Ongoing Works
Secant Piles:- In total there have been 532 holes that were drilled, reinforced with steel and concreted to a depth generally in excess of 20m. These piles are now being cleaned down as the excavation progresses.
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 almost complete with less than 1 week remaining.
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 continuing and will be complete by mid November.
Steel Propping:- Large steel props are largely installed to the north end 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. Props are now being installed on the south of the site adjacent to Somerville College.
Gates & Hoarding:- Gate 5 adjacent to the St Lukes Chapel is operational. Hoarding is being installed adjacent to the Somerville College.
Future works for November
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.
Hoarding:- Hoarding works will start w.c. 7/11/2011 adjacent to Gate 7 along the access road.
Tower Cranes:- Crane bases will be formed in November in readiness for crane installation in December / January.
Recent Site Photos
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