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The South African National Standards clearly state that frameless glass balustrade systems must be designed and tested in consultation with a professional structural engineer according to the SANS deemed to satisfy rules.

After engineers calculations have been done, one of the many physical tests that are performed on a frameless glass balustrade design is a 400 Joule Soft Body Impact Test. This test will be set up according to the testing specifications indicated by SANS and ultimately, this physical test will confirm whether a frameless glass balustrade system is safe for its intended use or not. It must be noted that the balustrade will be struck at its weakest point during the impact test, which normally would be where the stainless steel fitting fits through the glass in order to fix the glass to the system.

The below image shows how the fixing point is the weakest point of the system:

Here is an example of a 400 Joule Soft Body Impact Test as per SANS testing requirements. In this test the frameless glass balustrade has failed the impact test due to the exclusion of a handrail that is supposed to stabilize the system and spread the load upon impact.

 

Three reasons why a frameless glass balustrade will fail an impact test:

1. When the balustrade system is not designed and tested in consultation with a professional structural engineer, there could be questionable differences in material thicknesses, fixing components and material quality which could result in a balustrade system that is not safe for its intended use and will not protect those utilising the home, should any accidents occur.

2. When the balustrade system has not been fixed to the surface as per SANS deemed to satisfy rules, there is no guarantee that the balustrade system will remain intact in the fixing surface for the remainder of its life cycle. This is also true for any noticeable unstable or deteriorated surface that has not been taken into account when a balustrade is being fixed to it.

3. When designing and testing a frameless glass balustrade in consultation with a professional structural engineer, it will be evident that a frameless glass panel that is not fixed into a permanent steel or concrete channel to the specified depths, will require a handrail in order to withstand the load that is being impacted upon the system. Unfortunately, unscrupulous balustrade contractors will deliberately leave out the handrail in order to save on costs and win the job. This conduct is negligent and could impact on the safety of those utilising the building as seen in the impact test video above.

For anyone that has lived in some of our most beautiful cities in South Africa since the early 2000’s, it would have been evident that there has been a noticeable evolution of the balustrade designs on some of the most iconic buildings that have mushroomed throughout these cities. From a predominantly stainless steel balustrade market in the early 2000’s, balustrades are no longer only functional, structural elements on a building, but have now also become main design attractions and features to compliment designs of these recognisable superstructures within our upgraded cities. Since 2011, South Africa’s building industry has become far more regulated in regards to balustrade design and safety, especially when it comes to the safety of frameless glass balustrade systems. Many building owners find themselves debating between budget and safety when selecting from a large array of contractors for their frameless glass balustrades on their new building or dream home. To the ordinary man, when faced with project budget constraints, it would seem an obvious decision to go with the more affordable option but the truth is that unscrupulous balustrade contractors continue to take advantage of consumers who know very little about balustrade safety and expect that no contractor will deliberately sell an unsafe product to a building owner just to make a buck or two.  For this very reason, we encourage consumers to rather budget early on in your project for a structurally sound balustrade system and undertake to use only the specialists in the industry that are experienced in delivering aesthetically pleasing frameless glass balustrades, but more importantly, that will ensure your safety and the safety of those utilising your building.

The result of appointing a non-compliant balustrade contractor is the risk of having to replace the balustrades with compliant systems that meet the standards set out by the regulations. This often involves astronomical costs and a long delay before the client can commence occupation. Not only do you run the risk of having to remove and replace the systems, but you are also putting the lives of those utilising the building, in danger.

Below is a list of Gauteng’s Top 4 frameless glass balustrade contractors that will design, manufacture and install a balustrade system that they have designed and tested in consultation with professional structural engineers in order to deliver a product that is deemed to satisfy as per the National Standards.

On completion of your project, you will receive a Form 3: Declaration by a competent person appointed to design a component of an element of a system, from the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977).

 

Mordt Engineering

Based in Jet Park, Johannesburg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.mordteng.co.za

The company and its products:

Mordt Engineering has added an innovative dimension to frameless glass balustrades since inception in 1982. The company prides itself in delivering high quality custom designed balustrade systems both locally and abroad.

