Archive

Feb 2020

PCA extends conservation engineering expertise

On
by Sophia Darke

PCA Consulting Engineers has enhanced their expertise in the conservation of historic buildings.

Conservation engineer Paul Carpenter has successfully applied for and been approved to be included on the Conservation Accreditation Register for Engineers (CARE).

CARE was established by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) to raise the standard of conservation engineering across the industry.

The register is designed for those individuals who wish to demonstrate a defined level of competency in the application of conservation within the construction process.

The main aims of CARE is to:

  • To help clients select a suitable engineer with proven conservation experience
  • Promote sympathetic and best practice in engineering conservation
  • Raise the awareness of conservation in the engineering profession
  • Encourage education and training in conservation engineering

Paul had to prepare five case studies as part of the process, followed by an assessment and a professional interview.

He said: “I very much enjoy conservation engineering and working with architects, contractors and clients to preserve and protect old and historic buildings. It is always rewarding to establish a new use for a redundant building, knowing that its future is then hopefully protected and can be enjoyed for many years to come.”

Challenging topography requires engineering solution for extension

On
by Ross Carpenter

This project included alterations and small extensions to a residential property in Salcombe.

The alterations included wall removals and widening of an existing opening to link into an extension that replaced a previous conservatory.

Salcombe extension interiorThe new extension is formed in steel and glass. It leads out to a new decking area that cantilevers out over the site and path that leads up to the property.

Salcombe extension pilingDue to Salcombe’s typical topography, the steep site meant that foundations for the extension would be too deep for traditional concrete foundations, so a micro-piled solution was specified.

The restricted site meant that all materials and kit had to be walked up, so the piling and construction methods were designed accordingly.

Target Structural installed the piles with their hand-operated kit and Trevor Gillard was the main contractor who delivered a successful finish for the client.