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structural engineering

Cold weather working

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by Andrew Horton

With November shaping up to be the coldest since 2010 and the Met Office already predicting the coldest winter for 50 years, it is worth noting the constraints of cold weather working.

While locally we rarely experience prolonged periods of freezing temperatures, it is important that specifiers and contractors are fully aware of cold weather working.

This may include protecting newly-laid concrete from frost, avoiding laying masonry units in falling temperatures (below or likely to fall below 2°C) or using suitable materials for site-mixed concrete. Temperatures should be checked throughout the day on a thermometer.

Although the temptation is to pop your hard hat on top of your woolly hat, remember that this may compromise the fit of the hat. Manufacturer-approved head warmers are available that can safely be worn under a hard hat, so you still get a good fit for your safety helmet without compromising its effectiveness.

If in doubt, please do give us a call and PCA can advise as necessary and ensure any structural works are not affected by cold weather.

New entrance and new wall to improve access

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by Andrew Horton

This residential project required a widened entrance and replacement garden wall due to the dilapidated state of the existing masonry wall constructed from random rubble.

The existing narrow entrance to this property was restricted further to a substantially leaning stonework wall, so planning was obtained through architects Andrew Lethbridge Associates to round off the entrance and improve access with a wall suitable to retain the garden.

PCA worked with local landscaping contractor Andrew Rhymes, of TimberJack, to construct a hollow block, reinforced, concrete wall with a stone face to replicate the existing structure and provide a far improved entrance.

We can help with projects big or small and always keen to work with local contractors and architects to give the client a superbly finished scheme such as this.

Want to extend your bungalow with a first floor?

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by Ross Carpenter

This bungalow conversion and extension came with a brief for open-plan living within a new first floor.

Drafting software to a dd a first floor to a bungalow Using modern analysis and drafting software, PCA was able to achieve a fantastic open and vaulted space.

Existing foundations and walls needed to be verified for the addition of a first floor and the upper new floor incorporates a fairly slender steel frame with timber infill panels.

The architect’s client is aiming for a ‘passive house’ level of insulation and air tightness, so the integration of new and existing structures has been carefully detailed.

We’re very pleased to be working with JSD Architectural Design on another exciting and rewarding project.

Unobstructed corner window for South Pool home

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by Ross Carpenter

Floating window externalPCA was called into this project when the client requested a seamless view from their converted stone built outbuilding, which now serves as a home office. The client requested a corner window without any corner posts, frames or visible structure.

We designed a bespoke steel frame around the proposed opening. We used structural design and CAD software Tekla and Revit to produce the design and details in 3D ahead of construction.

This helped towards creating a seamless product whereby the structure is completely concealed by the stonework and internal finishes.

Work nears completion on The Yealm

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by Sophia Darke

The Yealm is one of the most significant boutique developments along the southern coast. Overlooking the natural harbour of the twin villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo, The Yealm is located in a popular yachting destination

The Yealm main houseRed Earth Developments Ltd assisted by Devon Contractors, have been restoring this elegant former hotel to its former glory with six spacious lateral apartments, eight other contemporary apartments and one stunning house.

PCA has been working closely with Devon Contractors as the structural alterations to the former hotel have been very extensive. We have undertaking periodic structural inspections to ensure that our requirements are being fulfilled.

Yealm WoodAll works are progressing in parallel, so PCA has had a site-wide interest in all elements of the build. While the new build apartments are relatively straightforward, much of our work has been on the former hotel as this is by far the most complex element of the project.

The new balconies are a dramatic feature of the building conversion and, as such, have been constructed to support the floor along with elements of the roof structure, all of which has required considerable skill by Devon Contractors.

Completion is due in summer 2019.

Please feel free to join The Yealm mailing list to stay in touch with development updates.

Photo by Guy Harrop – info@guyharrop.com – 07866 464282

Pitched roof for a garage conversion

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by Andrew Horton

Garage conversion beforeWhen our customer bought a split-level bungalow in Kingsbridge, it was always their intention to convert their integral garage to create a larger space for a kitchen-diner, but they did not want it to look like an obvious garage conversion.

Working with PCA, Simon French (RSL Surveyors) and local builder Tristan Couch, from TJ Couch Building, a pitched roof was added to the conversion to help it blend in with the rest of the property.

Garage conversion steelThe extra load of the roof and new 3-metre window meant a new steel beam was required to support the timber-framed extension and new-look roof line.

Existing composite trussed rafters had to be cut back with strengthened ends that could be supported off the new steel and maintain a level ceiling from the old section of house into the new extension. PCA helped progress with ad-hoc site visits as required to ensure the builder was not delayed at any point.

Garage conversion internalOur customer John Moore said: “PCA helped us realise our plans for our home. It is very easy to imagine what you want to achieve but there is always more to it than the building work. We are grateful for Andrew Horton’s advice and used PCA again when we extended the back of the house too.”

If you have a building project in mind, you may require advice on ensuring your plans are structurally sound. Your architect, surveyor or builder should advise you to seek out a structural engineer. If you have any doubts, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sturdy Salcombe jetty

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by Sophia Darke

This private jetty in the Salcombe Estuary was designed by PCA Consulting Engineers.

It incorporates ODEX piled foundations and reinforced concrete to withstand wave loads.

PCA worked closely with Harrison Sutton Partnership and Arcadis to design a structure capable of withstanding pragmatic wave loads yet incorporating reclaimed granite steps and landing platform to create a robust yet attractive jetty.

Final handrails and lighting are yet to be attached, but the scale of structure and the commitment from the contractors, who had to work around the tides and difficult access, has delivered a fabulous piece of engineering that is blending in well to its environment.

You can see some of the work in progress in this earlier news item.

Coastal path support

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by Sophia Darke

PCA Consulting Engineers Director Andrew Horton was called in when a section of a coastal access path collapsed in the grounds of a private home in Salcombe.

Working with Garry Elliott, of groundwork contractors Elliott Hire Ltd, we have designed a hollow block wall and reinforced soil slope.

The access path has now been re-opened and support for the bank has been maintained.

 

Double fireplace removal

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by Sophia Darke

This is a typical example of a fireplace removal and beam installation.

Our client’s requirement was for the wall and chimney breasts on both sides of the wall to be completely removed to turn two rooms into one large one.

The remaining stonework chimney and wall above, including the stack, totalled nearly 20 tonnes, which required careful temporary works, considerations and steel beam designs.

The beams are space-bolted apart and have linking beams around the main stack location with precast concrete lintels and dry pack mortars to ensure full load-bearing support to the existing structure above.

Norman Brooking Builders did a textbook job and we hope the clients enjoy their new room and house when finished.

A new generation of engineers

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by Tina Wyeth

On Monday, Andy and Harrison attended the careers fair at Kingsbridge Community College in a bid to inspire the next generation of engineers and technicians. We distributed information from both the ICE and the IStructE on routes into engineering as well as the vast number of different roles and career paths a degree in engineering can lead to.

Almost half of PCA staff were educated at Kingsbridge Community College and we were pleased to give our time to speak to the engineers and technicians of the future.

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