The challenge
The plans included four floors of research space above ground, and two floors below basement level. The proposed new building was to be over twice as large and needed significant excavation works. The contractor, IHP, the joint venture between VINCI Construction UK and Sir Robert McAlpine, started planning the extensive rebuild and, to ensure that this excavation could be completed safely, brought us in.
Our solution
Due to the depth of the excavation, the project’s capping beam and piles would need supports. We designed a temporary works scheme and supplied a range of propping solutions, ranging from 3m to 24m, which all benefitted from our innovative Super Bracing Strut system. The high-load capacity strut allowed the piles and capping beam to resist significant ground pressures being exerted on them. In turn, this enabled the main contractor to continue progressing work safely across the two basement floors.
Our team of technical experts and installation team attended site and completed the installation process. This experienced team can install, maintain and dismantle the works, all in line with the requirements of BS5975, the code of practice for temporary works procedures.
On the Paterson Building, our ability to remove propping solutions was a particular benefit. The contractor took advantage of our specialist expertise in removing propping systems from underneath a large concrete slab once they were no longer needed.
IHP also asked us to help with crucial on-site monitoring. Structural monitoring was used for 3D monitoring of the capping beam, utilising an automated robotic total station complimented with a series of In-Place Inclinometers in order to monitor the basement walls. In addition to this, the installation of our innovative LIVEpin system enabled the real-time measuring of the applied (axial) load on the groundworks propping equipment.
Speaking about his role on the project, Andrew Hazelton, Section Manager at IHP and VINCI Construction UK, commented: “Mabey Hire has been a huge help on this project, providing the specialist ground propping systems, as well as important on-site monitoring solutions. The company was a pleasure to work with and supplied highly detailed, technical propping designs to support our excavation work. We also benefitted from remote access to on-site monitoring levels and received notifications when there were any noteworthy changes. As such, the company provided us with vital assistance in ensuring this project could keep moving forward, even in challenging moments. We’ve been able to excavate throughout the last year and are now ready to move onto finishing this redevelopment.”
Gordon MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer at Mabey Hire, commented: “Our user-friendly solutions have allowed IHP to eliminate a number of stresses and logistical challenges on this crucial project. Together, both companies have worked hard to ensure the new Paterson Building could be delivered in a safe manner and in a timeframe that suited pre-development goals. With our assistance, the main contractor’s employees were able to access real time monitoring measurements online and benefitted from powerful, reliable groundworks solutions. We are grateful to have been involved in such an important project and look forward to the new facility being opened soon.”