Conscious about balustrade safety, their frameless glass balustrades consist of glass panels that create a feeling of spaciousness in the most sophisticated living spaces. Mordt’s balustrade designs adhere to the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (NBRB).

Consisting of 70 employees, Mordt Engineering has a qualified team dedicated to their frameless glass balustrade installations.

Their Frameless glass balustrades are designed to withstand the imposed load as per SANS and is designed to offer safety and stability. Conventional means of fixing frameless glass panels is by chemically anchoring panels in slots or by side mounting the panels on bracket fixings.

All Frameless Glass Balustrades are designed and tested in consultation with an engineer to oversee design and installation and to ensure that all safety criteria have been met. The engineer also ensures that the frameless glass balustrade will withstand an impact of 400 Joules.

Mordt Engineering is a member of the newly formed Balustrade Association of South Africa.

Guarantees:

A lifetime guarantee is offered on all stainless steel materials that are installed by Mordt Engineering.

Mission Statement:

Mordt Engineering strives to provide the highest quality stainless steel and frameless glass balustrades at competitive prices to both local and international markets and aim to supply our products in the timeframe required. Employee well-being and customer satisfaction are our end goals, keeping the safety of our employees and clients a priority.

Notable projects recently completed:

Eastgate Re-Development – Bedfordview, Coke Head Offices – Rosebank, HQ Office Park – Bedfordview, Blu Bird Shopping Centre – Melrose.

 

 

 

Steel Studio

Based in Sandton, Johannesburg

 

 

www.steelstudio.co.za

The company and its products:

Steel Studio specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of Frameless Glass Balustrades in commercial and residential markets, and are opinion leaders regarding safety and compliance. With over 30 years’ experience in balustrade systems, Steel Studio has produced a range of products that are fully compliant while maintaining visually appealing, custom aesthetic designs.

Consisting of 250 employees, 40 qualified installation teams and a collective management team with several years of experience in the industry, Steel Studio has completed thousands of frameless glass balustrade projects ranging from the smallest residential to the largest and most prestigious commercial projects.

Steel Studio’s frameless glass balustrades are all designed and tested in consultation with a professional structural engineer and in accordance with SANS deemed to satisfy requirements.

The company is concerned about their impact on their surroundings and they are constantly trying to reduce their carbon footprint when sourcing and manufacturing their glass and steel products.

Steel Studio is a long-standing member of the MBA North (Master Builders Association North), SAGGA (South African Glass and Glazing Association) and SASSDA (Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association). Including the newly formed Balustrade Association of South Africa.

Guarantees:

Form 3 Certificate on completion. 2 Year Workmanship guarantee and a lifetime guarantee on all stainless steel materials that are installed by Steel Studio.

Mission Statement:

Customers:

We will consistently and passionately go the extra mile for our customers

People:

Our people are our business and we will continuously invest in their growth and skills development

Quality and Compliance:

We will continually strive to be the thought leaders and front-runners in regards to SANS compliance. We will constantly improve our product offering and quality workmanship by developing cutting-edge technologies

Price:

Our prices will always be fair and competitive

Notable projects recently completed:

Sasol Head Office – Sandton, Discovery Head Office – Sandton, Alice Lane Phase 3 – Sandton, Menlyn Maine Time Square, 129 Rivonia Village Walk, Menlyn Shopping Centre.

BBBEE:

Steel Studio is a Level 8 Contributor on the revised BBBEE codes

 

 

 

 

Steel Image

Based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga

 

 

 

 

 

www.steelimage.co.za

The company and its products:

Established in 2004 and Founder members of the Balustrade Association of South Africa, Steel Image specialises in the design and installation of frameless glass balustrades with an emphasis on SANS compliance and safety.

Steel Images’ staff experience ranges from workshop and installation experts, research and development, sales and internal admin. Together they strive for growth through training and workshops, empowering their staff members with knowledge that creates independence and greater opportunities for those seeking a career in the industry.

