Comprehensive Proposal

For the Design & Supply of a New Naturally-Ventilated

Greenhouse

Project:

VT16.Q474 ECHELON

Attn.:
Location:

TANZANIA

Date:

22/12/2016

T (+27) 21 987 6980

F (+27) 21 987 6991
E [email protected]

CK No. 1999/028120/07

Structure:

FIXED VENT 1.7m

Total Area:

8,528.00 m

Green Area:

8,064.00 m

Validity:

1 MONTH (22/01)

Vegtech, 25 Kiaat Street,

Kraaifontein Industria, Cape Town, 7570
P.O. Box 388, Kraaifontein, 7569

Table of Contents
Foundation Plan

Detailed Standards & Design Assumptions

Greenhouse Structure

Dimensions

Structural Standards and Specifications

Climate Control Systems

Greenhouse Cladding

10

Screens

12

Growing Systems

14

Price

15

General Conditions

16

Preparation of Greenhouse Infrastructure

17

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Foundation Plan

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Detailed Standards & Design Assumptions

All design and construction shall (where applicable) comply with the South African Regulations, Codes of Practice
Vegtechs Fixed Vent 9.6m Greenhouse model has been designed in accordance with the guidelines of the SANS
10160:2011 and the EN 13031-1:2001 (Eurocode) design codes.
SANS 10160:2011: The South African National Standard: Basis of structural design and actions for buildings and
industrial structures
EN 13031-1:2001(E): This Eurocode standard relates specifically to greenhouses used for the professional
production of plants and crops where human occupancy is restricted to low levels of authorised personnel
As no South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) code exists for the design of greenhouses in South Africa, the relevant
Eurocode has been incorporated, as recommended:
An important practical implication of the high degree of consistency that has been maintained
between this standard and the relevant Eurocode parts is that Eurocode procedures can be applied in
design for situations which are outside the scope of this standard (SANS 10160-1:2011, p2).

Steelwork Design
All steel is supplied according to SANS design codes. Hot-dip Galvanizing Standards are specified in SANS 121: 2011
(ISO 1461:2009). Hot-dipped coating thickness for steel appropriate to exterior conditions will have a mean thickness
coating of 50m.
The following main structural components will be hot dip galvanised:
Foundation Poles
Main (80x80) and Intermediate columns (120x80)
Gutters
Two specifications are relevant to continuous hot-dip galvanised (pre-galvanised) steel: SANS 4998: 2007 / ISO 4998:
2005, and SANS 3575: 2008 / ISO 3575: 2005. Zinc coating mass in accordance with these standards is specified at 275
g/m2 average (235 g/m2 individual) for Z 275, and the equivalent thickness per side is specified at 20m average (17m
individual).
Atmospheric corrosivity is defined according to Table 6a of ISO 9223: 1992; typical corrosive atmospheres are described
in terms of both internal and external environments. Category C3 (medium corrosivity) presents a high humidity interior.
Category C2 (Low) presents a rural inland exterior.
Assuming life expectancy is based upon the appearance of 5% red rust on the steel surface, the relationship between
coating thickness and life is illustrated in Figure 1, below.

Figure 1: Table 10 from the Hot Dip Galvanizers Association of Southern Africa; Practical Guidelines

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Figure 2: Estimated service life for HDG steel complying with SANS 121
The figures for service life estimated in Figure 2 are intended as a general guide and it is recommended that a more detailed
assessment of the actual site environmental conditions should be conducted in order to define longevity expectations for
hot dip galvanised steel.

Design Assumptions
Wind Load
This greenhouse model will be designed according to the
following recommended South African values for basic,
and 3s gust wind speeds.
The basic wind speed vb,0 is based on an equivalent 10min
average value and is shown in SANS 10160-3:2011 (map
below). The peak wind speed vb,peak is the factored value
of basic wind speed and is defined as the 3s gust wind
speed.
For zone 1, the basic wind speed is considered to be 28
m/s (100.8 km/h), vb,peak = 141.1 km/h
Additional Loading
Crop actions: N/A
Snow loading has not been considered

Other

Figure 3: Basic Wind Speed Map

Fire resistance-related aspects are not covered

Load capacity sufficient for energy, screens, fans, lighting and overhead irrigation equipment

