon a third member to act as chairman of the DAB. The DAB members obviously need to be suitably qualified and experienced. They also need to be totally independent of the parties, in order to fulfill satisfactorily their role in the resolution of disputes arising at any stage of the project. Such a DAB arrangement addresses the major contention that the Engineers decision in the Red Book required the latter to be judge and party, since he was called upon to review his own determinations whenever the Contractor expressed dissatisfaction. 13. Employers Claims The New Red Book contains provisions under Sub-Clause 2.5 which the Employer must comply with, if he has any claim against the Contractor, before he is entitled to make any deductions from an amount certified in a Payment Certificate. However, the requirements are less stringent than the corresponding ones for Contractors claims under Sub-Clause 20.1. The Employer, or the Engineer on his behalf, is required to give notice of the claim as soon as practicable to the Contractor, and to then submit particulars of claim. The Engineer thereafter makes a determination of the claim under Sub-Clause 3.5. The Employers claims could involve either payment from the Contractor, or an extension of the Defects Notification Period.
14. Conclusions The adoption by the PPO of the FIDIC 1999 Conditions of Contract for Construction, which was long overdue, constitutes a major development that should benefit the Mauritian construction industry as a whole. The New Red Book undoubtedly contains many innovations, some of which have been specifically introduced to address serious inherent shortcomings of the Red Book. It certainly provides for a more balanced allocation of risks between the parties to the contract, and offers a better mechanism for dispute resolution. Provided its general conditions are not adulterated to such an extent that the risk allocation is grossly distorted, there is no reason why the New Red Book cannot be successfully used in Mauritius. However, the parties to the Contract and construction industry stakeholders in general must acknowledge and adhere to the underlying principles embodied in the New Red Book provisions. Unless they do so, when drafting project specific conditions of particular application, the New Red Book innovations would serve no purpose. The shift to the FIDIC 1999 Conditions of Contract for Construction would then become a totally futile exercise. References
1. Standard Bidding Documents for Procurement of Large or Complex Works, With Users Guide (2nd Edition, 2011), Procurement Policy Office of Mauritius (Document available at htpp://ppo.gov.mu). Conditions of Contract for Construction, for Building and Engineering Works designed by the Employer (First Edition, 1999), FIDIC, Switzerland. Conditions of Contract for Works of Civil Engineering Construction, (Fourth Edition, 1987 reprinted in 1988 and 1992 with amendments), FIDIC, Switzerland. See the Resources Section at www1.fidic.org for a few articles.
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Head Of Office fice : T Trianon, rianon, Quatr Quatre Q e Bor Bornes nes - T Tel el : 454 19 1964 64 - Fax : 454 8043 - Call free fre : 800 1122 - web site : www.ubpgroup.com www.ubpgroup.com
Changing Trend in Dispute Resolution in the Construction Industry: Dispute Adjudication Boards
Kailash Dabeesingh, Civil Eng. MSc Arch. MSc Con. Law, FRICS, (Chartered Quantity Surveyor) FCIArb, (Chartered Arbitrator) kdabeesingh@intnet.mu
Mr Dabeesingh worked in the UK with leading construction companies and served in various capabilities in a number of prestigious projects. Besides being a Civil Engineer, he has gained a Master degree in Architecture at the University College London (UCL) and a Master degree in Construction Law and Arbitration at Leeds Metropolitan University. He also studied international arbitration at Keble College, University of Oxford. Mr Dabeesingh is the only Chartered Arbitrator in Mauritius. He has been involved in a number of arbitrations both in Mauritius and overseas. He also serves as an adjudicator on Dispute Adjudication Boards to help the construction industry in the resolution of disputes and conflict avoidance. Mr Dabeesingh is actively involved in promoting alternative dispute resolution in Mauritius and is a frequent speaker at both national and international conferences.
The Dispute Adjudication Board Approach Dispute Adjudication Board (DAB) is a relatively new dispute resolution method introduced to resolve construction disputes. It is a permanent and independent body whose function is to assist contracting parties in resolving any dispute appearing during contract performance. In general, the DAB is set up at the outset of the contract before any dispute has arisen. In order to be able to assist the parties effectively and without delay, the DAB is at their disposal for the duration of the contract. It constitutes an organ of the project itself. DAB: Main Features DAB assistance usually consists of two main steps: (a) Informal assistance on questions of principle; the parties jointly inform the DAB which then renders a preliminary opinion. (b) Formal assistance in case of a referral: after having received a short position paper by each party and a hearing with the parties, the DAB hands out a decision in the form of a written report. The provision of informal assistance in the form of advisory opinions by the DAB is at the heart of its intervention in terms of efficiency. Advisory
opinions are an informal method of advising the parties on resolving potential disputes. Before issues crystallise into disputes, disagreements between the parties will generally find their solutions thanks to informal assistance. The DAB will provide advisory opinions when requested jointly by the parties. Frequently such opinions deal with questions of principle, for instance, interpretation of a specific provision of the contract. Such opinions may be given orally or in writing. Dispute Adjudication Board: a Creature of Contract A dispute board is a creature of contract. Virtually all is derived from standard contracts which provide for DAB in specialised fields such as construction and engineering contracts. Most of such contracts will nowadays contain a dispute resolution clause of some kind and virtually will provide for DAB. The parties establish and empower a DAB with jurisdiction to hear and advise on the resolution of disputes. DAB panels may consist of a single member or three members. A dispute board of one person can be utilized. Both the World Bank and the FIDIC family of contracts encourage one-person boards for small and medium size contracts. A panel of three is not usual but his composition is not mandatory.
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DAB- Real Time Dispute Resolution The abiding goal of establishing a DAB is that it has real time value. By real time dispute resolution, it is meant that there is a defined mechanism for resolving disputes during the currency of the project. The idea behind a standing DAB is that it may be called upon early in the evolution of any dispute which cannot be resolved by the parties and asked to publish decisions on how the matters in issue be settled. For maximum effectiveness, the DAB should become involved as soon as it becomes clear that a bona fide dispute disagreement exists. Determination of the Dispute Adjudication Board The DAB operates within the framework of the contract. The usual procedure for dispute resolution consists of a prompt referral of the dispute. The DAB has a mandated short timeframe within which it is to make a binding decision. These are typically stated in days. The decision of the DAB is binding but not final, that is, parties are free to accept or reject the decision but are compelled to comply with its terms immediately. Experience shows that this approach makes it possible to take decisions more rapidly and to accelerate the resolution of disputes. DAB- Growing Popularity The DAB is a dynamic and proactive method of dispute resolution. It is currently known to be in operation for the construction of the upgrading of Dr A G Jeetoo Hospital and the construction of the New Airport of Mauritius. The contracting parties of the construction of the New Security Prison at Melrose have also expressed considerable interest in adopting this approach for dispute resolution. DABs are undoubtedly set to grow in popularity and frequency of use in Mauritius. Skills of the Dispute Adjudication Board member When appointing a DAB member, the contracting parties should recognise that complete objectivity, impartiality and freedom from conflict of interest for the duration of the contract are necessary attributes. It is also important that the prospective DAB
member has the appropriate construction experience, including experience of claims and dispute resolution, knowledge of contract interpretation and knowledge of dispute resolution procedures. Good people skills, independence, understanding as to the type of project are also important criteria. In essence, the DAB member should be a highly trained and rigorously professional. Benefits Many advantages can be discerned by incorporating the services of a DAB into a contract. (a) Dispute avoidance : The single biggest advantage is that the procedure gives focus and directions in the resolution of disputes and conflict management. (b) Better decisions: The detailed knowledge acquired by the dispute resolver of the project enables him to reach a more
informed decision within the prescribed time.

The parties to the conflict will be able to take full advantage of the knowledge of the project teams and relevant team members in achieving a resolution of disputes as they arise under the contract. (c) Less disruption: Rapid resolution of disputes enables parties to become less adversarial. It helps maintaining a good working relationship. It offers an opportunity to confront issues as the project unfolds. The resolution of disputes with the project teams as the project proceeds avoids resources to be locked in contractual disputes on completed disputes. It saves senior management time and cost. Remuneration: The DAB member is paid on the basis that he is part of the entire project team and that he will be on the project from the inception until its conclusion. The parties share all costs equally. Conclusion Construction projects in Mauritius need a modern and dynamic framework for dispute resolution and conflict avoidance. The setting up of DABs can be a useful tool in the dispute resolution armoury for preventing and resolving disputes.
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Safety and Health in the Construction Industry

