We are delighted to see the completed refurbishment of Unit 2 Cribbs Causeway Centre.
CampbellReith was instructed to undertake a structural inspection in January 2019 due to significant cracking found within the blockwork walls of the unit which is situated at the crest of a steep heavily vegetated slope. Discussions between our structural and geotechnical engineers agreed that it was possible that recent removal of vegetation from adjacent bank could have contributed to the escalation of defects.
A series of investigations designed and commissioned by CampbellReith determined that whilst there were likely to be a series of contributing causal factors to the observed damage (e.g. ground movements associated with seasonal volume change of the clay formation), instability of the slope was likely the main contributing factor, and it was therefore recommended that the slope was stabilised prior to undertaking remedial works to the superstructure of the unit.
An options appraisal was undertaken following liaison with specialist contractors, and it was determined that the installation of grouted soil nails and a high-tensile steel wire mesh would be a robust cost-effective slope stabilisation solution appropriate for the restricted access of the site.
The CampbellReith geotechnical team undertook the detailed design of the soil nailed system and provided on-site technical direction during the construction phase. Several constraints were encountered during construction including the identification of unrecorded services within the slope. CampbellReith was able to respond quickly to these constraints by imposing temporary exclusion zones to the works and modifying the design to accommodate the presence of unrecorded services.
Through careful coordination between CampbellReith’s design team, the contract administrator, Hollis and the specialist contractor, Ibex Technical Access throughout the construction phase, the remedial works were able to be completed on time and to budget.
Following the stabilisation works, CampbellReith’s structural engineers have designed and specified the remedial, and refurbishment works to the structure of the building including reinstating the ground bearing slab, confirmation of slab load capacity, and various repairs to masonry walls and steel frame.