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

Vegtech is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company. ISO 9001:2008 specifies requirements for a quality management system
where an organization
needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable statutory
and regulatory requirements, and
aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for
continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory
and regulatory requirements
For further information: http://www.iso.org/iso/home.htm

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Greenhouse Structure

Figure 4: Section Plan 1.7m Fixed Vent 9.6m

Figure 5: Similar, recently completed projects in South Africa

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Technical Description
Polyethylene Gothic, 1.7m Roof Vent
Ridge Height: 7.80m
Bay Width: 9.60m

Gutter Height: 4.00m

Post Length: 3.85m
Gutter Span: 4.00m

All columns are made of closed, hot-dip galvanised, rectangular profiles

All locking profiles are made of Z275 pre-galvanised steel

Main Advantages of a Vegtech Structure

Arch angle shapes (ridge: ~25) provide optimal light transmission
Hot dip galvanized gutters and posts for increased corrosion resistance
High ridges provide efficient ventilation and optimal light transmission (2.75m above gutter height)
Small and thick profiles provide minimum shade in the greenhouse
Minimum shade = Maximum light
Quality and reliability of Vegtech
25 Years Greenhouse Project Experience

Dimensions
Structure:
Gutter Length:

(21x4.0m) = 84.00m

Gable Front (10 Bays):

(10x9.6m) + (2x2.7m) = 101.40m

Area for one structure:

8,528.00 m

Total Area:

(x1 units)

8,528.00 m

Total Green Area:

(x1 units)

8,064.00 m

Table 1: Greenhouse Dimensions

Figure 6: Inside a Vegtech structure, before planting

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Structural Standards and Specifications

Foundations
Square Profile from hot-dip galvanised steel
Depth of digging: 1000-1500mm, hole diameter: 300mm
Concrete type: 25 MPa
Design slope: 1-1.5%

Columns
General: Closed hot-dip galvanized steel profiles, 80x80mm
Intermediate Columns: Closed hot-dip galvanized rectangular steel profiles,
120x80mm
All gable-end columns (main and intermediate) are 2.5mm thick, and inner
main columns are 1.6mm thick
Figure 7: Foundation

Gutters
Gutters are made from hot-dip galvanized steel (2mm thick)
Height: ~ 4.00m from the ground (3.85m post + foundation)
Water volume of 1m-gutter length: ~29.0 litre
Slope Design: 1 -1.5% Slope
1.
2.

PVC down pipes supplied by Client

1 row of internal downpipes included @ 40m
The storm water collection system is not part of this document

Figure 8: Main Column

Arches
The structure has an arch every 4.00m
Arch Type: Closed rectangular profile from galvanized steel 60x40x1.9mm (on
the main post)

Trellising Support
Trellising support and reinforcement is not included in this proposal

Balconies
2.5m balcony will be installed on both gutter sides of the house, running 84.0m
Side Balcony columns will be closed profiles 80x40x2mm

Entrance Cabin/s & Doors

To maintain an anti-virus environment, access into the structure will be through
a double-door entrance cabin (as depicted in Figure 9).
Cabins: The greenhouse will be accessed via one 4.00x8.00m entrance cabin, on
one gutter side. It cabin will consist of 2 sliding doors, 2.2x2.1m (w*h), and will
be covered with black/white plastic.
A sliding door will be installed on the opposite gutter side.
The exact location of these entrances as per the final layout.
4.00m

8.00m

Figure 9: Entrance Cabin

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Climate Control Systems

Natural Ventilation
This is a naturally ventilated greenhouse with manual, roll-up curtains on all 4 sides of the naturally vented house.
Additionally, fixed vents with a 1.7m opening give excellent ventilation in hot and humid conditions.
Roof Vents
Single roof vent: 1.70m
Manual, roll-up curtain in each vent

17.71% ventilation rate (9.60 m span)

Roof vents installed with 10% White Shade net

Side Curtains
Manual polyethylene curtains on all 4 sides opening from bottom to top
30% White Shade Net [30% UV, 12% Shade] installed in vents