Claude Wong So, OSK FIEM FIOSHM cwongso@intnet.mu
Claude Wong So OSK is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Mauritius and Fellow of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health Management. He has wide experience as Project Manager of many prestigious construction projects in Mauritius. He is a Civil Engineer, an occupational hygienist and a safety consultant who regularly participates in seminars on Safety and Health with prime objectives to create more awareness, to promote, stimulate and encourage high standards of safety and health at all workplace.
Preamble Construction is and will remain a very buoyant activity in Mauritius as the country steers itself in more ambitious building and infrastructure projects. The ongoing projects such as the New SSR International Airport at Plaisance, MCB Building at Trianon, Terre Rouge-Verdun Highway, Plaine Wilhems Sewerage Project, Bagatelle Shopping Mall etc have brought new dimensions to construction techniques bringing in its wake many new hazards at work. There is therefore, an urgent need for all stakeholders at work to keep abreast of the safety and health measures to be implemented in line with an Occupational Safety and Health Management System. Proper risk assessment for all operations which may present danger to persons at work and the public at large needs to be carried out by competent persons within the company or outsourced to safety professionals operating on consultancy basis. The accident statistics are reminders of what can go wrong on construction sites; last year there were nine fatalities in the construction sector within Mauritius. Accidents on construction sites are spectacular sometimes with dramatic consequences last year we saw a few scaffolding collapses which has prompted Government to come up with the new Occupational Safety and Health (Scaffold) Regulations 2011. A new phenomenon has cropped up in the construction scene in Mauritius over the last decade with the presence of thousands of expatriate employees having different work culture and language barrier working alongside their Mauritian counterparts. It becomes a real challenge for the safety professionals on site to try and harmonise a safe system at work involving all the stakeholders.
Evolution of Safety and Health Legislation The first major safety and health legislation was the Health, Safety & Welfare Regulations promulgated under the Labour Act in 1980 (GN 358 of 1980). Government decided to structure a Factory Inspectorate at the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations to enforce this legislation as the number of accidents was alarming back in the eighties. It became obvious that GN 358/1980 was not giving the required results as there were many loopholes. In 1983, I was recruited to head the Factory Inspectorate and Government took the decision to draft the Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare Act. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHWA of 1988) was promulgated on 01 May 1989. There was a major shift in the main philosophy of the Act this was the first time that an Act will bind the state and there were specific provisions for all stakeholders at any place of work (employers, employees, designers, manufacturers of plant and equipment, owners of buildings etc). The onus was more on employers to auto-regulate safety and health practices at their place of work instead of relying on the enforcement role of Government inspectors to determine weaknesses in safety and health practice at the workplace. A new group of professionals known as Registered Safety Officers became reality and thanks to them there has been a major improvement in safety and health standards at the workplace, this preserving the health of the society at large. OSHWA 1988 made way for the most recent Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (OSHA 2005). With the introduction of OSHA 2005, the GN358/1988 and OSHWA 1988 were repealed except for part XIX of GN 358/1988 which dealt
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with the regulations for building and excavation works in the construction industry. Over the last two years, there were many scaffolding accidents in the construction Industry; the most recent ones being at Ebene and Pailles. This prompted Government to promulgate the Occupational Safety and Health (Scaffold) Regulations 2011 known as GN64/2011 which came into effect on 28 April 2011. This now forms the basis and norms to be observed in the erection, maintenance and dismantling of any scaffolding system. The Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations continues to assist employers on construction sites with the publication of regular guidelines such as Risk Assessment Guidelines etc. International Best Practice of Safety and Health in the Construction Industry Most countries have come up with new concise and strict safety legislations moving the legal duties to enforce the safety provisions onto the employers and other stakeholders at the place of work. This places greater emphasis on everybody at work to adopt a better safety and health culture. Companies now employ competent persons to manage the safety and health policies enunciated in a well defined and structured Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS). There should be a right balance between the requirements of legislative provisions and the need to impart practical advice on the safe implementation of such legal requirements. Safety professionals lean a lot on Codes of Practice or best practices known in other countries. In Mauritius, there is greater awareness of the dangers on construction sites and all the stakeholders are given regular induction courses to keep them abreast of the latest technologies or hazards at work. Training thus becomes paramount in this effort towards better safety at work. OSHA 2005 places duties and responsibilities on employers, employees, selfemployed persons, safety and health officers, registered engineers, registered machinery and/or boiler inspectors, manufacturers, suppliers and installers of plant and equipment etc. and if everybody takes his responsibility seriously, the number of accidents in the construction industry will decrease further. Most companies now adopt the Occupational Safety and Health Management System in line with OSHAS 18001 illustrated in figure 1.
Safety and Health management is not different from other form of management. Accountability and responsibility of line managers and employees is primordial and the decision making process is a very important feature of the management process.
Figure 1 OHSAS 18001 - Occupational Health and Safety Management System
Management is concerned with people at all levels of the organisation and human behaviour, in particular human personal factors such as attitude, perception, motivation, personality, learning and training, and communication brings these various behavioural factors together.The management of safety and health is also concerned with organisational structures, the climate for change and individual rules within the organisation. In practice, all companies are advised to implement a proper OSHMS at their workplace. Such OSHMS must incorporate the following important aspects: (a) Be chaired by a very senior member of management who can take decisions on safety and health matters and be composed of equal number of management and employees representatives. (b) The company written Safety and Health (S & H) Policy; (c) Procedures for S & H monitoring and performance measurement; (d) Clear identification of the objectives and standards which must be measurable and
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achievable by the persons concerned; (e) A system for improving knowledge, attitudes and motivation and or increasing individual awareness of S & H issues, responsibilities and accountabilities; (f ) Procedures for eliminating potential hazards from plant, machinery, substances and working practices through risk assessment, the design and operation of safe systems of work and other forms of hazard control; (g) Measures taken by management to ensure legal compliance; (h) Management structure through competent S & H professionals. The OSHMS is a live document and needs to be reviewed and updated at regular intervals. It will come a time in Mauritius where OSHMS will become accepted as a management tool and hopefully this will contribute to a better working environment and a more healthy and stress free society. Risk Assessment in Construction Industry The construction industry remains a sector where accidents do occur with consequences which may be dramatic at times. It is therefore a mandatory requirement that safety and health issues are given priority attention by persons conversant and competent in risk assessment and aware of the legal provisions in force in Mauritius. Planning for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control under OHSAS 18001:1999 should be a priority of construction site engineers and their safety consultants. A simple way of evaluating risk is detailed below: (i) Know the sequences of the construction process
Each sequence of work comprises of several operations; each operation needs to be analysed. (iii)Identify and evaluate hazards in each operation and the probability of each hazard giving rise to an accident or dangerous occurrence. (iv)Classify risk by assigning a risk level estimator (v) Propose control measures to keep the risk to as low as possible. (vi)Ensure that proposed control measures have effectively been carried out on site prior to start of the risky operations. Role of Engineers under OSHA 2005 Engineers in all fields of engineering play a major role in maintaining safety standards on construction sites; they are the mastermind of the whole construction cycle and have to ensure that work is planned and performed in the safest manner. OSHA 2005 prescribes specific areas where engineers with other competency are brought on site to assist the project team. A registered Professional Engineer preferably in the Mechanical or Electrical fields shall be appointed in charge of all machinery and plant where the total installed power exceeds 750kW. Certain machinery and equipment such as mobile or tower cranes, hoists and lifts, air receivers, escalators, boilers etc are widely used on construction sites. Under specific sections of OSHA 2005, these machinery and equipment need to be examined by a Registered Machinery Inspector or Registered Boiler Inspector as the case may be. These inspectors are duly recognised by the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations and are therefore licensed to carry out the mandatory examinations at intervals prescribed in OSHA 2005. Registered Machinery Inspectors must examine cranes and lifting machines (S.51), vehicles lifts (S.52), hoists and lifts (S.53), escalators (S.54), air receivers (S.59), refrigeration plants (S.61).
To be able to carry out a proper risk assessment analysis, we have to know all the sequences of the construction process and go through available records of past performance of the company under similar working conditions. If such information is not available, the risk assessment will have to start from scratch, all hazards identified and control of remedial measures taken to eliminate or minimize the risks at work. (ii) Analyse operations in each sequence
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Registered Boiler Inspectors must examine steam boilers (S.57), steam receivers and steam containers (S.58). All certificates of examination must be forwarded to the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations by the employer within 28 days from date of examination.
Quick Evaluation of Performance of Safety at Work Companies should institute a proper Safety and Health Committee on each major site. The Safety Committee must meet regularly and all accidents/incidents/dangerous occurrences must be discussed under a No Blame Culture; causes behind the accident/incident/dangerous occurrence identified with remedial actions proposed to prevent similar recurrence in future. I had the occasions to work as Safety Consultant on some major constructions sites in Mauritius (Centrale Thermique de Belle Vue (Duke Engineering), Plaines Wilhems Main Sewer Line (Jan de Nul) and New SSR International Airport (CSCEC and Louis Berger Group) and a common feature on all these three major construction sites was the public display of an Accident and Incident Statistics Board on which the track report of safety performance of the company is reproduced on a monthly basis. The statistics for the ongoing SSR International Airport project are reproduced below:
Note: Serious accident = more than three (3) days off work from industrial injury LTI Frequency Rate = No. of Accidents x 100,000/Total No. of manhours worked At a glance, the readers can immediately assess the safety performance on this site of work. I encourage all safety consultants to adopt this approach to keep track of the safety performance of their company.
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Occupational, Safety and Health (Scaffold) Regulations 2011 Scaffolding remains one of the best documented sector in the safety field; yet many accidents occur from poor understanding and application of the techniques involved in safe erection, maintenance and dismantling of scaffolding especially in high rise construction.
The main provisions of the OSH (Scaffold) Regulations 2011 are briefly summarized below. REG 3 - Erection or dismantling of scaffold > 6m, must be carried out by a competent person - Erection or dismantling of scaffold < 6m, Permanent Secretary may direct employer to employ competent person if risk of accident is high. - Employer to notify permanent secretary of employment of competent person. REG 4 - Duty of employer before use of scaffolding - Check for secure and effective bracing to ensure stability in all directions - Check for secure anchorages vertically and horizontally to structure on which work is being performed exception for self supporting scaffold - Inspection by competent person at regular intervals and after bad weather - Provide suitable and appropriate PPE to employees involved in erection, alteration, inspection, use, maintenance or dismantling of any scaffold. - Adequate and appropriate information, instruction and training to all employees involved in scaffolding work. REG 5 - Mandatory requirements in any scaffold - Method of support of every plank minium 3 supports. Protection >150mm V250mm - Every board to be securely fastened to prevent its displacement - Boarding of every platform to prevent tools and materials from falling through minimum height - Working platform > 2m from floor level, to provide sturdy guardrails 1.2m high on all sides where employees may fall.
- Distance between platform and face of structure not to exceed 70mm; can be increased to 300mm if employees have to sit whiles working (rendering on walls in standing position) - Every working platform to be kept clean , free from waste, projecting nails etc and maintained in non-slippery condition. - Proper guardrails, fencing or enclosure to any openings or open side of any scaffold where persons may fall. - Protection above any entrance or passageway or above any place where persons work on regularly pass. REG 6 In addition to Regulation 5, employer to ensure - That scaffold is of good construction, sound material, adequate strength and free from defects. - That the materials used and the design of scaffolds are in accordance with approved standards, if any or manufacturers specifications. REG 7 Duties of Manufacturer or Supplier of any scaffold - Ensure that the scaffold or materials used for scaffolds are in accordance with approved standards if any - Provide adequate information by way of certificate, manual, pamphlet or otherwise, about the use for which it has been designed and tested. REG 8 - Convenient and safe access to every scaffold platform - Safe use of ladders as means of access We illustrate below a few examples of good practice in scaffolding at the New SSR International Airport.
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Conclusion Safety and Health management on any construction site should be the concerned of all stakeholders. Risk assessment should be given top priority by the site management team. Compliance with existing safety and health legislation and best safety practice in construction techniques should be closely monitored. Training of employees is a paramount to observance of safe practice on site. Accident/Incident/Dangerous Occurrence statistics should be displayed on public board to show performance of the company.
References Occupational Safety and Health Act, OSHA 2005 Construction Industry Training Board Construction Site Safety Notes Acknowledgement Airport Terminal Operation Limited, ATOL Louis Berger Group, LBG China State Construction Engineering Corporation, CSCEC
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Safety in the Construction Industry: Mauritian Perspective

