In brief
Project Overview
Working with a new client, we were engaged to develop the structural design for a 575m2 new convenience store, 1700m2, mixed-use block and a 450m2 community hall near Romsey. The Project required close communication with the Architect and prospective tenants to ensure their needs are met when they occupy the buildings.
The structural frame for the convenience store and community hall was developed using our analysis software. Ongoing engagement with the Architect allowed us to refine our model to ensure we have achieved the most economical solution.
Challenges
The convenience store was located on up to 900mm of made ground. Working closely with the geotechnical engineers and the contractor who was conscious of the costs of groundworks, a solution was employed whereby only organic matter and soft spots were removed and replaced with appropriately compacted granular fill, with subsequent proof rolling. This solution was welcomed by all parties as it avoided the high cost of introducing compacted fill across the whole site.
The mixed-use block comprised beam and block ground floor and pre-cast planks at first floor, with a number of trimming steels required in the floor zone for extracting flues from the proposed shops below.
Outcomes
The solution was welcomed by all parties as it avoided the high cost of introducing compacted fill across the whole site.
Our proactive approach to not only this job but all our projects triggered our successful bid for the design of a four-storey, apartment block comprising 13No. flats on the south coast. We believe this to be a good example of how we develop a good relationship with not only new clients, but the design team as a whole.
Added Value
Working closely with the ground investigation company and the contractor to value engineer the groundworks.