Circulation Fans
Not Included

Figure 6: Roll-up Curtains of a typical Fixed Vent Greenhouse

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Greenhouse Cladding
Film Properties Suncover UVA Diffused (Eco AD) 85%, 150m;

Anti-Dust,

Anti-Drip,

AV Effect

The roof and sidewalls will be covered with a 150-micron polyethylene greenhouse film, from Ginegars Suncover range.
These covers are manufactured with Metallocene, improving mechanical properties, and are stabilized against UV
radiation. Through careful technological advancements, this 150-micron film has the same mechanical properties and lifespan as the other 200 micron high-quality films produced by Ginegar. Dust absorption is reduced through additives. In
addition, less tonnage reduces recycling costs. This High Diffused 5 Layer film has a 3-year warranty. The properties of
the film are summarized as follows:

Light Transmission in PAR:

83%

Diffused Light in PAR:

69%

UV-Transmission:

22%

Thermicity:

No

Anti-Drip:

Yes

Anti-Dust:

Yes

Table 2: Polyethylene Properties

Skirting
The greenhouse will be fitted with a woven polyethylene material as a skirting, up to 1m above ground height. This material
will prevent damages to the plastic, and carries a 5-year warrantee.

Nets
Roof vents: 10% White Shade
Side Curtain vents: 30% White Shade

Groundcover
Not Included

Locking Profiles
The polyethylene film will be attached to the greenhouse structure with pre-galvanised steel locking profiles and hightemperature coated spring inserts. All the locking profiles are designed to ensure:
Ease of installation
Longevity of plastic
Resistance to high temperatures

Re-usability
Reliability
High UV resistance

Wherever the film is in contact with the steel structure, the steel will be covered with special, protective insulating white
tape.

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Page 11/18

Screens
These retractable, automated screens decrease heat accumulation, provide shade, and prevent energy loss when
heating the greenhouse. Alweco screen systems will be installed as per the following specifications:
HORIZONTAL SHADE PULLWIRE SYSTEM WITH STEEL 19MM TUBE PROFILES
Dimensions:
Area 1
Width
Length

10 bays
of
21 sections of

Total area

8 064.00

9.60 m.
4.00 m.

=
=

96.00 m.
84.00 m.

Post height
Area

4.00 m.
8 064.00 m2

m2

Table 3: Screen Dimensions

Operation
The systems run horizontally from trailing edge wire to trailing edge wire, over a distance of 4m.

Motor drive Each Area

Gear motors with internal limit switches and galvanized motor plates; De Gier GW80 2,6 / GW110S 4,0 400V 50Hz 3 phase.
To avoid torsion and friction of the torque tube and motor, both will be connected with chain coupling sets. The motors
will be supplied with built-in limit switches. No electrical control boxes.

Drive Shaft
Galvanised tube 2" with swaged edges, wall thickness 3.65mm, 60.3mm will be installed in the middle of the area. The
torque shaft will be attached with galvanized 2" bearing plates consisting of dustproof ball bearings 30 mm, placed below
the installation. The middle 2 bearing plates will be supported by means of vertical 50x30mm box sections clamped with
a Stabimax clamp from Classic House Horizontal Beam D: 42mm.
The torque tube will be strengthened up with stainless steel wire 3.0mm 7x7 diagonal to the greenhouse structure every
approx. 3.20m.

Pull Cable
Per bay of 9.60m, 3 stainless steel pull wires 3.0mm 7x7, with the cable drum mounted over 2 torque tube. Stainless
steel wire driven by a 2 torque tube running through a 4 reverse wheel pulley which are underneath the 50x50x1.9mm
box sections as close as possible to the end gable post.

End-brace
50x50x1.9mm box sections are mounted onto the gable posts, to support the polyester wires. These will be installed with
special omega brackets and counter plates.

Support Wires
In each span of 9.60m install polyester transparent wires 2.5mm, 40cm apart, in addition, we install a polyester
transparent wire 2.5mm, each 80cm, as a protection against wind.
Vegtech will install, about 15cm under the gutter level, a trailing edge wire. We will supply a trailing edge wire cable for
each section, type 1,7/2,5 1x19 steel coated.
This wire will be supported in the middle of the horizontal tie beam by a matras chain and supported on the posts.
On this wire the support wires will lean and de steel coated support each 0.80m wire will be fixed with a steel bulldog
clamp.

