One of South Africa’s leading concrete and structural engineering specialists, Dr. Kim Timm, will headline a Concrete Society of Southern Africa (CSSA) national roadshow aimed at unpacking the implementation and industry impact of SANS 51992-1-1. This new concrete code will reshape the future of concrete design and construction in South Africa.
The roadshow will take place in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg during June 2026. It will bring together engineers, contractors, technologists, academics, and construction professionals for a practical and in-depth look at one of the most significant developments in South Africa’s built environment in recent years.
A leading technical voice
Dr. Timm is one of the leading technical voices helping the industry understand and apply the new code. She will provide insight into the intent behind the standard, the most important areas of change, and implementation challenges facing the industry. Importantly, Dr. Timm will also outline opportunities the code presents for improving the quality and resilience of the built environment.
She is a professional structural engineer, academic, and concrete specialist widely recognised for her expertise in structural concrete design and the implementation of the new code, is currently a Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering at Stellenbosch University. Prior to entering academia, she spent more than two decades in industry as a practising structural engineer. She previously served as Technical Director and Practice Area Lead at a leading consulting engineering firm, contributing to several major infrastructure and commercial developments.
Raising the standard of concrete
The implementation of SANS 51992-1-1 will raise the overall standard of concrete design, construction quality, durability, and lifecycle performance. With local infrastructure frequently exposed to demanding environmental conditions — including coastal corrosion, industrial exposure, extreme weather conditions, and ongoing maintenance challenges — the revised code introduces updated durability requirements and exposure classifications. This is aimed at improving the longevity and reliability of structures across the country.
As South Africa continues to invest in infrastructure, the adoption of modernised concrete standards is critical to ensuring structures are safer, more resilient, and better equipped to withstand long-term operational demands. The updated code also aligns South African practices more closely with international standards while still addressing local environmental and construction realities.
Enhancing consistency and accountability across construction
In addition to improving structural reliability, SANS 51992-1-1 is expected to enhance consistency and accountability across the construction sector through clearer guidance on materials, workmanship, testing, compliance, and quality control. This is expected to contribute to fewer construction defects, reduced maintenance costs, improved infrastructure performance, and greater confidence among clients, developers, insurers, and regulators.
The revised standard also supports more sustainable infrastructure development by encouraging longer-lasting concrete structures and more efficient use of materials. This will ultimately help reduce lifecycle costs, repair requirements, and environmental impact over time.
Practical insights into the new code
The roadshow will provide construction and engineering professionals with practical insight into the new code, its implementation requirements, and the broader implications for South Africa’s built environment. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of how the new requirements will influence design methodologies, construction practices, procurement processes, material specifications, compliance procedures, and long-term infrastructure performance.
The programme will feature presentations from other leading specialists and respected industry voices, combining technical guidance with practical case studies and real-world project experience.
The roadshow will also facilitate industry engagement through discussions and networking opportunities designed to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing as the sector adapts to the new regulatory framework.
Further event details, including venues, programme schedules, speaker line-ups, and registration information for Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg, will be announced shortly.
Professionals involved in concrete design, construction, infrastructure development, and materials technology are encouraged to attend. This will ensure that they are fully prepared for the implementation of SANS 51992-1-1 and its impact on the future of construction in South Africa.
