Open University Library Building
Milton Keynes
| Precast Construction: | PCE Ltd |
| Main Contractor: | Galliford TRY |
| Architect: | Swanke Hayden Connell |
| Precast Supplier: | Buchan Concrete Solutions |
| Structural Engineer: | Curtins Consulting |
The Challenge
The Open University, one of the world's leaders in distance learning required a new 6,400 sq mtr. library to house their collections, staff offices, reading, studying space and an interactive learning centre.
Due to tight deadlines and limited build period, PCE were the obvious choice to guarantee the construction of the superstructure being completed in just 12 weeks. The high specification finish, sensitive site location and unique health and safety challenges meant that PCE's unique expertise was the ideal choice for this project.
Key Benefits
LOGISTICS
With the new building being situated on the wider university campus, a sensitive approach to the management of the construction phase was required to satisfy all of the local stakeholders.
EXPERIENCE
The broader construction activities and ultimate completion date hinged on the achievement of critical deadlines and milestones which PCE were able to deliver.
EXPERTISE
The phased construction works along with our unique capability in the frame and deck market, particularly with the inclusion of the structural screeding works, resulted in our ability to offer the complete solution.
CAPABILITY
Our fully trained 'in house' site teams supported by a project management resource with many years experience in this type of construction were the ideal resource to undertake the build.
SAFETY
As with all frame and deck systems, the effective management of health and safety is a unique challenge which is why PCE's project specific approach resulted in an incident free build.
The Project
The building was arranged over three storeys with two independent frame structures linked together with a central full height atrium and was designed to deliver a functional yet light, efficient and sustainable resource for the existing campus. The internal superstructure was formed using a precast concrete frame with the external façade being a conventional curtain walling and glazing system.
The superstructure was arranged over 3 storeys on a constant 9mtr. by 5mtr. grid pattern. The vertical supporting structure consisted of full height columns along with stair and lift cores. The horizontal supporting structure was formed by a series of primary beams spanning in the 9mtr. direction and secondary beams spanning in the 5mtr. direction. The deck structure was formed in a prestressed solid slab which was trimmed at the façade of the structure with an edge beam. Beams were supported by steel billets which were cast within the precast columns and slabs were supported by the beams.
The superstructure was primarily cast in an architectural white concrete with all elements at the façade and within the atrium remaining exposed. Primary beams, secondary beams and floor slabs were all supplied in conventional grey concrete with a very high quality finish to exposed faces to take a direct painted finish.
The contract value to PCE was in excess of £500K which involved the supply of cranes, resources and labour to fully construct the superstructure. Two erection gangs took just 10 weeks to construct 102 columns, 550 beams, over 50 walls, 4 stair cores and over 800 slabs. In addition to this an ancillary concreting gang which was working concurrently with the erection crews took just 8 weeks to complete the structural screeding works. This resulted in a construction period of just 14 weeks from start to finish, to create the superstructure for the new library.
With the structure being arranged in two separate wings, sequencing, logistics management and health and safety presented their own unique challenges. The work content of one of the wings was greater due it being longer than the other wing which therefore naturally led to a staggered commencement. Even though the two wings were independent of each other for the lower storeys, at the roof level they were linked together so as to provide support for the glazed roof within the atrium. This meant that careful planning and sequencing of the two crews was vitally important so as to ensure complete coordination when they met at the roof. In addition, the engineering control both vertically and horizontally of the two structures was fundamental in ensuring that the two structures linked together as per the design intent at the roof level.
Utilising PCE's innovative approach to the management of health and safety during the construction of our projects, the structure was constructed without the use of external and internal scaffolding. Therefore in the temporary condition, PCE created a totally passive approach to the risks of working at height through the use of safety netting internally and a bespoke edge protection system around the façade. This gave both our client and the main contractor the confidence that the scheme was feasible and that works could be undertaken without creating undue risk to those working on the site.
PCE's experience and expertise in the frame market was fundamental to the successful delivery and completion of this project. Our productive and proactive approach to the construction of projects we are involved in ultimately resulted in this structure being delivered on time, within budget and to the clients expectations in terms of quality and finish.
