Project Brief
We provided structural design services for the carbon fibre strengthening required due to an extensive refurbishment of an existing University building in Central London. The 20,000 m2 space was modernised throughout to provide new facilities for students, including an open-plan library, teaching facilities, gym, and community spaces. Upgrades were also made to improve accessibility. This required several structural elements to be strengthened for both flexure and shear.
Solution
We were appointed by Fibrwrap CCUK to design the strengthening solutions for key elements within the London Road building. Our engineers produced design calculations for the structural strengthening works to be carried out by Fibrwrap CCUK. We have an established relationship with Fibrwrap CCUK, having worked extensively with them on previous refurbishment and strengthening schemes. Application of their specialist material means buildings can be repurposed to increase life span, without the need for significant structural/construction works.
The original building needed to be strengthened to increase its load capacity and maintain its structural integrity due to the adaptation of spaces within the proposed scheme. Our calculations were used to inform the type, positioning and quantity of strengthening material for applying to ribbed waffle slabs, reinforced concrete beams and upstands. The team used historical information and strength tests to provide flexural and shear strengthening designs as required for each element.
To provide a more economical service, we developed a detailed calculation spreadsheet to perform full design calculations for members, including serviceability design and longitudinal debonding checks, carried out in accordance with TR55 and EC2.
On completion, the ribbed slabs and other soffits were left exposed and painted to blend the material in seamlessly with the rest of the ceiling.
