Project Brief
Adept Consulting Engineers was commissioned to deliver the civil and structural design for two new retail shell units at Ashdown Business Park, Maresfield. The client required robust, flexible retail spaces suitable for national tenants, with a focus on cost efficiency, rapid delivery, and full compliance with current standards. The site presented variable ground conditions and a tight construction programme, demanding a practical and economical engineering approach.
Solution
Adept’s engineering team addressed the challenging ground conditions by standardising pad foundations and ground beams, using detailed site investigation and load assessments to optimise sizes and reinforcement. This approach reduced material use and construction time, delivering measurable cost savings for the client. The steel frame was designed as a portal structure using S355 steel, with 254×254 UC 73 and 305×305 UC 97 columns and circular hollow section bracing. All members were checked for combined loads and buckling, with significant safety margins confirmed by 3D frame analysis. Rationalised connection details and standardised fixings enabled efficient fabrication and erection, reducing site time and risk.
Environmental considerations were integrated throughout, including efficient use of steel and concrete, sustainable drainage systems, and minimised site waste. The design complied with BS 5950, BS 8110, and all current Building Regulations. A comprehensive design risk assessment identified and mitigated risks such as work at height, manual handling, and temporary stability during construction.
Value engineering was achieved through early contractor involvement, standardisation of details, and efficient sequencing. The result was a high-quality, adaptable retail shell delivered on time and within budget, with all civil and structural elements validated and approved.