Steel Image works in and around the Mpumalanga area and is proud to have been a part of several milestone projects in Nelspruit. Steel Image will also service the Gauteng area.

Steel Image’s core consists of balustrade safety and ensuring that their systems will withstand the loads impacted on them.

Guarantees:  

Form 3 Certificate on completion.

Mission Statement:

Purpose:

To be a leader in the Balustrade industry by providing Quality, SANS Compliant Frameless Glass Balustrades combined with excellent customer service and expert advice.

Vision:

To provide quality services that exceed the expectations of our esteemed customers.

Core Values:

We believe in treating our customers with respect and faith. We strive to always give the best advice when it comes to Our Products, Customer Wants, Needs and Demands.

Fabrication:

Steel Image has become a leader in the fabrication of all Stainless and Mild Steel Products including Frameless Glass Balustrade products.

Research and Development:

By integrating our industry knowledge with our dedicated SANS regulatory research, we can confidently service our clients with the highest quality balustrades.

Consumables:

Steel Image stocks a wide range of high-quality Stainless Steel materials and consumables, as well as cleaning kits for Stainless and Frameless Glass Balustrades.

Steel Image:

Is continuously growing and changing the way we work through our dedicated research team and strives for creative invention in all aspects of our company.

Notable projects recently completed:

Bakos Brothers, Crossings Phase 2, Ilanga Mall Phase 2, Mpumalanga University, Thabo Moshata Casino, Ehlanzeni Municipal Building

 

 

 

Spiral Engineering

Based in Industria, Johannesburg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.spiralengineering.co.za

The company and its products:

Established in 1990, Spiral Engineering has designed, manufactured and installed structural steelwork, spiral stairs, roof and solar support structures and additionally, frameless glass balustrade systems among their range of balustrades.

Based in Industria, Johannesburg, Spiral Engineering operates throughout South Africa and neighbouring countries. The company’s offering is versatile in terms of their steel and glass products.

With an emphasis on detail, continued innovative manufacturing techniques, continuous training and development and pure dedication, Spiral Engineering is able to offer a range of frameless glass balustrades that are safe and beautiful.

Guarantees: Form 3 Certificate on completion. 2 Year Workmanship guarantee and a lifetime guarantee on all stainless steel materials that are installed by Spiral Engineering

Their vision:

Spiral Engineering strives to improve:

• Our market share
• The professional growth of our workforce through in-service training and development
• Commitment to our clients
• Our positive influencing of the environment where we pursue these high standards

Values:

We are committed to:

• Creating a business environment characterised by high expectations
• A quest for excellence in all areas
• Tolerance, mutual respect and caring for staff and clients alike
• Providing a vigorous training and work programme for all our staff and to foster enquiring and perceptive minds
• Creating an environment in which every staff member is encouraged to develop initiative, self-discipline and the life skills necessary to handle any type of situation which may arise in our business activities with professional empathy
• Raising the level of awareness of our staff so that they become caring and involved citizens  of South Africa

Notable projects recently completed:

Sun City Entertainment Centre, Discovery HQ Stairs, Times Square Sun Star, Sasol Head Office, 129 Rivonia Stairs, 140 on West, Standard Bank Rosebank.

 

 

 

You merely need to look at the balustrade designs on some of the latest Iconic buildings in Sandton, Johannesburg, to grasp that frameless glass balustrades, in all profiles and designs is the balustrade trend of 2018.

Iconic buildings like the new Sasol head office, Discovery, the new Leonardo Hotel, Old Mutuals’ new offices in Sandton, to name only a few, are all finished with frameless glass balustrade systems, custom designed to suit the architectural designs of the buildings and tested in consultation with professional structural engineers.

Steel Studio, staying on trend

At Steel Studio, we strive to stay on trend with international design developments. The look of frameless glass balustrade systems are now starting to move towards an even slimmer and sexier design where sleeker and thinner stainless steel handrail profiles are being designed and manufactured, however at no cost to the safety of the system. Stainless steel remains the material of choice for the frameless glass balustrade fixing components that are being used.

