Structural/ Specialist Surveys

The project has involved the close visual inspection and survey of 21No.High-Rise buildings located throughout five different estates in Walsall. This included the procurement of specialist surveys adopting roped access techniques (ie. by abseiling), with development of a schedule of requirements for representative sampling and testing of concrete and masonry construction for durability (eg. carbonation, chlorides, concrete cover to reinforcement, cement content, wall tie population, etc.).

Supplemented by intrusive investigations to help confirm construction and condition, in areas likely to have potential defects. All loose material was removed, and any Health and Safety concerns were immediately reported to the client.

Two separate abseiling companies were essential to achieve a tight client programme, necessitating careful management throughout. RAMS were provided for client review and acceptance.

Design Development

Interpretive reports were produced based upon our review and structural assessment of the reported survey findings. These included clear recommendations for repairs, with budget cost estimates obtained with in. Capital was responsible for identification of the cause of defects, scheduling and specification of appropriate repairs of appropriate repairs.

Interpretive reports included the likely cause of the defects, potential rate of concrete deterioration, recommendations for repairs, timescale for repairs and any potential Health and Safety issues.

Individual building reports provided a summary report of all the buildings including timescales for holding repairs, future safety surveys and permanent repairs.

Provision of a schedule of budget costs for both holding repairs and permanent repairs and Provision of a schedule of defects and recommended repairs which clearly identified (using a visual red, amber, green system) the risk to Health and Safety of each defect

During the construction phase, periodic inspections (with the Contractor and Client’s appointed full-time CofW in attendance) have been carried out to help identify and agree the location, extent and type of repairs required for individual blocks. As part of the agreed QCQA process, structural inspections/ monitoring at key stages of construction have also been necessary to witness pilot repairs (e.g. concrete break out/ repair, masonry stitching and wall tie installation, EWI installation and fixings for new balcony balustrade posts) to ensure work carried out to specification and maintained at suitably high standard.

Regular attendance and contribution at design team and progress meetings, together with provision of on-going advice and guidance throughout.