Rope Access

Newman Building Solutions – Case Studies relating to rope access.

Tower Blocks

Tower block construction began in the 1950’s with the first tower block in Britain being built, The Lawn in Harlow, Essex. The need for housing influenced the decision for tower block construction and it boomed.

the Lawn, Harlow, Essex
The Lawn, Essex

Tower blocks are constructed usually using three methods; in-situ, Steel frame with infill panel and pre-fabricated panels. In theory all three methods of construction should have provided structures free from structural defect and with stand the test of time. In reality many high rise structures are in urgent need of refurbishment to ensure they do not enter a state of disrepair with the only solution being demolition.

With all three methods of construction there are common structural defects found that are often similar across the country. Cracking is usually evident within the external and internal fabric of the structure and the defects are often linked to one or more of these causes of movement, thermal movement, lack of movement joints and failed wall ties or inadequate wall ties. Poor construction methods during the build phase. Concrete failure as well is a common structural defect found which can be caused by many factors such as oxidisation of the reinforcing steel, the reinforcing steel being too close to the surface of the concrete which again causes oxidisation freeze thaw action and chemical reaction to name but a few.

Trellick Tower, West London
Trellick Tower, West London

Newman’s are approved designers and installers of the Twistfix and Thor Helical repair systems combined with our experience we provide our own specifications for wall tie replacement schemes as well as crack stitching and masonry beams. We are also approved installers for Fosroc and Sika concrete repair mortars and resins, mastic and coatings.

When assessing the requirements for repair to tower blocks you should only use an experienced contractor and Newman’s surveyors and engineers have extensive experience carrying out structural surveys and designing structural repair programmes to reinstate the structural integrity to tower blocks. We have worked closely with many principal contractors and façade installation specialists to provide insurance backed repair schemes prolonging the life of the tower block.

We can also provide rope access surveys and installation on schemes that it isn’t feasible to supply and erect traditional access methods such as tube and clip scaffolding or cradle access.

Author: Jon Newman
Posted:
Categories: Building and Structural Repairs, Rope Access, Social Housing, Surveys, Wall Ties

Rope Access Surveys & Repair

Rope Access

Newman’s are IRATA accredited rope access trained allowing us to offer a very bespoke package to our clients.

We utilise this method of access where conventional access is either impracticable, due to site conditions or the extensive cost or time implications that traditional methods such as scaffolding or cradle erection impose.

Rope Access compliments our vast array of specialist services and are extremely useful when carrying out surveys to high rise structures.

Tower Block

We are currently carrying out concrete inspection surveys and repair to the largest building in Watford, which is a 14 storey tower block, on behalf of the YMCA. Our recent rope access projects include feasibility surveys in central London, Structural Survey and Repair to 3 tower blocks in Hackney, East London and a Bridge Inspection in West London.

Rope Access Survey

With the councils budgets slashed, cost effective solutions to structural inspections and repair solutions are required in order to upkeep the integrity of these streets in the sky. Newman’s carry out surveys and repairs such as concrete repair, wall tie replacement, movement joint installation, bed joint reinforcement, brick slip repair to name but a few.

If you have a high rise structure that is in need of a survey to assess the condition of the building or the building has been surveyed and is in need of repairs be sure to contact us today.

Author: Jon Newman
Posted:
Categories: Building and Structural Repairs, Rope Access, Surveys, Wall Ties