H V Jadav, Consulting Civil/Structural Engineer SJPCE LTD administration@sjpce.com
Society values human life and endeavors to save it at all times in any field of human activities. Construction field is one of the most hazardous fields of activity wherein lots of fatal as well as accidents with serious injuries occur. Surprisingly most of these accidents would not have occurred had there been timely and adequate safety measures taken. Blame is generally put on a Builder/Contractor because the accident occurs on the sites of construction in their possession irrespective of whether they are wholly responsible for the fault causing such accidents. The teams of Consultants at times are not contributing for ensuring that safety measures taken are adequate and are being constantly monitored by a Health and Safety Officer. Workers at times are also not informed/trained to know the situation likely to cause accidents, to take precautions and/or to refuse to work in such situations if their employers do not take adequate measures in advance. The so called fast track jobs with constraints of procurement, lack of skilled manpower & technicians rushing to the completion of items of work lead to accidents because neither adequate time is allowed for nor proper safety measures are taken. The team of the Builders & Consultants should meet at the start of the project to define their roles and the actions to be enforced by each of them should be listed for each item of work likely to cause accidents. The current situation is such that at very few site
meetings of the building & civil engineering projects such roles are either planned and/or acted upon. This paper provides a list of the main safety measures, for the construction of structural/civil engineering works, based on experience gained by the author in such works. The measures for the health including administrative measures such as wearing helmets, safety shoes & gloves etc are not dealt with here. I. Foundation Excavation in Building & Civil Engineering Works Labour Law 1991 Section 94 & Road Act 1966 part 1 sec 16 & 17, Part II Sec 45 deal with Barrier, Fencing, Warning tapes, Warning lights/signs, Traffic signs/controls etc. Also, Occupation Safety & Health Act (ASHO) 2005 deals in detail with the measures to reduce accidents to zero level. The following deals with shoring and strutting of the sides of excavations to reduce accidents. A. Excavation in depth not exceeding 1.5m to 2.0m The safety measures to excavation particularly of 1.5m to 2.0m depth are not attended and as such causes accidents with injuries at times serious ones. Most of the terrains encountered in Mauritius have varying depth of top soil which is made of unstable material such as clay, clayey slit and loose sand. Water penetration due to rain, water leakage from existing services & dumping of excavated material on the edge of the
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excavated face cause collapse of the sides of the excavation. Engineers do specify strutting of the sides of excavation in such soils. However, most of the times sides of excavation are left unattended even with minimal strutting by the builders. When enforced by the team of consultants i.e. by engineer reporting, by architects warning, by project manager stopping works, then Clients on
advice of the consultants should withhold payment to the time until the builder respect specs and/or instructions given. The sketch No 1 attached shows the typical shoring and strutting for excavation of trenches not exceeding 2.0m from the ground for the depth of the unstable topsoil strata at the top.
sketch No 1
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B. Excavation in depth exceeding 2.0m up to 3.2m For depth up to 3.2m for the ground, for excavation in very stiff soils, decomposed rock below the loose top soil depth above not exceeding 1.0m, stepped excavation is a clear choice. Measures shown on sketch No 2 for such stratas are normally found adequate after inspection of the soil stratas by the design Engineer.
sketch No 2
sketch No 3 Excavation for depths up to 3.0m depth from ground level for basements of buildings and mass excavations for civil engineering construction etc in loose sandy soil. It is preferable to use stepped excavation but with the faces completely lined in corrugated metal sheets with scaffold tubes as walers & struts. Ensuring the lining & strutting at the top is completed before excavating the next stepped depth below. The sizes of the various depths & the width of the edges depend upon the type and the nature of the sand stratas. Sketch No 3. shows detail of strutting for loose sandy soil. It may be advantagous to wet the surface overnight before each steps of the excavation are carried.
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C. Excavation for New Construction adjacent/abutting the existing foundation of adjacent Building/Construction For the commercial zones of the Cities, the construction is permitted extend up to its plot boundary. Therefore many times new construction including its foundation is built against the adjacent construction including its foundation. These adjacent construction needs to be supported by (a) Underpinning works in stages to its foundation and (b) Shoring of its walls at the boundary line or in the vicinity of it to avoid collapse of the walls causing accidents, at times fatal on the adjacent site of the new construction. It is the job of the contractor to ensure that excavation for foundation are not commenced until underpinning works to the existing foundation & shoring of the existing walls are completed as detailed/designed or approved by his Clients design engineers. And also he/she should seek inspections & written approvals of the Clients design engineers of the underpinning & the shoring works to his/her approved details. Because lack of the above mentioned input (a) by the contractors & Clients design engineers and (b) by the Municipal Authorities before an issue of a Land Use & Building Permit not asking for such input in the form of design & drawings from Clients design engineers, invariably results in accidents with serious injuries & deaths followed by long legal proceedings. D. Excavation for Deep Foundation
long shaft with bucket attached to its end for excavation as well as for grabbing/removing the excavated material. Concreting of the diaphragm walls are carried out in bentonite slurry to hold the excavated faces on four sides. The excavation to the main area commences after the construction of the diaphragms walls on the perimeter under the supervision of a Professional Engineer with past experience of such works. (c) Metal sheet pilling are driven into the ground on the perimeter before the commencement of excavation to the main area of basement works for Buildings or retaining mass excavations for Civil Engineering Construction, all under the supervision of a Professional Engineer (d) Any other proven measure for deep excavation where so acceptable by both a soil mechanic-expert as well as a foundation engineer of the consultants both experienced in such works. The following is a list of useful general precautions to be taken before and during excavations to stop accidents due to collapse of the sides of excavation. (a) Cart away the excavated material by loading the truck standing at least 2.0m preferably more away from the edge of the excavation. (b) Dont dump excavated material in the area adjacent at least for a certain width(equal to 0.67 times depth of top soil) from the side excavated face of excavation. (c) Protect the excavation by dressing the surface around it with a slopeto drain rainwater away from the excavation. (d) Protect the face of excavation from the direct rain by polyethene sheeting well lapped, placed and held in position. (e) Ensure that water do not accumulate at the bottom of excavation by providing adequate size &nos of sumps at the bottom of the excavation at appropriate places and pumping out the water from these sumps before the sides of the excavation get wet/soaked/unstable. II. Scaffolding for Construction Provisions made under the Mauritian Laws for Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 (OSHA) and the recently enacted OSH (Scaffold) Regulations 2011 no. 1 to 16 came into operation in April 2005. Regulation No. 5 lays out the mandatory requirement in any scaffold. The following deals with scaffold for multi storey buildings and other related subjects.
For deep foundation for basements to retain the excavated faces from falling, any one of the below mentioned measures are generally employed: (a) Providing micro piles at close centres with a blancket of reinforced screen in between held by inclined geo nails or drilled anchors, all under the supervision of a Professional Engineer with past experience of such works. (b) The 600mm to 800mm thick reinforced concrete diaphragms walls to all four sides of the perimeter of the area of basements of buildings and for mass excavations for Civil Engineering Construction, are constructed by mechanically operated rectangular augers in 1.5m to 2.5m lengths for their excavation i.e
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A. Work-scaffold on the faade of the multi-storey buildings Main causes of fatal & serious accidents due to faulty scaffolding on such faades are (a) The scaffold cage is not diagonally cross braced at intervals on its front at its ends & on its intermediate lengths. (b) The scaffold cage is not tied back adequately to the already constructed part of the structure of the Multi-Storey Building and/or to the internal scaffold supports between the floors below the last floor heights under construction. When tied back to the scaffold supports to the floor above under construction, the vertical scaffold tubes for the floor are required to be well held at its top & bottom and to be well cross braced at its mid height by horizontal bracing in both directions.
sketch No 4
(c) The tied back-scaffold to the facade should be replaced by new tie back with well braced and anchored scaffold bracing to the r.c structure of the walls, columns / floor slab before removing the bracing mentioned in item (b) above. SketchNo 4 shows the details for item (a) to (c) above. (d) The platforms between the scaffolds and the floor at hoists need to be adequately supported at one end to the hoist independent of bracing to the hoists and to the floor or to existing construction at its other end, all well braced to the floor. The handrail to such platforms to be well tied to the already constructed structural members of the floors above & below. Regulation no. 5 of OSH 2011 specifies gap between scaffold tower and the building to avoid accidents. (a) to (d) need to be checked by a Professional Building/Safely Inspector together with the responsible representative of the consulting team before the faade scaffold & the hoist are allowed to be used for works and/or for transfer/transport materials.
General Notes on Formworks to the concrete floor to avoid collapses (a) The modern structures have flat slabs in area without beams and with columns far apart. The faulty formworks to such slabs will result in collapse of the slab above if the formworks to such slab have vertical supports not well held at its bottom and or not braced horizontally in both directions at mid or one third heights to stop failure of vertical props from buckling, a major cause of collapse. Generally the formworks for such works is in modular steel frames, bearers, beams & diagonal bracings to stop buckling of the vertical props. (b) The formwork should not be overloaded by localized dumping of concrete and/or construction material as to cause collapse. (c) Props to the formwork to a recently cast floor slab need not be removed unless the required specified strength of the concrete is achieved. Tendency to remove formwork earlier than time specified so as to use it for the floors above or for othersite is dangerous.
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List of other items which generally overlooked but likely to cause accidents on the construction site. (a) Scaffold tubes projecting beyond the vertical plane of the scaffoldneed to be cut off and capped so that such projections are harmless for the passers by. (b) The steel anchors used to hold the formworks to r.c walls/columns should not project beyond the face of the formwork so as to cause accidents to people working around. Such anchors need to be removed and/or their projections cut when formworks is removed. (c) All reinforcement projecting above the floor slab should be cordoned off by warning signs and colored straps.
Conclusion In this short article I have touched on few items only. In the end I stress for Proper training of workers for taking all precautions, for using appropriate tools/methods and inspections by the Safety Inspectors before the work commence. Safety Inspectors of the Government carrying out periodic inspections and be given powers not to allow works to proceed if they find it unsafe. Suggest more involvement and participation by members of consulting team to check that builders/their safety inspectors are inspecting the works as per guidelines given in the Health & Safety Regulations of the Government, ASHO 2005 and 2011. Officers visit & inspect site regularly and submit photographs weekly with list of the actions taken. A visit fortnightly round the site between the consulting team & builder with his Health & Safety inspectors and Government Health & Safety inspectors with record of minutes and actions will go a long-way to stop likely accidents. Aim as stated in our ASHO 2005 and 2011 is to achieve (a) zero accident to avoid deaths and (b) people working can live their retired life without loss of limbs.
Building Collapses We hear major cases of fatal injuries in various part of the world including Mauritius due to collapses of buildings. The main reasons for such occurrences are : (a) Not carrying out timely remedial measures to the deteriorated and/or unstable existing structures and/or its foundations. (b) Many depleted buildings are not demolished in time after their useful life of 40 to 50 years and are left for years in such state without proper monitoring and timely actions with structural repairs thereto. (c) Inadequate/Improper design of foundations, mostly on poor e.g. expansive clays and/or loose filling. These occur either during flooding of such areas and/or construction nearby without adequate precautions. (d) Inadequate/Improper designed formworks to floors. (e) Most collapses of the floor occurs because props supporting the formwork are not braced in both directions vertically at distance to avoid buckling of props at times the bracing are nonexistent or scarcely provided. (f ) Props are not adequate e.g. to carry to the loads of fresh concrete dumped in an area on the formwork above which gives in resulting collapse of the part of the floor. (g) Premature removal of the props to the formwork before specified strength of the concrete is achieved. This is done at times to save costs on the formwork.
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Long-span Cable-supported Bridges: General Review

