Ongoing Works
Pile Capping:- The tops of the concrete piles are exposed and are then cut to a more accurate height using a mechanical cropper and breakers. This operation is now complete.
Capping Beam:- A concrete capping beam is being constructed along the top of the piles to connect them and form a solid continuous ring beam. This operation is now complete.
Steel Propping:- Large steel props are largely installed to the north and south of the site. These will brace at ground level along the capping beam in order to restrain the ground pressure from the surrounding sides of the building while digging continues.
GSHP:- The project has incorporated Ground Source Heat Pumps which when complete will supply heat in winter and cooling in the summer. This is achieved by submerging pipes deep into the ground that can transfer the heat / cool temperatures to the building by use of pumps.
Maths Dept Visit:- The Maths Department visited the site on 11/11/2011 to view the latest progress.
Future works for November / December
The Big Dig:- Excavation of the soil within the footprint of the building has started ahead of programme and is expected to continue until Christmas 2011. There will be over 47,000m3 of soil to be removed. The gravel will be recycled and the clay used locally as fill material. As the excavation proceeds the props and capping beam will be closely monitored to ensure there is no movement.
Cleaning of Piles:- Once the excavation of the soil is sufficiently advanced in early November the exposed piles (concrete “wall” below ground level) will be cleaned and inspected.
GSHP:- The pipes that were sunk at the start of the project will now be cropped and joined to header connection pipes that will terminate in access ducts in the plant rooms. This will be done as base of the dig is exposed and will continue into the new year.
Hoarding:- Hoarding works will start w.c. 21/11/2011 adjacent to the access road fed by Gate 7.
Tower Cranes:- Crane bases will be formed in November in readiness for crane installation in January.
Recent Site Photos
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