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Screen Profile
The screen cloth will be attached to the steel 19mm tube screen profiles with 19mm tube nylon terry clamps, above every
polyester transparent wire. Also, the pull cables will be connected to the 19mm tube sendzimir profiles by means of an
Ultra Delay Block and underneath the 19mm tube sendzimir profiles. A nylon hook and guider as double set is installed to
guide the polyester wires.

Cloth Drop
Along the sidewalls the screen cloth will hang vertically, 50cm. on both sides,
supported by single white PVC clip tubes 14x1mm, and installed with the
necessary steel weights and nylon cloth hooks; 9 per 4m section in order to hold
the screen cloth down.

Cloth package
In the open position of the screen the cloth is situated at the trailing edge wire.

Sealing
No special sealing along the side and end gables due to the use of an open cloth.

Figure 10: Cloth Drop

Cloth
* The mentioned values of light transmission and energy saving of
the cloth are directly taken of the datasheet of the screen cloth
manufacturer. Although the informtion has been carefully
composed, Vegtech accepts no liability for its accuracy.

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Growing Systems
Growing Troughs
Mapal Troughs 20x40x20cm, 700m 6 per bay, 80m
Coir 5kg blocks to fill

Trellising System
18 cm metal hooks and 23 mm trellising clips will be supplied. Trellising extends the growing season, resulting in longer
harvesting periods and higher yields. It ensures lower labour costs and less plant damage with fewer disease threats. The
plants remain upright for the whole growing season and this allows for easy picking of the crop.

Metal Hooks
One per plant (+/- 12 m White Twine is included) (4 pants per
metre) 19,920 supplied

Trellising Clips
Clips will be supplied to trellis the crops (tomatoes & peppers) to the
white twine (+-8 units per plant) 159,360 Supplied

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General Conditions
Client Responsibilities
Any registration permits/approvals from local/national authorities
Site Survey to be supplied in order to confirm project design
All civil design and work at the project site, and for the ground preparation, levelling/compacting the site,
according to Vegtechs specifications
Stormwater/drainage systems beyond the downpipes
Roads, access corridors, other civil facilities not mentioned in this document
Mains water, and electricity supply to the greenhouse/service area, according to specifications
Temporary electrical and water supply for construction purposes
All electric installation according to Vegtech design, and issuing of COC
Ensuring safe undercover storage for all material/equipment during installation
Any water pre-treatment that might be needed
Service area building, boiler house and irrigation room according to specification, if required
Construction/Installation of all Systems
Accommodation, food allowance and transportation for Vegtechs supervisors/experts
o 1 Project Manager minimum 4-star accommodation + 3 meals per day
o All local costs (transport, mobile phones, internet, etc.)
o Return flights from South Africa 1 per month per supervisor
o Visas/Travel Documents for all supervisors
o Visits by any other experts on Vegtechs recommendation, for the clients account
Local labour team of at least 30 staff, including all required tools & equipment
Any mechanical plant hire or machinery if required
All concrete materials (foundations, pathways, floors, slabs, etc.)
Any wire mesh reinforcement for pathways, floors, slabs, etc.
Delivery from Vegtech, Cape Town to Tanzania(Project sold Ex. Works Vegtech, CPT)
Anything not specifically mentioned in this proposal

Price Adjustments
The prices quoted in this offer will be those in effect on date of offer and have a validity of one calendar month (Up to
22/01/2017). Vegtech may alter all prices quoted at any time to correspond with any variation in the prices or costs of
materials, labour, fuel, transport and overhead expenses, which may occur at any time after expiration of this one month.
Vegtech reserves the right to make an additional charge or change for any extras ordered and not specified and also for
the expenses of all inspections, tests, alterations of additions or any other undertaken at the customers request or at the
insistence of any government, municipal or other authority.

Design Changes
The technical data in this offer represents the latest knowledge at the time of presentation. However, we reserve the right
to change the design and construction of equipment and to substitute other suitable materials of the same quality without
prior notice and without incurring any liability to anyone.