Juhani VIROLA, Eur Ing-FEANI juhani.virola@mbnet.fi
Preamble It has been said that Temples and bridges are the most outstanding exhibits of mankind. On the other hand, never earlier have so many notable (long-span) bridges been built as during the change of the Millennium. The boom of great bridges concerns long-span cable-supported bridges, i.e. suspension bridges and cable-stayed bridges, particularly in China. Keywords: Long-span cable-supported bridges, suspension bridges, cable-stayed bridges, tensile strength of cable wires, strong steel truss stiffening girders, novel streamlined steel box girders, earthquake resistance, Ref.[1-2].
towers) on long-span suspension bridges are included in article [2]. The term span here means expressly the main span of a bridge = distance between c-c of towers/pylons/piers/supports, definitely not the total length or overall length (= sum of spans) of any multi-span bridge [3]. Long-span bridges As appears in Table 1, which is a combination of Tables 1-2 of Ref.[3], there are in the world nearly 30 bridges with a span longer than 1000 m. These all are cable-supported bridges (suspension bridges or cable-stayed bridges), most of which are in China. The record span of suspension bridges is near to the 2 km limit, and among cable-stayed bridges the record span is an odd 1 km. Among suspension bridges, No.1 is the mighty Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, main span 1991 m, completed in 1998 (Fig.1 & 2). It is situated near Kobe, in Japan, along the Kobe-Naruto Route, between Honshu and Shikoku Islands. No.2 is the Xihoumen Bridge (span 1650 m; completion year 2009) in China, near Shanghai, and No.3 is the Great Belt East Bridge in Denmark (1624 m; 1998), some 100 km west of Copenhagen (Fig.3 & 4). Among suspension bridges for highway/railway traffic, No.1 is the Tsing Ma Bridge (1377 m; 1997) in Hong Kong, China. No.2 is the Minami Bisanseto Bridge (1100 m; 1988) in Japan, along the Kojima-Sakaide Route, between Honshu and Shikoku Islands, some 100 km west of Kobe. Among cable-stayed bridges, No.1 is the Russky
Introduction This is a revised abridgement of articles [1 & 2] published in 1995 and 2001 respectively. Full text of the article is available for download on the link provided or on the IEM website. Further to the development of suspension bridges with respect to the growth of the main span, the materials of towers are discussed, and the methods of assembling main cables and the increase of tensile strength of the cable-wires are outlined in article [1]. Also the two main types introduced for the deck structures are described, particularly after the collapse of the first Tacoma Bridge (in 1940): strong steel truss stiffening girders (in USA) and novel streamlined steel box girders (in Europe and Asia). The importance of resistance against earthquakes is pointed out, particularly in view of the survival of the AkashiKaikyo Bridge in the notorious Kobe earthquake in 1995. Detailed drafts (longitudinal profiles, cross-sections on deck, front elevations on
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Island Bridge (1104 m; 2012) in Vladivostok, Russia, No.2 the Sutong Bridge (1088 m; 2008) near Shanghai in China, and No.3 the Stonecutters Bridge (1018 m; 2009) in Hong Kong, also in China. Table 1 The longest span cable supported bridges (span 1000 m), [3]
THE LONGEST-SPAN CABLE-SUPPORTED BRIDGES (span 1000 m) [3] No. Bridge Span Location Year 1 Akashi-Kaikyo 1991 m Kobe-Naruto, Japan 1998 2 Xihoumen 1650 m Zhoushan, China 2009 3 Great Belt East 1624 m Korsor, Denmark 1998 4 Yi Sun-sin 1545 m Myodo-Gwangyang, Korea 2012 5 Runyang South 1490 m Zhenjiang, China 2005 6 Nanjing-4 1418 m Nanjing, China 2013 7 Humber 1410 m Kingston-upon-Hull, UK 1981 8 Jiangyin 1385 m Jiangsu, China 1999 9 Tsing Ma 1377 m Hong Kong, China 1997 10 Hardanger 1310 m Vallavik-Bu, Norway 2013 11 Verrazano-Narrows 1298 m New York, NY, USA 1964 12 Golden Gate 1280 m San Francisco, CA, USA 1937 13 Yangluo 1280 m Wuhan, China 2007 14 Hga Kusten 1210 m Kramfors, Sweden 1997 15 Aizhai 1176 m Hunan, China 2012 16 Mackinac 1158 m Mackinaw City, MI, USA 1957 17 Huangpu-1 1108 m Guangzhou, China 2008 18 Russky (c/s) 1104 m Vladivostok, Russia 2012 19 Minami Bisan-seto 1100 m Kojima-Sakaide, Japan 1988 20 Fatih Sultan Mehmet 1090 m Istanbul, Turkey 1988 21 Sutong (c/s) 1088 m Suzhou-Nantong, China 2008 22 Balinghe 1088 m Guanling, China 2009 23 Maanshan 2 x 1080 m Anhui, China 2010 24 Taizhou 2 x 1080 m Jiangsu, China 2010 25 Bosporus 1074 m Istanbul, Turkey 1973 26 George Washington 1067 m New York, NY, USA 1931 27 Kurushima-3 1030 m Onomichi-Imabari, Japan 1999 28 Kurushima-2 1020 m Onomichi-Imabari, Japan 1999 29 Stonecutters (c/s) 1018 m Hong Kong, China 2009 30 Ponte 25 de Abril 1013 m Lisbon, Portugal 1966 31 Forth 1006 m Edinburgh, UK 1964 __________________________________________________________________ NOTE: Those marked with (c/s) are cable-stayed bridges, others are suspension bridges.
Among cable-stayed bridges for highway/railway traffic, No.1 is the Tianxingzhou Bridge (504 m; 2009) in Wuhan, China, and No.2 is the Oresund Bridge (490 m; 2000) between Sweden and Denmark. Among 1-tower cable-stayed bridges, No.1 is the Surgut Bridge in Russia (408 m; 2000), and No.2. is the Huangpu-2 Bridge (383 m; 2008) near Hong Kong, China. The projected Ulyanovsk Bridge in Russia was planned to have 1 tower and 2 adjacent spans of 407 m each, but the plan was changed for a shorterspan bridge type. The longest-span bridge beyond cable-supported bridges is the Chaotianmen Bridge, a steel arch bridge (span 552 m; 2008) in Chongqing, China. As appears from the Bridge Tables 1-7 in Ref.[3], steel arch and steel truss girder bridges may reach max. span about 500 m, concrete arch bridges 400 m, prestressed concrete girder and steel box and plate girder bridges some 300 m.
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Some proposed super long-span bridges of the future should be mentioned, too. For instance, suspension bridges like Qiongzhou in China (span something between 2000-2500 m); Messina in Italy (3300 m); Tsugaru in Japan (4000 m); Gibraltar Strait between Spain and Morocco (5000 m). Finally, a gigantic cable-stayed bridge was proposed in the late 1980s across the Gibraltar Strait with an enormous main span of 8400 m [4].
Figure 1: The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge in Japan, greatest bridge ever built (span 1991 m). Photo taken towards south from the top of the Maiko Tower, near the north anchorage at Kobe side. - PHOTO: LEENA VIROLA,
Figure 2: The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, Leena Virola measuring the 1/1-scale model of the 1122 mm main cable. Photo taken near the Maiko Pavilion, at Kobe side. - PHOTO: JUHANI VIROLA
Figure 3: The Great Belt East Bridge in Denmark (span 1624 m), under construction in 1997 PHOTO: JUHANI VIROLA
Figure 4 : Korsor by night. The Great Belt suspension bridge in the background. - PHOTO: LEENA VIROLA
Figure 5: The Tatara Bridge in Japan (span 890 m), once the world record cable-stayed bridge [3]. View from the top of the Onomichi tower towards the tower at Imabari side. - PHOTO: JUHANI VIROLA
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Epilogue Long-span bridges have interested us always, particularly great suspension bridges and also cable-stayed bridges (Tatara). Hitherto, the following long-span cable-supported bridges (in order of main span) in Table 1: Akashi, Great Belt, Humber, Verrazano, Golden Gate, Hga Kusten, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Bosporus, George Washington, Kurushima-3, Ponte 25 de Abril, Forth, and also some other long-span cablesupported bridges beyond the Table: Severn (span 988 m), Tatara (890 m), Transbay (2 x 704 m). Excluding the 2 Istanbul suspension bridges (1090 m; 1074 m), in other cases we were permitted to enter the top of the towers of the bridges mentioned above. The 3 suspension bridges on the Kojima-Sakaide Route: Minami Bisan-seto (1100 m), Kita Bisan-seto (990 m) and Shimotsui-seto (940 m) we crossed by train, and the 2 suspension bridges on the OnomichiImabari Route: Kurushima-2 (1020 m) and Kurushima-1 (600 m), we passed by ship, so those are not counted. Through this paper and referenced documents we hope to have enlightened the readers on long span bridges around the world, as Mauritius embarks on the venture of having one of its own: The Dream Bridge, as it is often quoted.
References:
[1] Juhani Virola: Notable bridges in the world and in Finland (original Finnish, 66 pic., a limited amount of reprints available in English). Tierakennusmestari 1995:2, p. 85-104 & 1995:3, p. 75-85. [2] Juhani Virola: Long-span cable-supported bridges (18 photos, 21 drafts). The Bridge & Structural Engineer 2001:2, p. 1-44. [3] Bridge Tables of the Helsinki University of Technology (TKK),www.tkk.fi/Units/Bridge/longspan.html [4] Urs Meier: Proposal for a carbon-fibre reinforced composite bridge across the Strait of Gibraltar at its narrowest site. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Vol.201, No.B2 (1987), p. 73-78.
Links: Links: * text of the full article "Long-span cable-supported bridges", http://koti.kontu.la/jvirola/casu.rtf * illustration for select, 80 pic., in CD-Rom (size ca. 25 MB), of that full article, http://koti.kontu.la/jvirola/longspa5.ppt *illustration texts of that http://koti.kontu.la/jvirola/illust5.rtf 80-pic. CD-Rom,
* text of a special article on the Akashi Bridge (span 1991 m), http://koti.kontu.la/jvirola/akakai.rtf * concise CV about the author, http://koti.kontu.la/jvirola/cvjv.rtf
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Addressing Finishing problems in Building Construction

