Client: University of Birmingham
Project: Demolition of The Gun Barrels Public House and University South Carpark Coach House. Construction of steel framed multi-storey carpark. Construction of steel framed multi-store Indoor Sports Centre, generally comprising: Reception with Climbing wall; Sports Hall; Gymnasiums; Squash Courts; 50m Swimming Pool; Associated wet and dry changing facilities; Circulation areas, back of house staff offices, first aid room, public and staff toilets; Retail Café; Associated Mechanical and Electrical services installations Plant rooms; External hard and soft landscaping and service yards and link footpath to Main campus.
Project Value:
Key Risks: Prior to and during commencement of the works numerous activities/hazards were identified which required mitigating including addressing: –
- Site Services – Unknown or inaccurately marked below ground services.
- Site Services – Connection into UoB site infrastructure.
- Construction adjacent to existing gas main – Risk of damage to 21-inch gas main located on the eastern boundary of the site.
- Connection adjacent to existing foul sewer – An existing 1.45m diameter brickwork found sewer crosses the southwest corner of the site. This is a major trunk sewer approximately 5m below ground level constructed in 1914.
- Site excavations for pool tank/foundations/areas below existing ground level – High water table/water ingress to excavations/collapse of excavations.
- Excavations adjacent to existing retaining walls – potential for undermining existing building.
- Restricted working around large trees with TPO’s – damage to tree trunks/branches/roots resulting in injury due to objects falling from height.
- Incorporation of existing retaining structures into the proposed scheme.
- Site boundary working adjacent to a major highway (delivery/loading of materials.
- Proximity of Bournbrook Community Fire Station (WMF) and adjacent Ambulance Station – Obstruction of emergency vehicle egress.
- Pool Hall superstructure – Structural failure due to corroded steelwork. Confined space working. Working/maintenance in confined spaces such as under moving floor in pool tanks etc.
- Erection of long span roof structures. Long span roofs (pool hall and games hall) – Lifting major structural elements. Instability of structural elements during erection.
- Future Window Cleaning – Risk of falling due to cleaning limitations caused by façade height.
- Future Glass Replacement – Risk of glass cracking/falling during installation. Potential for installers to fall from height.
- Working in vicinity of deep water – Final stage of construction once pool filled with water.
- Working with hazardous materials.
- Balance tank – confined space.
Comments: SBA were appointed by University of Birmingham through the framework agreement.
