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A BUILDING TRANSFORMATION CASE STUDY
MOD Abbey Wood – N3 Atrium
We have worked at MOD Abbey Wood within high security zones for almost 10 years . This particular project saw us conducting high-level pipe replacement via rope access and refurbishing a stairwell - all carried out at night to minimise disruption .
Project Description
As part of our continued service plan , we have been able to strengthen and extend the range of services on site , providing a project management and security management role on occasions , ensuring core client projects are delivered and managed in line with the site requirements .
Our role is now more aligned to a complete building envelope maintenance service provider ; we help with everything from technical roof condition surveys , core hole sampling , structural inspections , engineering reporting , specification support to programme management and budgeting . We aim to support this key client throughout the project lifecycle , adding value at each stage .
With five large buildings on site and further buildings off site , the estate is large and complex . Since its construction over 25 years ago , all elements of the fabric are requiring more comprehensive maintenance and inspections . End of life of the original construction materials for many external elements is nearing and the need to find cost effective remedial solutions to avoid larger scale replacement projects is now a high priority .
Project Overview
The internal high-level 80m atrium water downpipe was situated 25m up into the roof , so the first challenge was to determine the best access method to complete the pipe replacement . Initially scaffolding was explored , but due to limited available construction information , engineers were unable to confirm the loading capabilities or risks .
The atrium rainwater pipe had been leaking for a number of years . Initially we provided some specialist leak detection via the external roof and rope access to determine where the internal pipe was leaking and to gain a better understanding of the condition and corrosion related issues that were leading to the leaks .
The project comprised 2 phases . Phase 1 was focused around the removal and reinstatement of the leaking downpipe , this was a project that required significant rope access planning and preparation with pre-rigging and rescue drills tested , reviewed and approved to ensure that the areas could be safely accessed and emergency procedures in place . Each section removed was secured and lowered in line with all agreed plans .
The reinstatement was completed in phases throughout the night . Each unit was replaced one by one , with a rope access team and rescue manager throughout a 10 week period at night . On the completion of each joint connection , water testing was conducted to ensure that the sealant was effective and then rechecked at the beginning of each shift before moving onto the next section .
The second phase of the project was focused around the internal refurbishment of the stairwell and surrounding fabric that had been badly damaged over the years from the leaking atrium . The works were comprehensive and included works such as the full scaffolding of the stairwell , removal and reinstatement of flooring , replastering and redecoration to all ceilings and walls , replacement of the bespoke lighting box unit , plus electrical works to the local lift shaft .
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