Karl Dulaurent, Technical Advisor, Lafarge (Mauritius) Cement Ltd karldulaurent@orange.mu
Introduction This paper identifies some of the common defects encountered in finishing works and proposes guidelines to avoid occurrence. We do not have the pretention to cover each and every problem related to finishes neither do we believe that we have solutions to all assignable causes of failures. We have made recommendations for the selection of Materials used in masonry works and invite users to refer to relevant Codes of practice and entrust such works to skilled labour. 1. Finishing works in brief Finishing works in Building construction which will be the subject of this paper are: Rendering and Plastering external and internal walls, partitions, ceilings, and concrete surfaces, Screeding of both concrete floor and roof surfaces. Above works are carried out using mortar products which consist of cement, lime, sand, admixtures and water. 2. Rendering and Screeding The term Rendering is used when one or multiple coats of mortar are applied on either concrete blocks or concrete surfaces like Ceilings, Walls both internal and external. The term Plastering is sometimes misinterpreted and it is generally used to describe the application of a thin layer (3-5mm) of Plaster using either lime or gypsum (Plaster of Paris) as the binding medium. Plastering is confined to internal surfaces as the mortar used is not resistant to severe environment, rain, winds etc. We have sometimes recourse to gypsum for plastering of ceilings and gypsum boards for partitioning.
Screeding is the finishing coat applied on concrete surfaces like Floors and Roof tops. Applied to residential houses screeds must adhere properly and durably to stratum, be strong with a compressive strength preferably >10 N/mm. In case of warehouses, industries i.e. industrial floorings, besides the characteristics mentioned earlier on, compressive strength shall be greater than18N/ mm coupled with high impact resistance and the finished product shall be resistant to vehicular traffic and aggressive spilling chemicals. Power floating is the best way of finishing screeding and even for residential houses purposes small power floats are now available on the market. 3. Description of defects and reasons for occurrence Blisters are bumps which wave and give rise to unleveled surfaces. They may not contain cracks and arise as a result of errors in materials proportioning, excess water in the mortar paste and also to floating starting whilst mortar is still green. Pop outs are isolated conical fragments that break out of the surface leaving small holes and increase the porosity of the render. An excess of fine particles and high water demand allow air to be entrapped with possible hair cracks. Efflorescence is a white deposit that develops on the surface and usually occurs when salts, mainly calcium carbonate, migrate to the surface. Other conditions like too much water in the mortar and excess floating of plastic paste are attributable to this phenomenon.
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Cracks and fissures disfigure rendering and render the finished surfaces porous and permeable. These defects are a result of high water dosage in the mortar combined with rapid loss of such water, low humidity, high temperature, windy weather causing Plastic Shrinkage cracks to develop. De-bonding /Pull off of hardened mortar from the stratum, commonly known as Cloquage in the Mauritian jargon is quite common in Concrete Ceilings and Floor/Roof Screeds. Cloquage surfaces cannot be repaired and defective surfaces have to be removed and replaced altogether. Causes are high suction of the stratum, the use of inappropriate mortar and improper application methodology. Crazing is a network of fine surface cracks and tends to form a chicken wire pattern. It is usually caused by the bad habit of casting dry cement to hasten drying and also due to low humidity, high air temperature, hot sun and drying wind. Dusting is development of fine powdery material that easily rubs off the surface of hardened render .It is a result of a weak layer composed of water, cement and fine particles (laitance) which comes to the surface. It is usually caused by water applied during finishing, the mortar being too wet, exposure to rainfall and insufficient curing.
proportions, to select skilled people conversant with the application methodology and the use of appropriate tools. Specifications for materials are laid down in relevant standards e.g. Portland cement to EN 197-1, Masonry cement to EN 413-1, Lime to EN 459-1, Water to EN 1008, and Sand to EN 13139 amongst others. Furthermore, EN 13914 and BS 8000-9 are Codes of Practice for Render and Workmanship respectively. There are also numerous publications giving useful information regarding finishing works.
5. Some Hints Methodology
on
Materials
and
Cement: The type of Cement commercialized in our Country is CEM 1 complying with EN 197-1. This cement has a relatively high heat of hydration (300J) and a high Specific surface (fineness) which may be causes for Cracks and Cloquage and must be therefore be used with utmost care. Twenty years back we used to receive two types of Portland cement namely Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Rapid Hardening Portland Cement (RHPC) to BS 12 and the user chose the OPC type for Masonry works and fewer problems were then reported. There are strong indications that Cement suppliers will introduce Masonry Cement to EN 413-1, and this product as its name implies shall be beneficial to Block/Stone laying, Rendering and Screeding works. Let us also recall that formerly the Sand used in masonry was of Calcareous origin, rounded in shape, more workable, with a high water absorption value and slow evaporation rate. In such cases some suction of gauged water from the mortar by the stratum was not so detrimental. Now that Coral sand extraction has been prohibited and substituted by Basalt Rock sand which absorbs less water followed by rapid evaporation and drying, defects are more prone to occur.
The list of defects outlined above are not exhaustive and even such defects do not represent a hazard to the structure of the building, the aesthetics greatly suffer, renderings and plastering which shall primarily ensure protection against dampness, porosity, water infiltration etc do not by virtue of these defects fulfill their dedicated role.
4.
Rendering and Finishing practice

