Project Brief
Adept have been appointed to provide civil and structural engineering design services for the redevelopment of the town’s indoor and outdoor markets and the creation of a multi-functional community space and library.
Solution
For the outdoor market area, we evaluated the existing RC slab to determine if any strengthening works were required. We proposed and designed a new steel grillage within the basement. A number of foundations also required strengthening, which included jacking of the steel columns within the basement. This enabled a redistribution for the loadpath of the existing structure and ensured that a proportion of the loading could be redirected into our new foundations.
For the indoor market area, we reviewed and analysed the existing ‘space truss’ and structure to determine its suitability for the renewed external finishes.
For the library, we carried out an assessment of the existing RC frame and retaining wall within the basement, and recommended a solution to support the retaining wall while the existing structure was demolished. This solution introduced a new 400mm thick retaining wall and base within the existing extents and eliminated the requirement for extensive work redirecting existing water main pipes and subsequent disruption to the public highway. Following the demolition works, the basement RC substructure is to be completed with 460-750mm thick RC ground beams, designed to support the new RC flat slab and steel composite frame above.
As part of their career development pathway, three of our eight apprentices and one of our year-in-industry placement students from the University of Sheffield, were taken on a visit to the site in December 2024. Further site visits are planned in 2025 to see the construction of
the foundations, RC elements and steel frame.
Simon Collins, Lead Design Manager of Henry Boot Construction commented: “It’s been great working with Adept on the redevelopment of Rotherham Markets Complex and Town Centre Library. Their technical expertise, project efficiency and innovative approach have been invaluable in overcoming design challenges, helping to transform the Market into a vibrant and modern space.”