In our latest project, namely Park Central, a 25 diameter round recessed handrail has been designed to fit on top of the frameless glass to offer stability in the balustrade system. Compared to the older 50 diameter recessed handrail, this has seemed to catch on in the design industry and now even slimmer square profiles are being offered to keep with the trend.

Frameless glass balustrades in the latest living spaces

Even in today’s newly built houses and renovations, Frameless glass balustrade systems are the clients’ first option and are featuring in the most conventional to contemporary living space designs.

The reason that homeowners are opting for this design is because they want to achieve an uninterrupted view of their surroundings in and around the house. They also want to have the freedom of expressing their design style without being restricted by a steel balustrade system. Frameless glass balustrades will compliment and reflect your style irrespective of what it is.

Safety first

Besides the beauty of frameless glass balustrade systems, the most important factor about this system is its ability to keep those utilising the balustrade, safe. The system must be able to withstand the loads that may be impacted on it. This is why it is so important that all frameless glass balustrade systems are designed and tested in consultation with a professional structural engineer to ensure that it complies with the South African National Standards and Building Codes.

Complement your living space and keep your family safe with a frameless glass balustrade system from a contractor that will put your safety first.

You are nearing the completion date of the building of your new dream home. You have imagined your magnificent new staircase and balconies to be finished with a frameless glass balustrade system. A barrier that will provide you with the necessary safety and that will allow you to enjoy an uninterrupted view of your surroundings, but where do you start in terms of finding a balustrade contractor that will ensure that the system is safe.

Budget vs Safety and Quality

In this day and age, many homeowners that are building a new home are restricted by budget and yet still have to furnish their homes with quality and safe products and they find themselves having to accept the cheaper quote on finishes. However, homeowners don’t think for one second that a contractor in this country would take a shortcut on safety in order to win a job and therefore it makes sense to them to settle on the cheaper quote.

Reality check

Due to years and years of getting away with non-compliant balustrades in an unregulated industry, there are unfortunately still many unscrupulous balustrade contractors that do not deliver a balustrade that is deemed to satisfy as per the South African National Standards (SANS) and they are happy to win a job purely to make a buck, ignoring the consequences.

This is why it is so important for homeowners and building professionals to insist on proof that the frameless glass balustrade system has been designed and tested in consultation with a professional structural engineer. This will settle any doubts the client may have about the safety of the balustrade safety.

Certification

On completion, you need to ensure that your balustrade contractor will supply you with a Form 3, signed only, by a professional structural engineer to ensure that the balustrades are safe for their intended use.

What is a Form 3: It is a declaration by a competent person (Structural Engineer) appointed to design a component or an element of a system, from the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977). Any balustrade contractor that cannot provide this Form 3 on completion of your frameless glass balustrade, will not be able to guarantee your safety when using this product.

The Finish

With the use of the correct thickness of toughened safety glass or laminated glass in your new frameless glass balustrade system, fixed correctly with approved components, you can now move into your beautiful new home, assured that you will enjoy your uninterrupted view at no cost to your family’s safety.

Clients Brief or vision:

The design brief called for glazed balustrades, side mounted to slab edges in a mild steel channel. The channel would need to follow the complex organic shapes of the atriums and a combination of curved, facetted and straight channels were designed.  A stainless steel handrail, attached to the glass structure with stainless steel handrail fittings was also called for.

A first on this project was the use of multi-axis laser scanning, to accurately scan and plot the lines and levels of all the atrium concrete to transfer through onto our drawing package. This technology gave us an extremely accurate measure of the radii, lines and levels to assist in very accurate channel fabrication. This process also alleviated the need for time consuming on-site manual measuring work and surveying. An example of the scan below:

Time frame from concept to completion and everything in between:

Our interaction with Boogertman & Partners and Paragon Architects started in 2015. Initial design discussions were held with regards to the brief and design intent. Concept sketches were done in conjunction with Pure Consulting, the Structural Engineers, and the Architects and Client, to a point were an acceptable structural detail met with the required aesthetic of the balustrade.

