Into University, Newcastle

Solution

Early involvement of the design team and concrete suppliers has played an integral part in the project’s success. Detailed discussion at planning stage of all aspects of the concrete package provided opportunities to value engineer aspects of the design, simplify and speed construction methods, and maximise the safety strategy. Potential health and safety risks across the site and programme were reviewed and measures taken to reduce or eliminate them. Using these risk assessments, McGee produced a robust method statement covering all aspects of the concrete package. Its project managers then undertook a rigorous exercise of communication, inducting all site operators on safety procedures and asking them to sign a register to confirm that they had understood requirements.

As the basement took shape, this created a honeycomb of confined and awkward working areas, and concrete faces rising some 5m high from the slab posing work at height risks. PUDLO visited the site to discuss and resolve the finer details of the basement scheme with the structural engineer, Arup, concrete supplier Tarmac and McGee’s groundworks specialists. This provided the basis for open communication throughout the project, helping to anticipate issues and respond to keep the programme on track. PUDLO’s intensive project and quality assurance involvement extends to the 20-year warranty it issues to completed structures.

Early consultation also allowed the concrete contractor to assess the benefits of using integral waterproofing for the basement slab and walls in the four-storey Academic Building as an alternative to the membrane system specified. After a detailed discussion of the concrete scheme with waterproofing specialist PUDLO it was apparent that integral waterproofing could strategically enhance a number of project features. Given the particular space constrictions of the inner-city site, a membrane-free solution relieved the problem of materials storage and handling, including the use of lifting equipment. 

Matt Smith, PUDLO Commercial Manager, said, “Especially on a complicated project like this, quality control, safety and programme time all benefit by completely removing the membrane stage and its management.”

“PUDLO waterproof concrete removed the need to install a sheet system, resulting in a single concreting operation, which saved time,” said Conor Hanlon, McGee’s project manager. “It also reduced tasks on the slab, which effectively involved working in confined conditions, reducing health and safety issues.”

“A PUDLO inspector attended both the preparation phase, concrete pours and post-pour curing operations to make sure they were carried out in line with its on-site quality system,” said Hanlon. “It also offered us technical assistance when details needed reworking to suit in-situ conditions. Incorporating waterproofing in the concrete eliminated the labour, logistical complexities and health and safety challenges of installing sheeting,” he added.

PUDLO waterproof concrete also reduces reliance on third-party contractors. This was another important benefit. McGee likes to take on responsibility for all elements of the concrete package, as it then has greater control of safety procedures, construction, scheduling, budgets and greater flexibility to adapt. The concrete contractor’s operatives were able to place, compact and form the concrete with PUDLO inspectors guiding them on technical requirements and managing the quality control aspects of one of the most critical elements of the build.