Good rendering and finishing practice when strictly followed allows effective control and in certain cases elimination of defects in Rendering and Screeding works. The thumb rule is to choose the correct materials which shall be gauged in correct
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Another important material which was incorporated in little quantities in Mortar making was Lime which imparts excellent workability, good water retentivity, better bonding to stratum and the probability of less disorders resulting. However, necessary precautions must be taken to avoid Efflorescence and lime bloom. Admixtures: These exist in two versions, liquid and powder forms. We have all heard of Plaze which is a liquid Plasticiser and is used to enhance Mortar Plasticity, to ease Spreading and prolong setting thus giving sufficient time to the masons to shape and float the plastic mortar. Other admixtures like Water repellent are incorporated in mortars applied on external works to render finished surfaces impervious. Polymer additives are used in Screeding mortar for better impact resistance and durability, Application coats: render shall be applied in successive layers not exceeding 12mm; the first (pricking coat) or initial coat is roughened extensively in order to favour a good key for the following coats which are usually applied the following day. Thick layers very often give rise to severe cracks and Cloquage. Prime coat: on concrete surfaces it is strongly recommended to apply a thin coat (3-5mm thick) of bonding mortar before proceeding with rendering and screeding. Hardened render and plaster should not be very strong and a compressive strength of between 6N/mm to 10N/mm is sufficient. Generally best results are achieved when the host Masonry is stronger than the applied mortar One shall refrain from proceeding with masonry works at temperatures below 5C and greater than 35C Last but not least is curing which plays a vital role towards successful finishing due to the capillary pores remaining saturated thus favouring proper hydration of cement. Curing is carried out using either water
(cheapest solution) or curing compound mostly water based. When water is used curing shall be maintained for a continuous period of 3-4 days.
Conclusion Our objective in writing this paper is to draw the attention of Architects, Consulting Engineers, Project Managers /Quantity Surveyors, Building & Civil Engineering Contractors, and private individuals to recurrent problems of finishes. We hope that users will follow the few recommendations we have outlined and we believe that the curriculum of Vocational Training Institutes shall be reviewed to cover in more detail the elements of Good Practice in finishing works. Clients must be choosy on the labour involved on their sites and why not insist upon the presentation of testimonial from these Training Institutes.
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Views on Engineering Education for Developing Mauritius

K Bhujun C.Eng MIEI M.ASCE RPEM Registrar, Council of Registered Professional Engineers of Mauritius kbhujun@mail.gov.mu
Introduction Thousands of school leavers aspire every year to an engineering education, and hundreds of them actually graduate from various engineering institutions, either locally or abroad. The trends of wish-list over the years however seem to vary; in some years youngsters are more inclined towards IT and Mechatronics, while in others, they seem to favour the sure bet to a job provided by Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, amongst others. However, whatever the reasons to join the engineering field, and spend several years studying engineering, the objective of nearly all these students remain to be eventually able to practice engineering as a recognised Professional Engineer. It is a pity therefore to see so many of them still being misguided or misinformed about the academic requirement to achieve their objective in Mauritius. What is an acceptable engineering qualification in view of an eventual registration? Practice of professional engineering in Mauritius, and its territories, requires an individual to be registered as a Professional Engineer with the Council of Registered Professional Engineers of Mauritius (CRPE). CRPE registers an applicant as Professional Registered Engineer, as per Sections 13 and 14 of the Registered Professional Engineers Council Act (1966) when the latter holds a qualification approved by Council and after having demonstrated, by way of a training report and a technical interview, the satisfactory completion of a training period of at least two years.
These qualifications approved by Council differ depending on their origin, though the logic behind the approval remains the same. Hence, for a Mauritian degree, in general, and with reservations regarding some newly approved degree programmes, a four year full time engineering degree programme, in at least Lower Second Division automatically meet Councils requirement. For UK or any of the signatories of the Washington Accord, the acceptable qualification is a four year full time engineering degree programme, accredited by the Engineering Council UK, or an equivalent body from one of the Washington Accord signatories, as meeting the academic requirement, without further learning, to the grade of Chartered Engineer, or equivalent. Likewise, for an engineering graduate coming from France, the automatically acceptable qualification for CRPE is either a Diplme dIngnieur or a combination of a Licence followed by the successful completion of a Masters (1+2). Additionally, for someone graduating from one of the engineering institutions from India, it would be worth to note that a degree in engineering from one of the Indian Institute of Technology is automatically recognised by Council, whereas graduates from other universities are required to undergo a technical interview to assess whether their level of engineering knowledge meets the requirement of someone suitable to undergo training in view of an eventual registration. A list of approved qualifications has been published by the CRPE and same can be downloaded from its website.
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Continuing Education Despite the high level of education undoubtedly inculcated in engineering institutions in the students pursuit of an engineering degree, observations over the years have led to the conclusion that this engineering education is never enough to last a career. In fact, Professional Engineers nowadays more and more request and look for Continuous Professional Development programme, as a means to update their knowledge and awareness of the latest techniques and technologies. CPD is currently also becoming an increasingly required element for the renewal of membership with some of the international and reputed Engineering Institutions. The objective seems to be to urge Engineers into realising the importance of updating their knowledge with the latest techniques, with a view to remaining efficient and productive. Mauritius being geographically isolated from the major engineering centres, there appears to be an increasing and unsatisfied demand for these CPD courses, in various forms, by with the local Professional Engineers population. Hence, Council regularly receive request for information regarding the conduct of specialised trainings; similarly, it has been observed that there is currently in Mauritius a real demand for formal further engineering education, in the form of a taught MSc in pure engineering, as opposed to engineering management courses. Additionally, with the wide-spread promotion by the Authorities in favour of pursuit of science and technology education, it comes as a surprise that so little opportunity is available for interested parties, students and working professionals alike, for further involvement in the form of research, leading to a PhD in Mauritius. It can be argued that research requires funding, which is mostly available only to people who have previously produced useful results for the industry, thereby creating strong links of trust. The counter point however remains that results come from attempts (and failures) and require as a sine qua non condition the first step to venture into research. How many are willing to do research in Science and Technology in Mauritius? At what cost? How many are interested but do not have an opportunity to do so? These are questions which, for the time being, remain unanswered.
Limitations of current engineering education Along with the needs from Professional Engineers, observations have also shown aspects of the engineering education which could be improved to help the Mauritian engineering graduates. It is a fact that Professional Engineers are required, at some point of time in their career, to talk, explain, discuss, present and substantiate their observations of technical aspects of things. Research done elsewhere have revealed that Engineers are generally stereotyped as someone who would prefer to be alone at his desk, calculating and analysing observations rather than giving a lecture on something he just did, or write a report on his observation to the lay-man who invariably seems to control the decision process. The same trends were observed over several years at the CRPE: engineering graduates are afraid to talk (sense) and do not feel motivated enough to learn how to and eventually write a letter or a report, describing a technical event or occurrence, in simple terms, for widespread communication of a problem or its proposed solution. There is need, in the current engineering education, to teach engineering graduates some of the soft skills required in the workplace, namely, how to write a business letter, how to prepare and draft a technical report for nontechnical people, how to prepare a PowerPoint presentation and also how to do an oral presentation in front of an audience or more contemporarily, how to write or reply to an email. How many times have we attended workshops or forum to find ourselves facing slides filled with small font size text, written with inappropriate colours, poor background, inconsistent format, or worst, with the speaker looking at his laptop and rushing through the speech as if he wished to be somewhere else Similarly, how often have we received letters, or emails, with the wrong beginning, a poor salutation, inadequate paragraphing and too much elaboration, which lead to the main point being often overlooked, thereby not allowing the letter to reach its objective. Email communication is a result of technological advances and has the advantage of being very fast as compared to a traditional letter or a fax. It is just a click away and with this sense of speed comes a sense of urgency. We can send our request or information quickly and we want the answer as quickly too. And to make our point
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clear, we emphasize the critical words, increase their font, make them look bold and red, or even capitalize them, resulting finally in a colourful work of art, at best difficult, and at worst irritating, to read. Business communication is an art, and it would do engineering graduates a world of good if they could be provided with tips on how to communicate effectively. Objectives of Engineering Education Individuals pursue an engineering education for different reasons, though the prime objective of nearly all these students remains to be eventually able to practice engineering as a recognised Professional Engineer. This can only happen in Mauritius by being registered with the CRPE. The procedure for application is available on Councils website: www.crpemauritius.com In this regard therefore, it is the duty of different engineering institutions to ensure that conditions are present which creates a situation of sufficiency in engineering graduates on the market. For example, the University of Mauritius produces in excess of 200 engineering graduates every year and still only some 40 to 50 of them get registered every year, which raise the questions: Where are the others?. Where are those others who proudly graduated with an engineering degree? Are they uninterested? Are they not motivated to call themselves a Professional Engineer? Are they not sure of their
abilities to meet the requirement to be a Professional Engineer? Are they not being asked by their Employer to get themselves registered before they can practice engineering? Such questions remain burning issues whose redress would give a boost to the engineering profession in Mauritius. Additionally, the conditions for sufficiency should include the bold decision to halt or stagger intake for one or more fields of engineering, should it be observed, or reported, that the majority of the graduating students do not obtain a job in their field, through lack of opportunity, as is the case for the fields of Chemical Engineering or Chemical and Environmental Engineering. Such a decision could then contribute to reduce the sense of frustration in some of the young graduates, who find themselves taking up a job outside their field of studies, for the sake of earning. Conclusion This article is an attempt to bring to the discussion table the academic requirements in view of an eventual registration as a Professional Engineer in Mauritius, as well as pin-point some of the non-technical elements whose inclusion in typical engineering education would help improved the latter while bringing added value to the product. Comments and discussions on the opinion expressed are always welcome.
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Implications of Adopting Eurocode 7 for Geotechnical Design