A series of meetings were held with the Client, Architect and Structural and Fire Engineer, to come up with a solution to meet the requirements of SANS for Escape Routes to enable us to cost engineer a solution accommodating numerous Code requirements. The final solution was a combination of 16.76mm thick toughened laminate glass for high load areas and 12.76mm thick for lower load areas.

Again, curved or bent panels of glass were used, as well as straight panels to follow the organic shapes designed into the atriums and concourse areas.

Unique cast stainless steel handrail brackets were also designed to accommodate for the change in glass thickness at the intersections between the two different types, without compromising the centreline of the handrail.

Steel Studio’s scope of work included for 2500 metres of Atrium balustrade, 1500 metres of concourse balustrade and 1000 metres of bespoke designed rail balustrade in stainless steel for the Podium and Roof areas.

The professional team that we worked with:

Zenprop, Growthpoint, Morta Project Managers, Boogertman and Partners Architects, Paragon Architects, Pentad Quantity Surveyors, Pure Consulting, Trevor Williams Consulting Engineers, Tiber/WBHO JV.

Design and Engineering work done by Steel Studio to make the architectural design and the client’s vision come to life in a practical manner: One of the areas we pride ourselves in is finding effective engineered balustrade solutions to fit the Architects design aesthetic, mandatory SANS requirements, Client’s budget and installation practicalities. Over a period of almost 2 years, we were able to engineer a structural glass balustrade system, to tie in with other finishing trades to produce a beautiful balustrade system which compliments a revolutionary and iconic building

Clients brief or vision:

The design brief called for glazed balustrades, side mounted to slab edges in a stainless steel channel. The channel would be partially visible above the finished floor level, designed to merge with the bulkhead detail below and tile or carpet finishes adjacent to the balustrades. A stainless steel handrail, attached to the glass structure with stainless steel handrail fittings was also called for.

For escape stairs, an attractive tubular balustrade system was required, that complied with SANS loading requirements, taking into account the Occupancy Category.

 

Time frame from concept to completion and everything in between:

Our interaction with Paragon Architects started in 2014. Initial design discussions were held with regards to the brief and design intent. One of the challenges was designing to accommodate for very tight curves at bridge and atrium intersections requiring bent glass panels. Numerous trials were done to develop the required radii which varied from 500 to 800mm radius.

Towards the end of 2014, we were appointed to produce a balustrade mock-up in conjunction with the bulkhead manufacturers. A full-scale mock-up of a bridge intersection was built off-site, where a section of both straights and curved glass balustrade was installed.

A series of meetings were held with the Client, Architect and Structural and Fire Engineer, to come up with a solution to meet the requirements of SANS for Escape Routes to enable us to cost engineer a solution accommodating numerous Code requirements. The final solution was a combination of 16.76mm thick toughened laminate glass for high load areas and 12.76mm thick for lower load areas. Unique cast stainless steel handrail brackets were also designed to accommodate the change in glass thickness at the intersections between the two different types, without compromising the centreline of the handrail.

 

The Professional team that we worked with:

Sasol, Alchemy Group, Capex Projects, Paragon Architects, Pentad Quantity Surveyors, Sotiralis Consulting Engineers, Trevor Williams Consulting Engineers, Aveng Grinaker-LTA Building.

Design and Engineering work done by Steel Studio on the Sasol Head Office in Sandton, Johannesburg, made the architectural design and the client’s dream come to life in a practical manner. We pride ourselves on being able to find effective engineered balustrade solutions to fit:

1. the architects design aesthetic;
2. the mandatory SANS requirements;
3. the client’s budget; and
4. installation practicalities

 

 

 

 

Do you have what it takes to become part our Leading balustrade and staircase brand? Advance your career in our ever-expanding Sales Team now!

You will be responsible for calling on Contractors, Architects, Quantity Surveyors and Owners on Residential Building Projects in the Sandton area. This position will be reporting to the Residential Sales Manager.

Must have extensive sales and technical experience in the building industry.

Must be highly ambitious, self-motivated, target driven and computer literate.

Own reliable transport essential.

Salary: Basic salary Negotiable on experience.