Guarantee
All greenhouse materials will have a guarantee by Vegtech of 12 months after practical completion of the project only if
all labour of erection and installation has been under supervision of Vegtech. This guarantee is limited to factory faults
only.
All control materials will have a one-year guarantee after commissioning, on materials delivered by Vegtech, if general
conditions are not exceeded and damage is not caused by improper treatment of the materials. A maximum guarantee
period of 3 months applies to materials subject to mechanical wear and tear (such as pH sensors) used under normal
conditions as well as a one-year guarantee for construction errors. There is a one-year guarantee period for all other
materials supplied by Vegtech. The guarantee period commences on the date of delivery, and guarantee is given provided
any damage incurred is not caused by the incorrect handling of the equipment or by the general conditions, as stipulated
by Vegtech, not being adhered to.

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Preparation of Greenhouse Infrastructure

General Information
Mapping
The client will supply a topographic map that will indicate the height lines every 0.5m and will be larger than the platform
sizes according to Vegtech drawings.
The map should include drainage solutions regardless of the project size.
If the size of the project requires having a height difference of more than one meter between each platform, the proper
planning will be needed in order to prevent soil erosion that would endanger the foundation and later the structure strength.

Soil Survey
In order to be able to start with the execution of the levelling, we recommend that the client will perform a soil survey that
would help determine the way of execution.
The importance of the survey is to receive a mapping of the layers and the type of soil that would help the client decide
whether to use the soil as a substrate or not. That of course will influence the cost price of the project.

Planning and Execution

Based on the mapping and soil survey we can determine the way of execution.
Taking in consideration that the type of soil is suitable we can now move on to the execution;
If the slops of the original platform do not match Vegtech requirements there will be a need to perform a "cut & fill"; there
are two ways of doing that, the first is to use the same soil and just move it from one place to another in order to receive
the desired slops, the second is to bring additional soil in order to receive the same result, the new soil must be of the
same type as the original soil.
When using the "cut & fill" process we must take into consideration that the total volume of soil will be higher than the "dry"
volume, that is because during the process the soil must be packed every 0.20 meter by means of water and compactor in
order to stabilize it.
The packed area must be according to Vegtech drawing and must have an excess of 2.5 meter in all sides.

Protection against Erosion

In the case of using a "cut & fill" method the walls of the platform should not exceed 30% slope.
These walls are sensitive to the influence of direct rain and drainage water, if these walls will not be protected; the strength
of the foundation and the structure will decrease gradually and in extreme condition can reach the critical stage of
collapsing.
These walls must be stabilized; there are few ways of doing this:

Plastic cover will prevent the direct effect of the rain and the drainage from the greenhouse. The plastic cover must be
of a sealed material in order to prevent the ability of plants to grow under it. This method would require the replacement
every few years.

Live plants this method would give the same effect as the plastic cover; it is important to determine the right plant for
this purpose so it will not collide with the needs of the plants inside the greenhouse and would require the minimum
maintenance. The full effectiveness of this method would not be seen in the beginning, only after the plants has covered
all the area needed.

Concrete and stone - this method would give the same effect as the plastic cover; although it is more expensive than the
other two it has some advantages, the walls can be built vertically and by that save space, it is unlimited by length, it can
be used when the other methods cannot be implemented.

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Drainage
There are a few drainage problems to be dealt with in greenhouses farm:
1. Entering of drainage water from the outside into the greenhouse:
The way to deal with this problem is by means of stabilized drainage canals (see "protection against erosion") around the
structure that would collect the rainwater and the drainage of the substrate.

2. Drainage water from loose substrate inside the greenhouse:

The way to deal with this problem would be to collect the drainage water through PVC pipes inside the greenhouse that
will take the water into the outside canals.

3. Roof Drainage water:

In order to be able to divert the water collected by the roofs it will be needed to use down pipes from the greenhouse into
the drainage canals.

The importance of a proper plan for the drainage is clear. The effects of an insufficient drainage would be a disaster for
the greenhouse, the soil around the foundation would erode and by that would weaken the whole structure.

The crop inside the greenhouse would suffer damages if the drainage would be insufficient.

Vegtech will not cover any damage that will occur due to insufficient drainage and poor drainage planning.

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