A. Chan Chim Yuk, Geotechnical Engineer achan@uom.ac.mu
ABSTRACT Traditionally, Mauritian engineers have recourse to British Codes of Practice to carry out structural and geotechnical designs. However, in the UK, the British structural and geotechnical design codes have been withdrawn since March 2010 and have been replaced by Eurocodes. Geotechnical engineers are the ones who are most affected by the new codes because it is the first time that limit states concepts are being introduced in geotechnical design. The aim of this change is to harmonize structural and geotechnical design practice. With these developments, the civil engineering practice in Mauritius is at a crossroad and will have to adopt a set of codes which are most appropriate for the local context. The European geotechnical code, known as EC7: Geotechnical Design or BS EN1997, brings up-todate design principles and good practices to geotechnical engineers. However, if Mauritian authorities adopt EC7, firstly, they will face the challenge of having to formulate an appropriate National Annex based on local experience. Secondly, as EC7 consists of complex principles and rules, an extensive training programme will have to be designed for practicing engineers so that they can fully understand the design principles and rules of the code and apply them correctly. Thirdly, EC7 requires high quality ground investigation results for the determination of design parameters so that a plan for accreditation of testing laboratories capable of meeting the requirements of the code must be elaborated.
codes have been withdrawn since March 2010 and have been replaced by Eurocodes. Eurocodes have been developed so as to meet the objectives set by the Commission of the European Community in 1975 to eliminate technical obstacles to trade among European countries and to establish a set of harmonized technical rules for the design of construction works. Under the Structural Eurocode programme, a set of ten standards have been published for the design of building and civil engineering works as follows:
EN 1990 EN 1991 EN 1992 EN 1993 EN 1994 EN 1995 EN 1996 EN 1997 EN 1998 EN 1999 Eurocode Eurocode 1 Eurocode 2 Eurocode 3 Eurocode 4 Eurocode 5 Eurocode 6 Eurocode 7 Eurocode 8 Eurocode 9 Basis of structural design Actions on structures Design of concrete structures Design of steel structures Design of composite steel and concrete structures Design of timber structures Design of masonry structures Geotechnical design Design of structures for earthquake resistance Design of aluminium structures
1.0 INTRODUCTION Structural and geotechnical designs in Mauritius have traditionally been based on British Codes of Practice. However, in the UK, the British design
These standards are divided into a number of parts and are accompanied by National Annexes. The purpose of the National Annexes is to provide a means for a country that has adopted the Eurocodes to elaborate on the Nationally Determined Parameters (such as partial factors, correlation factors, etc) and country-specific design guidance that are to be applied. With the above developments, the civil engineering practice in Mauritius is at a crossroad
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and faces the challenge of opting for a set of codes that can be adopted promptly. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the main features of Eurocode 7 (EC7:Geotechnical Design or BS EN1997) and discuss the implications for Mauritius if Eurocodes are to be considered for adoption by the local authorities. 2.0 DESIGN PHILOSOPHIES EC7 which replaces BS8002 (Code of Practice for Earth Retaining Structures) and BS8004 (Code of Practice for Foundations) presents significant departures from traditional geotechnical design practice. It is also a single code that covers geotechnical design of foundations, anchorages, retaining structures and embankments. The traditional approach which is based on the permissible or allowable stress method followed in BS 8004 requires the geotechnical engineer to determine the allowable foundation capacity that will support the unfactored loads provided by a structural engineer. A design is assumed to be safe if the permissible stress in the ground is not exceeded. To take into account variability in the properties of the ground and uncertainties in measurement of these properties as well as uncertainties in analytical methods, a single global factor of safety is applied to the failure load to determine the allowable or design load. In order to also limit deformations or settlements, high factors of safety are applied. For example, in BS 8004, factors of 2 to 3 are recommended for foundation design. The magnitude of the factor of safety is frequently chosen so as to both limit deformations and prevent collapse. EC7 introduces the concept of limit state principles, which have been used in structural design standards since the1980s, in geotechnical design and requires the application of partial factors to the source of uncertainty. The purpose is to close the gap between structural and geotechnical design principles (Driscoll et al, 2008) by providing a harmonized approach in design when using different construction materials such as concrete, steel and geomaterials. This should lead to consistency in
design when considering soil-structure interaction. The limit state approach has also been introduced in the United States with the load and resistance factor design (LRFD) method. In the limit state approach, a clear distinction is made between ultimate and serviceability limit states. The ultimate limit state (ULS) is associated with collapse or other forms of structural failure (Simpson and Driscoll, 1998) and is concerned with the safety of people and the structure. On the other hand, serviceability limit state (SLS) is associated with specified requirements related to the functioning of the structure such as the need to limit deformations, vibrations and settlement. 3.0 MAIN FEATURES OF EC7 3.1 Structure of the code EC7: Geotechnical design consists of two parts, namely: 1. General rules (BS EN 1997-1: 2004) divided into twelve sections and nine annexes, and 2. Ground investigation and testing (BS EN 1997-2: 2007) divided into six sections and twenty four annexes.
Distinction is made in clauses of the code between mandatory Principles which are indicated by the letter P after the clause number and Application Rules. Application Rules are informative and not mandatory but they satisfy the requirements of the Principles. Alternatives to the Application Rules are allowed, provided they satisfy the requirements of the relevant Principles. The code is not to be considered as a design manual. It does not include geotechnical theories or material behaviour models that are to be used in design calculations. Its aim is to provide a set of rules for conducting a design and ensuring the safety of the design. However, some useful methods that may be considered for determining earth pressures, bearing capacities and settlements are given in Annexes C to H.
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3.2 Classification geotechnical design
of
structures
in
It is the usual practice in the initial stage of geotechnical design to consider the complexities of a structure and of the ground conditions at a site to plan ground investigations for obtaining geotechnical parameters for the design. To assist geotechnical engineers in such a task and for an assessment of the level of risk associated with the type of structure, EC7 introduces the following three Geotechnical Categories that take into account the types of structure and loadings, the complexity of the ground conditions and the level of risk involved: Category 1 comprises small and simple structures, and negligible risks. Design may be based on local experience and qualitative geotechnical investigations. Category 2 includes conventional types of structures, no difficult ground or loading conditions and no exceptional risks. Routine ground investigations can be undertaken. Category 3 includes very large or complex structures, exceptionally difficult ground or loading conditions and abnormal risks. Normally requires more ground investigations than Category 2 and possibly advanced testing.
categories of ULS relevant to geotechnical design: loss of equilibrium of the structure or the ground (EQU); internal failure or excessive deformation of the structure or structural elements (STR); failure or excessive deformation of the ground (GEO); loss of equilibrium of the structure or the ground due to uplift by water pressure (buoyancy) or other vertical actions (UPL); and hydraulic heave, internal erosion and piping in the ground caused by hydraulic gradients (HYD). Verification of the ULSs is carried out using partial load and resistance factors. STR and GEO are the limit states that are most likely to be considered in routine geotechnical engineering design. For these ultimate limit states, it must be verified that the design value of the effect of actions (Ed) does not exceed the design value of the resistance of the ground and/ or the structure (Rd), that is, Ed Rd (Clause 2.4.7.3.1). Actions include loads applied to the structure and the ground, and displacements that are imposed by the ground on the structure, or vice versa. The structural loads are defined in EN 1990. EN 1997 gives a list of geotechnical actions to be considered. Clause 2.4.7.3.4 proposes three Design Approaches to check that the GEO and STR limit states are not exceeded. In Design Approach 1, partial factors are applied to actions and to ground strength and two combinations of partial factors must be considered. In Combination 1, that partial factors are applied to actions whereas ground strengths and resistances are not factored so as to provide safety against uncertainties in the actions (Schuppener, 2007); in Combination 2, partial factors are applied to ground strengths and variable actions whereas non-variable actions and resistances are not factored (Bond and Harris, 2008) so as to provide safety against uncertainties in the ground strength properties and calculation models. In Design Approach 2, partial factors are applied to either actions or effects of actions and to ground resistances. This approach is more or less similar to the traditional method of global factor of safety. In Design Approach 3, partial factors are applied to either
Clause 2.1(11) recommends that a preliminary classification of a structure according to the above categories be undertaken before carrying out geotechnical investigations. It is to be noted that the Geotechnical Categories are defined as Application Rules and are not mandatory. Therefore, alternative methods of assessing geotechnical risk may be adopted. 3.3 Design philosophies The code specifies that limit states should be verified by calculation, prescriptive measures, experimental models and load tests, an observational method, or a combination of these approaches. Clause 2.4.7.1 identifies five
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actions or effects of structural actions and to ground strength parameters. The need to have the three Design Approaches arose because there were diverse views on the selection of a single approach. However, Frank et al (2004) express the opinion that, following the experience that will be gained in the various countries, the three Approaches will be merged in a single one in the future. In order to implement EC7, a country will have to specify in its National Annex which Design Approaches are to be used. It is to be noted that the UK National Annex specifies the use of Design Approach 1 only. Partial and correlation factors for ultimate limit states and their recommended values are given in Annex A of EN 1997-1. A country may opt to specify different values for the factors in its National Annex. For serviceability states, EN 1997-1: 2004 Clause 2.4.8 requires that the effects of actions (such as foundation settlements) do not exceed their established limiting values. Annex H of EN 19971 gives some guidelines on allowable deformations to normal structures. 3.4 Geotechnical investigation and design reports Figure 1 which is reproduced from EN 1997-2 summarises the process for obtaining geotechnical design values. EN 1997-2 and the associated testing standards give rules for carrying out laboratory testing and field investigations. From the test results, derived values of geotechnical parameters and coefficients are obtained by theory, correlation or empiricism. On the basis of the derived values, Clause 2.4.5.2 requires the cautious selection of characteristic values on which partial factors are applied. Characteristic values are obtained from statistical analyses of the derived parameters when there is sufficient data. When there is a lack of data, characteristic values may be selected with great caution from standard tables. In both cases, the code requires the selection of characteristic values to be complemented by well-established experience.
Figure 1 General framework for the selection of derived and design values of geotechnical properties
Clause 3.2.1(1)P states that geotechnical investigations must provide sufficient data on the ground and groundwater conditions at, and around, the site so as to provide a proper description of the required ground properties and to recommend reliable characteristic values of geotechnical parameters for design purposes. Clause 2.8(1)P specifies that design assumptions, methods of calculations and results of the verification of safety and serviceability should be recorded in a Geotechnical Design Report. The latter should also include the supervision, monitoring and maintenance plan for the project. A Ground Investigation Report is also an important item to be included in the design report as specified in Clause 2.8. The Design Report is required for all geotechnical designs, even the simplest ones for which a single-sheet report may be sufficient. 4.0 Discussion With EC7, geotechnical design has been integrated into a set of structural design codes which makes it consistent with the limit state design philosophies used in structural design. This facilitates the very close collaboration required between structural and geotechnical engineers in the implementation of building and civil engineering projects. EC7 imposes rigour in the geotechnical design process and guides the engineers in the risk assessment of their projects. The final Geotechnical Design Report will require a holistic approach in the design process
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because, besides the design output which must be fully documented, a supervision and monitoring plan during and after implementation of a project is also required. If the Mauritian Authorities intend to adopt EC7, the first step will be to prepare a National Annex that establishes the design approaches and the values of partial factors to be adopted locally. This will present a challenging task in view of the limited data available locally to support the choice of a particular design approach and of partial factors. Secondly, as EC7 consists of quite complex principles and rules, extensive training programmes must be designed for practicing engineers so that the design principles can be understood fully and applied correctly. Thirdly, EC7 requires high quality ground investigation results for the determination of design parameters. This will require high standard testing facilities, including adequately trained technical staff. Consequently, a plan for accreditation of testing laboratories capable of meeting the requirements of EC7 must be elaborated. It follows from the above three requirements that implementation of EC7 is likely to be a long process and will require substantial funding. Therefore, the decision to adopt Eurocodes or other new codes must be taken urgently so that local engineers can keep pace with recent developments in building and civil engineering designs. 5.0 Conclusions EC7 presents up-to-date limit states design principles and good practices to geotechnical engineers. It imposes rigour in the geotechnical design process and guides the engineers in the risk assessment of their projects. If the Mauritian Authorities intend to adopt EC7, they will face the challenges of having To formulate a National Annex that establishes the design approaches and the values of partial factors to be adopted locally. To provide extensive training to practicing engineers so that the design
principles of the code can be understood fully and applied correctly. To impose high quality investigation facilities. ground
To conclude, it is imperative that the decision to adopt Eurocodes or other new codes must be taken urgently so that local engineers can keep pace with recent developments in building and civil engineering designs.
6.0 References
Bond, A. and Harris, A. (2008). Decoding Eurocode 7. Taylor & Francis, London. BS EN 1997-1: 2004. Eurocode 7 Geotechnical design, Part 1 general rules. British Standards Institution, London. BS EN 1997-2: 2007. Eurocode 7 Geotechnical design, Part 2 Ground investigation and testing. British Standards Institution, London. BS 8002: 1994. Code of practice for earth retaining structures. British Standards Institution, London. BS 8004: 1986. Code of practice for foundations. British Standards Institution, London. Driscoll, R.M.C., Powell, J.J.M., and Scott, P.D. (2008). EC7 implications for UK practice. CIRIA RP701. Frank et al (2004). Designers guide to EN BS 1997-1 Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design general rules. Thomas Telford, London. Schuppener, B (2007). Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design Part 1: General rules - its implementation in the European Member states. Proc. 14th European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Madrid, 24-27 September 2007, 280 289.
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THE JOURNAL OF THE

INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

Printed by: Cathay Printing Ltd. ISBN: 978-99949-32-67-2

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

Figure 1: Primary energy requirement (CSO, 2009)

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

2. Characteristics of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

Figure 2: Characterization of MSW (Romeela Mohee, 2002)

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

3. Anaerobic Digestion Process

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

4.1.1 Electrical Power

4. The Proposed System

4.1.2 Thermal Energy

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

Table 1: The Cost and Expected Income

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

Figure 4: Schematic diagram of the proposed AD plant

4.3.1 Payback Period

Table 2: Payback Period for Different Scenario

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

MAURICE ILE DURABLE

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

PRSENTATION DU GRENELLE ENVIRONNEMENT

14 000 contributions sur Internet ont t recenses

groupe promouvoir des modes de dveloppement cologiques favorables

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

The LEED Process for the University of Mauritius Hall of Residence

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

Post-tensioned Coffered Slab at Bagatelle Mall & Hotel

Moustaquim M Lalloo, Senior Site Engineer, Rehm Grinaker mlalloo@rehmgrinaker.intnet.mu

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

Salient Features of the FIDIC 1999 Conditions of Contract for Construction

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

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informed decision within the prescribed time.

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

Safety and Health in the Construction Industry

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

Figure 1 OHSAS 18001 - Occupational Health and Safety Management System

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS

THE JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS MAURITIUS