The last week has included installation of the pre-cast concrete lift shafts that are in the communal areas of each of the 2 blocks. With installation for each shaft taking  just 1 a day it makes a big difference to the look of the site. We can now see the height to which the blocks will be constructed. The sections are lifted into position using a mobile crane and are stacked on top of one another with each joint between sections being sealed. The installation includes the use of two MEWPS (mobile elevating work platforms) that are shown in the photograph.

The foundation beams for block 2 are being placed into position as shown. Once in the correct position they are grouted to the pile caps and to each other. Selected material is then back filled to the inside of the beams to create a safe working area for bricklayers.  Around block 1 we have commenced the private drainage. Each run of pipework between inspection chambers is temporarily bunged and then air is compressed into the pipe and checked for any leakage.

 

 

The site is split into two 4-storey blocks each containing 14 separate dwellings with 2 wheelchair adapted properties in each block. Block number 1 is built on traditional concrete strip foundations and block 2 is to be built on concrete piles. Photographs show the piling machine on site the piles sticking out of the ground waiting for ground beams to be delivered.

 

Other work on site has included the installation of large diameter concrete drainage pipes that will act as on-site water storage so that when there is heavy rainfall it does not surcharge the sewer system. The rainwater is held on site underground and discharged slowly into the existing sewer system via an item of equipment known as a hydrobrake.