Benefits: Petrol and cell phone allowance, commission, provident fund.

Please send CV’s to ssirecruitment1@gmail.com

DIY? Because anybody can! This line made famous by our own do-it-yourself goddess, Suzelle, does have some merit. DIY is often a job that anybody can do but there are exceptions.

Brain surgery comes to mind! So does trying to install your own balustrade to try and save a buck.  Like brain surgery, a balustrade design and installation is a job best left to the professionals.

Not that it is rocket science. Many DIY balustrade component options are available on the internet and from various suppliers in South Africa. But here’s the problem: Homeowners and those who don’t have the necessary knowledge purchase these components to save money on projects, yet they don’t realise their liability in the event of product failure.

Components are often being advertised as SABS approved which they aren’t. The components are often also not certified, tested or guaranteed in any way, form or manner. Just because you can do something, does not mean you should.

A proper safe balustrade is made up of certified components should be tested and certified by a registered structural engineer and assembled by professionals. Failing to stick to these rules may quickly turn your DIY into a DIE project!

Not many people are aware of the fact that a responsible balustrade installation is not only a nice-to-have – it is required by the South African legal system.  Any seller of balustrades needs to ensure that the installation is going to take place as per his detailed installation instructions. A professional structural engineer will need to test and sign off a Form 3: A Declaration by a competent person appointed to design a component or an element of a system, from the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977, on completion, on the entire manufactured and installed system.

The supplier should furthermore have products that differentiate between the various loading requirements for the various occupancy categories as outlined by the local building code.

The same rings true to glass suppliers who supply panels to balustrade installers, not knowing the intended use and washing their hands on the liability for the sake of selling some product.

Only then is it a balustrade that you can trust, one that might just save a life.

If by now, you are wondering about the finer details that your balustrade-guy never told you about, our website is a veritable goldmine of information about safe and legal installations.  Here’s one you can read that asks the important question: “Is your Balustrade System Safe and Secure?”

If there is one thing South Africans know how to do, it is having a party!  We are warm and friendly people who enjoy socialising and are of the firm opinion that braaing should be an Olympic sport. 

This is the time of the year we get to enjoy our favourite pastime more often.  Warm sunny days with a few drinks and a braai while relaxing by the pool is almost ingrained in our DNA.  Adults adore it, kids cannot get enough of it, even our pets love the festive season.  Every other guest sneaks a little tidbit below the chair to Fido who has cleverly positioned himself there. Ah, sheer bliss. 

Living in this beautiful country of ours, the question on everyone’s lips around the festive season is always:  Is your home safe from…  

Very few of us pause to ask the question – Is your home safe for… 

Will it be safe for friends and family to bring their kids where there is no child safe enclosure around the pool.  Will it be safe for granny when she has to hold onto a balustrade that is not up to standard?  Will your balustrade support a guest who needs it after a few too many? Taking a few measures beforehand might save a life.  

Make sure that you are prepared to safely entertain your guests this festive season. If you have questions or doubts, click here to make certain your balustrade system is safe and secure. 

Understanding the concept of balustrades may also help and you can read more about that here

Most important, the Form 3

When the chops are on the braai and the sunscreen is on and you have ensured that all of the jolly holiday makers and their kids in your home are safe, then have a relaxing and wonderful festive season!

In the early 2000’s, Stainless Steel as a material for balustrade systems was the new kid in town. It fast became the specified material on large commercial projects and architects started incorporating stainless steel into their balustrade designs for homes and offices.

Back then, Steel Studio didn’t consider itself as a professional in balustrade safety regulations, but rather a professional in working with Stainless Steel and the quality of its craftsmanship and finishes. It was therefore accepted that we were not responsible for the design and safety engineering of the balustrade that architects put forward for their projects. Steel Studio would receive a design and would manufacture and install according to the architect’s specification trusting that the drawings received were done according to the set industry standard.

Up until 2010, balustrade contractors were indemnifying themselves from the balustrade designs and the risks involved with the safety of these designs. It was accepted that the architects who were the specifiers were the professionals and had the necessary tools to design a safe balustrade system.